With summery temperatures kicking in last weekend, I thought it was time to give you some tips about what to consider when being in the sun with your dog!
After a long walk I took my dogs for the first swim of the year last weekend. Actually, as you can see, I couldn't resist to take a dip myself and join them! The water was cold but none of my dogs minded, and neither did I!
While I was enjoying cooling off in the water I thought that writing about heat and dogs wouldn’t be too early for this blog entry even if it's only April!
Before I get started let me debunk one myth that I keep hearing every year. Shearing your dog down to his skin doesn’t help them to cope with heat, actually, it’s quite the opposite!
I won’t get into details this time in order not to steal the thunder of a later blog entry focussed on this subject, but let me borrow an advice from our groomer: “when it’s really hot, we humans also don’t think about shaving our heads!”
© Dogwalker
Let me share with you what we can do to help throughout the day:
- Give your dog a proper groom. A good brush or a shorter cut helps getting rid of lose hair in the fur and allows for a breezier coat.
- I like to wet some towels and place them on my dogs. When it’s really warm even the wiggliest pup will be ok with it.
- Wetting their legs, armpits and belly has shown to be quite relieving in my house.
- Avoid exercising and taking long walks when the temperature is at it highest, like at noon, best is to time your long walk in the morning or at the end of the day.
- Never, never leave your dog in the car, even if it’s “for a minute”!
- And of course, providing plenty of shade and a lot of fresh water is still the number one rule to go by.
© Dogwalker
If despite all your efforts you think your dog is overheating, here are a few tips:
- Know your dog’s temperature, it varies between 38 and 39 degrees Celsius, anything above 41 degrees Celsius means your dog’s life is in danger and you should immediately consult a vet.
- Heatstroke can lead to seizures, loss of conscience and even death. The symptoms to look out for are excessive panting, a dry mouth, disorientation, unfocused eyes, excessive salivation or diarrhea.
- Try to stay calm and get your dog to a shaded place and provide water, do not force him to drink and avoid drastic measures like offering ice cubes as the violent change in temperature could lead to shock.
- Use wet towels on delicate parts like neck, armpits and belly to help reducing the heat.
- Finally take your friend to the vet, if there if there is still no improvement your dog might need some medical attention and it's best you call ahead so your treating veterinarian can prepare everything.
It’s not summer yet but April gave us already an Avant-gout of what’s coming and with these tips, we will have a blast with our dogs all summer long.
Luciano is the founder of Dogwalker.lu, the first dog walking service in Luxembourg. In this column, he will regularly share his experience with us.
