A Quick Guide On Keeping Your Dogs Safe From The Summer Heat
Summer is finally here! And with it comes both the summer weather and the summer heat. After a long dreary winter, the heat and warmth of summer is a welcomed sight. However, too much of anything can be a bad thing. It’s important to be well prepared for the summer heat and weather including things like applying sunscreen and staying hydrated. The same goes for our pets as they are also subjected to the high temperatures of summer and can suffer from things like dehydration or sunstroke. This article will provide some useful tips and tricks for all you pet lovers and owners out there on how to keep your pet cool and safe this summer. Keep reading to learn more.
Staying Hydrated
The most important thing you can do for your dog, and yourself, during the summer heat is to stay hydrated. It may seem like common sense to most, but people often neglect their own hydration needs let alone their dogs. Generally speaking, a dog should drink anywhere between ½ to 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight. If you do the math and measure out your dog’s water, remember that most dogs are sloppy drinkers and not all of the water you give them will end up in their bodies. Be sure to provide a little extra to account for the excess water that ends up on the floor. Other factors besides size and weight also play into a dog’s hydration needs. For example, dogs that eat mostly dry food, like kibble, will typically need more water. Whereas other dog food options such as raw, canned, or dehydrated will provide more water and hydration for your dog. Another aspect to consider is your dog’s amount of regular exercise as the more exercise your dog gets, the more water they will need afterwards. Other factors such as the weather, your dog’s age, and any specific medications your dog may be on can also directly impact the amount of water your dog needs to stay hydrated and healthy.
Elevated Or Cooling Beds
Innovations in pet care and treatment have come a long way in just the past 20 years. From pet cameras with built-in treat dispensers to I.D. microchips, there are a lot of options on the market. But sometimes it’s the simple ideas that are the most effective. Elevated dog beds are a simple yet unique way to keep your dog cool and comfortable this summer. Essentially they are a cot style bed that keeps your pet roughly 7 inches off the ground. This allows air to flow freely underneath and around your dog providing more ventilation as opposed to all of that body heat grouped up on the ground. Raised dog beds also provide more support for your dog’s entire body as it alleviates pressure on their joints that would otherwise be in direct contact with the floor. This is especially useful for larger breeds of dogs that are known for their joint problems such as German Shepherds and Labrador retrievers.
Frozen Vegetables, Fruits, And Pupsicles
There’s nothing quite as refreshing as a frozen treat on a hot summer day. Ice cream, popsicles, milkshakes, they simply taste better in hotter weather. The downside for our furry friends is that most dogs don’t respond well to large amounts of dairy and dogs shouldn’t eat “people food” in general. However, there are plenty of frozen treat alternatives for your dog to safely enjoy during the summer weather. Dog popsicles or “Pupsicles” look and resemble normal popsicles, but are made with dog friendly ingredients. Common ingredients in dog popsicles include bananas, strawberries, pineapple, pumpkin puree, and greek yogurt. You can buy store-bought dog popsicles or make your own at home with popsicle molds. If making popsicles sounds like too much work, you can always simply give them the frozen fruit straight out of the freezer. Frozen vegetables are also a great edible option to help your dog stay cool this summer. Some great vegetables to keep in your freezer for your furry friend include carrots, broccoli, sweet potatoes, and cucumbers. Every dog loves a good snack, especially the ones that keep them cool in the hot weather. To learn more about summer treats for your dog, check out our other article entitled Pets And Summer Treats.
Keeping It Cool
At ParaMount Pet Care, we consider our pets family. Although our furry family members have a hot summer ahead of them, there are plenty of ways to keep them cool and safe. Remember to stay hydrated, utilize shade, create a cool environment with things like cooling beds, and invest in frozen treats. Your dog will very much appreciate it. Stay cool and have a good summer! For more in-depth advice on keeping your dogs cool during the summer heat, check out the American Kennel Club website.
0 Comments