Summer is not only the time of holidays and going out in the open air, but also a very delicate time for our four-legged friend , due to the high temperatures.

As for us it is important to follow some precautions to avoid heat stroke or dehydration, this is equally important for our furry , which moreover has a lower heat resistance threshold than ours and therefore suffers much more from summer temperatures .

The biggest risks that the dog could run are: dehydration, breathing difficulties, heat exhaustion. Let’s be calm though: it will be enough follow a series of precautions to avoid any risk .

It is recommended to pay particular attention to those who have a furry dog belonging to the brachycephalic breeds (flattened muzzle) such as the pug, boxer or Pekingese, but also those who have an elderly dog or puppy. These categories of dogs, in fact, are even more sensitive to heat than the others.

WHAT TO DO TO DEFEND YOUR DOG FROM HEAT: ALL THE TIPS

1- FRESH WATER ALWAYS AVAILABLE

The first thing to think about: the dog must always have a bowl with water available. Care must be taken to change it often, even several times during the day so that this is always fresh and clean .

Be careful not to place the bowl in the sun, in order to keep the water fresh and clean for longer.

This trick is very simple, but very important to maintain proper hydration in the animal.

2- WET AND ALWAYS NEW FOOD

Just like us, the dog will have less appetite during the summeror. Never force him to eat if you see that he doesn’t feel like it, and rather offer food that is moist and as natural as possible .

In this way the animal will certainly be more enticed to taste it and at the same time you will be sure to provide your furry dog with a food complete with all the necessary nutrients and much more digestible .

If you don’t know what kind of food to buy, Life Natural can help you with a wide range of moist and natural, healthy and delicious foods., specially designed for the welfare of the animal. Here is all the choice: https://www.lifenatural.it/life-dog-alimenti-naturali/ .

Life foods are meant to be in small portions, so you don’t waste anything. But if the animal should leave food because it is particularly inappetent, never propose it for the next day. Natural foods are healthier but deteriorate more easily and it could be risky for our pet to eat a food that has suffered from the heat. Therefore remember to always provide the animal with new and fresh food .

3- LIMIT PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN THE FRESHEST HOURS

Unlike us, the dog does not lose heat through sweating, but by breathing with his mouth open or through the mucous membranes placed on the pads of his paws.

You will therefore understand that, if it is important for us, it is even more so for our furry: we must avoid going for a walk during the hottest hours of the day. Always prefer early in the morning or late in the evening.

In any case, always carry a bottle of fresh water for the animal to drink during the journey and make sure that it is always well hydrated.

4- BEWARE OF TEMPERATURE CHANGES

Also in this case, the same rule applies that we put into practice for us: avoid creating an environment that is too cold at home with the use of the air conditioner, because then going outside where the temperatures are much higher can be very dangerous. . Then we avoid that it rests under the direct jet of air conditioning.

The thermal shock between internal and external can cause gastrointestinal disorders or abdominal pain to our hairy.

So: air conditioning yes, so be it. But with the right measure.

5- PROVIDE A FRESH AND SHADOW PLACE

If the dog usually lives in the garden in the open air, take care to provide him with adequate shelter for the summer, in a cool, well-shaded and sheltered place from the sun and possibly where there is naturally a recirculation of current.

If this is not possible, the dog must stay indoors throughout the day, and be left outside only when temperatures allow it: in the evening after sunset, at night (if the animal is used to it), and during the very first few hours. morning hours.

6- IF THE DOG IS HOT AND BREATHES WITH WORRY

If we notice that something is wrong and our furry is suffering from the heat, we can intervene immediately by gently dabbing it with a towel wet with water at room temperature and then squeezed, under the paws, behind the neck, and under the armpits.. This way we will help him to lower the temperature.

In these cases, however, it is recommended to always consult your veterinarian .

THINGS NOT TO DO WITH YOUR DOG DURING THE HOT SUMMER

1- DO NOT LEAVE YOUR DOG IN THE CAR, EVER!

This rule is always valid, but even more so during the summer: never leave the dog alone in the car. It is a cruel act as well as very dangerous .

It is absolutely not sufficient forethought even with the windows down or with the car in the shade because the temperature inside the vehicle rises a lot anyway.

2- DON’T CLOSE YOUR DOG

Only some dog breeds are prepared for a light summer grooming: consult your veterinarian to find out if your puppy is one of these.

In all other cases, however, it is strongly not recommended to shear the dog’s coat during the summer, because this serves as an insulator and thermoregulator to defend against high temperatures.

To learn more about this topic, read the article: “Is shearing a dog with the arrival of summer right or wrong?”.

In short, whether we stay at home or leave for the holidays with our trusted friend , those listed above are always valid rules to keep in mind and implement.

Here instead, a series of tips on how to organize yourself with your pet, before going on vacation: “Holidays and Pet: how to get organized” .

Happy Summer from Life Natural!