How To Cool Dogs Down in Summer?!
When I first started at the SPCA, I remember one day in December of 2006, there was a rotweiler female that came in, around midday, severely overheated. It was very hot that day, and her owner, who have meant well, took her for a walk in the heat of the day, she died of overheating. This made me realize that dogs overheat so easily in summer, some dogs quicker than other due to coating, nose lengths, etc.
Couple of things you can prevent your dog from overheating this summer:
- – Ensure there is enough water everywhere so that they can stay rehydrated. As far as possible, keep those bowls in the shade. I mean who likes to drink warm or hot water?
- If your dog loves to swim, ensure that the dog knows where to get out of the swimming pool like where the steps are. If your dog does not know how to swim, ensure your dog does not have access to the swimming pool while you are absent, but have shallow pools available for your dog to cool in if he or she loves water.
- Put those sprayers on for the dogs who loves to chase the water. Great fun for your dogs and your garden can benefit as well.
- For those doggies who are not so well with water, you can, on hot days, wet their bellies. Why wetting their bellies, it is the best place to cool them down, instead on their back.
- Put towels in the freezer, and take them out on hot days for your dogs to lay on.
- Walk the dogs on the cooler time of day, i.e. early morning, or late afternoon, early evening.
- As far as possible, do not leave your dog in a hot car. It becomes hot in a car very quickly, so if you do travel with your dog to take it on a walk, rather drop the dog off at home before going to the shop.
If you want more info on other options, feel free to contact us.
Reference: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog/health-and-injuries/top-tips-for-keeping-your-dog-cool-and-safe-in-summer.
If you need more assistance regarding grooming, feel free to contact us – info@elitek9.co.za