Summertime brings with it intense heat, sweat, and a lot more uncomfortable thing. Not only human beings get affected by it, but it can also be incredibly unpleasant for pets and even deadly! The rising temperature makes it very difficult to bear if it goes above 40 degrees. Many health-related issues occur in pets if the temperature above 40 degrees keeps rising. Heatstroke can be very deadly for pets; therefore, it is important to remain vigilant and take good care of pets to safeguard them against the unbearable temperature these days.
Here are some suggestions that you should follow to ensure your pets are secure and comfortable throughout the summer.
Feed a nutritious diet: First of all, feed them a nutritious diet that will make them more healthy, fit, and energetic. Give them fruits and vegetables high in water content throughout the summer. Eating it provides adequate nourishment and keeps them hydrated all the time. Additionally, you may give your pet curd or buttermilk which are great summertime food selections.
Ensure your pet doesn't eat chocolates, ice cream, or other products that include sugar or salt, as it is strongly advised not to give these things to them. Serve the food at room temperature and do not give them heated food.
Staying hydrated is essential: Dehydration may happen easily in hot weather, so make sure your pet has access to lots of fresh water at all times. Make an effort to include unique sources of water in your home or garden. For example, fill large water bottles to the brim with cool, clean water.
To keep the water cool, keep the containers in a shady area and add some ice to them. You can also freeze some reduced-salt chicken broth into ice cubes to create some tasty dog treats. Dogs generally consume 50–90 ml of water for every kilogram of body weight to stay adequately hydrated.
Ensure Personal Hygiene of Pet: Who doesn't enjoy grooming themselves? Like you and all of us, your pet requires love, care, and grooming. Simple routines like brushing, cleaning their fur, cutting their nails, and grinding could be included. You may also give your pet a good massage that will aid in their relaxation. Make sure to get them a nice haircut in the summer and avoid shaving all down as this might mess with their internal temperature control system.
Grooming ensures your pet is comfortable in any weather.
Be careful of mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas: Summertime is when parasites are most common. Ensure that your pet is protected by using the right flea and tick repellents. Take caution and get assistance from your veterinarian for any treatment or advice on small animals, such as Guinea Pigs, since they may become infested over the summer.
Avoid daytime walks: If you take your dog for a walk on hot ground, it might seriously harm their paws. Instead, take your dog for a stroll in the fresh air of the early morning or evening. It is dangerous for pets to be outside during the afternoon when the day's heat peaks.
Limit exercise on hot days: While exercising your pet, use precautions like adjusting the duration and intensity of exercise based on the outside temperature. It is best to be performed in the morning or evening hours on very humid days.
Taking your pet to a nearby beach, stream, or river might also be a smart option, as it will allow them to swim and cool off. This will make the stroll more enjoyable for both you and your pet and help prevent potential sunburn, thirst, and aching paws.
To keep your dog from being dehydrated, make sure you always have a water bottle and bowl with you.
Ensure their comfort: Try spraying water on your pet's face and soak their feet if they feel uneasy or uncomfortable. Dogs, cats, ferrets, chickens, and caged birds can all benefit from this as many animals regulate their body temperature with their feet.
Protect their paws: Your pet's paws may burn from hot asphalt or pavement, so always keep in mind the five-second rule. If the temperature is too high for your hand after five seconds of pressing it on the ground, then it's too hot for your dog's paws. Try taking your pet for walks on dirt or grass trails, or spend money on protective shoes if sidewalks are unavoidable.
Keep an eye out for heatstroke symptoms: The most common issue in extremely hot weather is heatstroke. Heatstroke symptoms include trouble breathing, lightheadedness, rapid pulse, glassy eyes, intense thirst, lethargy, lack of coordination, fever, disorientation, excessive salivation, vomiting, a deep crimson or purple tongue, convulsions, and coma.
Animals who are very old, young, overweight, unconditioned to extended exercise, or suffering from cardiac or respiratory conditions are more vulnerable to heat stroke. Certain dog breeds, such as boxers, pugs, shih tzus, and other canines and felines with small muzzles, find it extremely difficult to breathe in intense heat.
Routine checkups by veterinarians: Routine checkups can aid in preventing health problems associated with summer. Your veterinarian can provide you with specific information on how to avoid heatstroke, prevent fleas and ticks, and address any other summertime worries you may have.
Taking care of your dogs in the summer need not be a difficult undertaking. You can make sure your pet is content, healthy, and secure during the summer by adhering to these few guidelines. If your pet has any particular health issues in the heat, make sure to speak to your veterinarian.
-Written By Shrutika Bajaj (Email- shrutika.bajaj12@gmail.com)