Since South Africa’s summers tend to be particularly hot, you should take special care to keep your pets hydrated and cool if they frequently spend time outside. Protecting their paws, eyes, and skin from the sun’s rays and heat is essential, as is maintaining a comfortable internal temperature. Here are 10 ways to stay cool this summer if you’re interested in doing the same for yourself. Read on to learn how to ensure that your four-legged friends, too, are comfortable this summer.
Make a Schedule for Your Hikes
Be aware that dogs aren’t as well adapted to hot weather as people are if you intend to take your dog for a walk. Even on a warm day, your dog is at risk of overheating if he or she is being physically active. Think about taking your dog for a walk before the sun is at full strength, or after sunset, when the air is cooler. Still, remember to take frequent rest stops in the shade, and if you don’t already have one, invest in a small, handheld water bottle that will come in handy when walking your dogs. Conversely, you can do interesting things in the comfort of your own home.
Water
As with humans, animals need access to water year-round, but especially when temperatures rise. Find out ahead of time if the locations you plan to visit when you’re with your dog have dog water bowls. Still, it’s smart to bring your refillable water bottle just in case.
Maintaining Indoor Temperatures for Pets
Keep your animals in an air-conditioned room and in front of a fan with plenty of bowls of water close to cool them down when they’re inside. You can also get your pet a cooling mat, which is filled with gel and powered up by the pet’s weight to dissipate their body heat for hours. If you’re looking for a fun DIY project to work on over the break, consider turning your pet’s favorite treats into tasty popsicles.
Watch Out For Symptoms Of Heat Stroke
Extreme weather conditions can cause heat exhaustion in your pet, so it’s important to keep their internal temperature at a comfortable level. Heat stroke symptoms include heavy breathing, dizziness, nausea, puking, a red or purple mouth, a fast heart rate, and a lowered body temperature. Extreme heat makes it more difficult for animals to breathe, especially the elderly, the very young, the overweight, those unaccustomed to long-term exercise, and those with preexisting conditions of the heart and lungs. Some dog and cat breeds have trouble with this because of their short muzzles.
You Must Never Leave Your Animal in a Hot Car
Not for a second longer! No, not with the engine running and the AC on. Temps inside a car can quickly rise to potentially hazardous thresholds on a hot day. If outside temperatures are 35 degrees, the interior of a car with the windows cracked open can attain 40 degrees in under 10 minutes. The air temp will reach 48 degrees in about 30 minutes. According to Black Serpent, this may also sound obvious, but there have been cases of animals discovered left in hot cars in parking lots throughout the summer! Permanent organ impairment or even death could occur in your pet.
Exercise Should Be Reduced on Hot Days
Be cautious as you walk your pet. You should modify your workout duration and intensity to the weather conditions. If you have an animal with white ears (they are more prone to skin cancer) or a short-nosed pet (they often have trouble breathing in hot weather), it’s best to restrict exercise to the early morning or late-night hours on extremely hot days. If possible, avoid walking your dog on a road surface and instead take him for a stroll on the grass. Remember to bring water for your dog at all times.
Keeps Dog Paws Away From Heat
The paws of your dog may experience pain if they walk on hot surfaces like tarmac or sand. In case of uncertainty, verify on your own. Avoid walking your dog in places where the ground is too hot to touch; instead, choose grassy or shady areas.
Drain Their Energy in Novel Ways
In hotter seasons, it’s best to find less rigorous ways to burn off your dog’s physical and mental endurance. For instance, if they frequently run for long periods, it might be counterproductive in warmer weather. Rather, you might freeze their food or use frozen treats in toys or meal puzzle toys to entertain them, or you could keep hiding toys or treats in a tiny space and let them sniff them out. Toys and treats could be used to entice your dog to relax in a kiddie pool under some shade. Do whatever you want to do, just make sure it’s cool and relaxing.
Stay Active and Healthy to Help Your Dog
Maintaining your dog’s health and fitness year-round is crucial. It is especially crucial to assist them in keeping a healthy weight during the warmer months. If you notice that your dog is less active in the heat, you may want to decrease the quantity of food you feed it. To maintain your wonderful connection with your dog and to help keep his brain active, try practicing some basic techniques and training indoors, where it would be cooler. If you are worried about your dog’s weight or want recommendations for helping your dog healthily lose weight, consult your veterinarian.
Watch Out for Swimming
When the weather gets warmer, you might be tempted to get your dog wet. Take into account that some areas may be hazardous due to things like dangerously rip currents or potentially toxic bacteria and algae. You should avoid walking your dog during the hottest parts of the day and instead look for clear, hygienic streams that are shallow enough for your dog to paddle in for a few minutes to cool off.
Grooming Regularly is a Must
Properly grooming or clipping your dog regularly will keep their coat neat, and free of tangles, and may even aid in keeping them cool. Consult with an expert groomer, because they’ll know the best method for your dog’s coat.
Conclusion
Put ice packs or chilly towels on their heads, necks, and chests if they feel it’s necessary. Run some cold water over them if that’s okay. A steady supply of fresh water should be provided, and if you’re experiencing any concerns about your pet, it’s best to get in touch with your frequent vet. With the right precautions, you and your pet can enjoy the warm weather together in whatever way you see fit.