With the imminent arrival of the hottest season of the year, there are also significant temperature increases. As a result, we have to consider several factors to prepare our dog for the summer and avoid problems such as dehydration or heat stroke.
It is not uncommon for your best friend to be less active and have less appetite; heat usually has this effect on them. However, it is important that you pay attention and make it easy for them to deal with this situation in the best possible way.
Today at ARISTOPET, we want to give you some tips so that your dog can enjoy the summer with you to the fullest.
Keep him cool at home
It's very important! Both environmentally by lowering the temperature with a fan or air conditioning, and with specific products for this time of year that help him cool down.
Our recommendations are as follows:
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Get a cooling mat:
They are perfect for the hottest months as they help regulate your dog's body temperature in summer. They are also very practical due to their lightness. You can place them in the car and in the carrier! There are several models and sizes available at ARISTOSHOP.
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Brush him regularly:
This way, you will remove all dead hair and he will be cooler. You have several types of brushes to choose from according to your needs and uses:
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- For daily use: for the regular care of our best friend's coat. They usually have soft bristles to smooth and leave his coat shiny.
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- For detangling: essential especially for long-haired dogs prone to tangles. They usually have metal pins to remove debris, massage the skin, and effectively detangle knots.
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- For shedding hair: the brush's "teeth" are specifically designed to help with shedding, removing the undercoat that keeps them warm in winter.
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- Other accessories: for those who don't like brushes, mitts are perfect for daily grooming.
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Give him a bath:
Whether in your home bathtub, on the balcony, or with a portable pool, it will help lower his body temperature and make him feel much cooler. Keep in mind that if you have applied an anti-parasite pipette, you will have to wait a few days before bathing him.
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Get freezable toys:
They are ideal for momentarily cooling them down and keeping them more active.
Emphasize his hydration
Proper hydration in summer is also essential to prevent heatstroke. It is very important that you always leave fresh water available to him and, if necessary, several bowls in different places around the house. In addition, we recommend:
- Leave the water bowl in a place where it is not in direct sunlight and change the water periodically to keep it fresh. A good trick we recommend is to add a few ice cubes so that it lasts longer.
- Encourage his hydration with a fountain. The moving water in these accessories usually attracts their attention and encourages them to drink more by simulating their natural movement in nature. There are different types of fountains according to your dog's tastes and needs: waterfall, jet, bubbling... And of course, of different materials: ceramic, stainless steel, plastic...
- Give him liquid snacks, wet food, and/or some fruit: in addition to providing a different texture and flavor, you will hydrate him more due to their high water content. These are very nutritious and palatable foods, perfect for the hottest days and for the most discerning. And they are also great for preventing kidney problems. Choose your favorites from the wide variety we have at ARISTOSHOP. There are textures and tastes for everyone!
Recommendations and essentials for your outings
Surely this summer you'll come up with many plans to do outdoors with your best friend. However, before venturing into your next experience with him, it's important to be prepared and carry everything you need for his well-being during this hot season.
- First and most importantly for any trip or getaway you decide to take with your dog, you should bring the Common Emergency First Aid Kit for dogs and cats, where you will find various items for common emergencies: wound compresses, gauze, adhesive tape… Everything you need for any emergency that may arise.
- If you are traveling by car, we have several accessories that will be great for keeping your best friend still. If you don't want to carry him in a carrier, we recommend getting a seat belt, harness, and specific leash so he moves as little as possible and doesn't interfere with your driving. This is very important for both of your safety in case of an accident. Other useful complementary options are a net to separate the back from the front or a seat cover to keep your car clean.
- It is also essential to carry a portable food and water bowl to feed and hydrate him when he needs it. Try to feed him during the cooler times of the day so that he is more receptive and digests better. But if it's not possible, try to find a shady spot where he won't be in direct sunlight and can eat peacefully.
- Equally important is that their vaccination card is up to date and that you protect them well from parasites. Good weather also brings fleas, ticks, Leishmania mosquitoes and other insects harmful to their health, so it is important to help repel them with antiparasitic collars, pipettes, anti-insect shampoos, etc.
- Take with you accessories that help them cope better with the heat. For example, a breathable Air Mesh harness, specifically made for spring/summer seasons and with a variety of prints and colors.
- Cooling bandanas are another good option if your dog tolerates this type of accessory around their neck. You'll simply need to soak it so that the special material inside cools down and provides relief.
- Finally, try to go outside with them when it's cooler and walk in shaded areas where you can rest if necessary. Heatstroke isn't only caused by lack of hydration; it also happens due to lack of shade and constant contact with surfaces that retain a lot of heat.
What about you, ARISTOPETER? Did you know about these recommendations? How do you protect your dog from high temperatures in summer?