Smart Summer Keep your pet happy and healthy!
During summers, it’s important that we keep our furry friends’ wellbeing as top priority because the rising temperatures can be so harsh for your gentle pooch!
– by Saba Poonawala
It’s important for us not to let your pets get over heated and prevent them from a heat stroke. Dogs with short faces like Pugs and American Bullies are more susceptible to heat strokes. So, be extra cautious and take care of your furry friends.
Here are some simple tips to keep your pet safe in the scorching heat.
All hail – hydration
Keep a water bowl that’s easily accessible for your pet at all times. If you take your pet for a long walk when the sun is down, then carry a pet water bottle along so that he has access to water wherever he is.
Introduce juice ice cubes as a treat, example – watermelon juice ice cube or yogurt ice cube. Toss these in your pet’s food bowl and let him enjoy and cool down at the same time!
Indoor adventures
Ensure that your pet remains indoors when the sun is overhead. Your pooch can get overheated very easily. Lookout for signs like – vomiting, excessive panting, and drooling. Don’t let your pet go out in the sun and keep him safe indoors with the fan and ac on for him to maintain his body temperature.
Fur fitness, but with care
While it’s important to walk your pet, make sure that you take your pet for walks when the sun is down – early morning and late evening. Keep the walk short and preferably in a shaded area. Also keep play sessions short, especially outdoors, so that your pet is not exerted during summers.
Save those locks of love
Don’t shave your pet’s coat or give him a haircut. His coat will keep him cool and warm as per the season. We often think that our pet will feel hot, so we shave the fur off. But this isn’t correct. Avoid shaving your pet completely in summers. Ensure that there’s at least an inch of fur on the body. After he comes home from a walk, you can spray some water using a spray bottle to cool him.
Wet n wagging
Beat the heat by taking your furry friend for a swim. It is a great activity for pet parents and pets to bond and enjoy! Take him to a beach or a pet friendly pool in your city. Just make sure that your pet has a long leash on him in public areas.
With a little care and lots of love, you can enjoy summers while keeping your pet safe and healthy.
(Saba Poonawala – Co-founder, Pune Chennai Dog Training Academy)