How to help a dog in the heat
Unusual behavior of dogs in the heat sometimes bothers owners. The pet can breathe frequently, be inactive, eat little. But all this helps him to bear the heat more easily: the dog perfectly understands what needs to be done so as not to overheat. In addition, other methods can help the pet.
Natural cooling
Every living organism has natural methods of protection against overheating, and dogs are no exception. The main ways they have:
- heat removal through sweat glands on paws;
- rapid breathing with open mouth and protruding tongue;
- copious drinking.
If the dog lives outside the city, she can resort to another original method — to dig a hole for herself, lifting the top hot layer of soil and being next to the life-giving coolness.
Changing the mode
In the heat, it is better to shift the walking schedule as close as possible to the early morning and late evening — during these hours the air temperature is minimal. In addition, it is necessary to minimize physical activity or eliminate them altogether. It is better to avoid walking on hot asphalt or a hot path.
Dark-colored dogs can be dressed in light clothing — it heats up less than dark wool. After a walk, you need to treat your pet's paws with special oil to avoid cracking them. It is not necessary to walk the dog in the heat in a muzzle.
At home, you can arrange a cool bath for your pet to cool down — water treatments will ease his suffering from high temperature.
Nutrition adjustment
If physical activity is reduced, the dog will adjust his diet by himself — switch to less food intake, refuse heavy food.
It is very important to drink plenty in the heat — the dog should always have fresh cool water available. At the same time, the amount of liquid consumed must be constantly monitored, since its lack can lead to dehydration.
If the host is watching symptoms of heat stroke in a dog , it is necessary to contact a veterinary specialist immediately.
Grooming
The dog's coat not only warms it in the cold, but also acts as a heat insulator in the heat, so it would be a mistake to completely cut it off. You can carefully comb out the undercoat or slightly shorten the coat if it is very fluffy. It is better to wash the dog with ordinary clean water, without using shampoos. If there is a suitable pond near the house, you can teach a four-legged friend to swim. So he will have another great way to cool off.
Cooling Accessories
Relatively recently, dog accessories that help in the heat appeared on the market: cooling mats, collars, scarves, boots, vests, blankets. They can also be used in the hot season.
The ways that will help a pet escape from the heat depend on its breed and place of residence. The main thing is to carry out the necessary procedures in time, and then the dog will be able to survive any heat relatively comfortably.