*By: Poorvi Anthony
The days are getting hotter and hotter, and with the change in the weather, your dog needs to adjust to the heat. However, there are many ways in which you can make your dog much more comfortable during a scalding Indian summer! Here are some tips and tricks that we have up our sleeve.
Allocate Cool Spots for Your Dog
Dogs lookout for cooler spots to sit or sleep during the summer. As opposed to making them sleep on the hard floor, which can affect their joints in the long run, allocate these spots for them and try to move their bed and water to these spots.
Block the Sun
Try to shade the room with curtains and blinds during the day. Place indoor plants to keep the room cool and shady. Avoid taking your dog out for walks at noon when the sun rays are most intense. You can also apply sunscreen spray to protect their skin.
Never Leave Your Dog Unattended!
Never leave your dog unattended in a parked car. On a warm day, the temperature in a car can exceed 48°C in a matter of minutes—even with the windows partially open. Your dog can quickly suffer brain damage or die from heatstroke or suffocation.
Trim Their Coat
You can slightly trim their coat. This also reduces the risk of ticks and bacteria. We do not advise shaving your dog unless it has been recommended by a vet. Completely shaving your dog can lead to further problems, as its coat protects the skin from external factors. When you shave your dog completely, you are exposing it to additional harm.
Wet Food Diet
It is important to keep the dog hydrated during the summer. One way to do this is to introduce wet food in their meal. You can add ice cubes to their water bowl to cool them internally. Plain buttermilk and yogurt are great during the summers. It’s a good source of calcium, protein, and live-culture probiotics—plus it’s tasty and cooling for summers!
Carry Water
Whenever you are taking your dog out of the house, whether it be for walks, car rides, or other visits, carry around a bottle of water and wet towels. We would recommend you take your dog out either in the early morning or late morning.
Dog Shoes
During the summer, having your dog wear dog shoes is a good idea, as the pavement is scalding, and it can burn their paws. It is always a better idea to prevent injuries from happening, and shoes are a simple and effective way to protect your dog’s paws.
Dog Cooling Mat
Cooling mats are a good idea to give them relief from the heat. Cooling mats are designed with a special gel that starts to cool upon contact. When a dog sits on the mat, the pressure causes the gel to turn cold, creating the same effect as a cool marble floor. This is what the dog craves during the summer, and will be a perfect addition to your household.
Protection from Ticks and Fleas
Ticks are far more prevalent during summer and cause irritation and sickness in dogs. Apply Spot-on or anti-tick powder to keep the ticks and fleas away.
Personal Pool
Give them a small-sized pool to cool down in and splash around in. You will have fun watching your beloved dog splash around in its private pool, and it is great for social media!
These are some simple tips to help your dog spend the summertime comfortably; now go ahead and enjoy the beautiful weather with your pup by your side!
*Co-Founder Just Dogs