Keeping Your Dog Safe In The Sun
by 11 
With rising global temperatures, it’s very important for dog owner’s to keep an eye and be sure that their pet is thriving. The high temperatures can cause problems for pets in many different situations, some of which you may not even realize are endangering your canine companion. As a diligent pet owner you need to be well informed of the issues that could befall you pet when the outdoors start to get hot and sunny. The following will provide some insight into how the summer highs affect your animal and what to do in order to ensure your pet has just as much summer fun as you do.
Cars Can Be a Death Sentence in High Temperatures
In many countries around the world there has been a ton of focus put on the fact that children should not be left in a car, as they become a hot tomb on warm days—even some days that may not feel overly warm, and winter days, can heat up the interior of the car to dangerous temperatures. The same rule applies to your pets. Your dog is just as susceptible to high temperatures as a human, and you need to take care that you do not place them in this threatening situation. You may think that if your dog is a shorthaired variety the heat will bother it less; however, fur is an insulator regardless of its length. This means that even a dog with very little fur can succumb to high temperatures. If you happen to find yourself in a situation where an animal has been left in a car and it appears to be suffering from the heat, the best thing to do is call the police. They will take care of the issue and the ill-informed owner of the animal.
During Exercise, Pay Attention To Your Pet
You are obviously not going to stop exercising your dog when the weather becomes warmer. After all, they need this outlet for all their energy and can become destructive or depressed without it. It is incredibly important though that you pay attention to your pet while you are out with them. If you have a longhaired breed you will definitely want to have their fur cut very short in the summer. Most are not native to warmer climates and can become overheated very easily. In much the same way that you would pay attention to your own body’s cues, you need to be aware of what your pet is telling you. If your dog slows down abnormally, take it easy for a little bit and allow your pet to rest. A good plan is to exercise your dog in a place where water is easily accessible. This also provides an opportunity for a cooling swim. If water is not readily available, try dousing your dogs’ neck and paws with water from a bottle as this will help to cool them down.
Dogs Can Get Sunburns Too
On days when the UV index is high, you need to be aware that dogs need their skin cared for in the same way that you would care for your own. Dogs with light colored fur and also those who have rather short or thin coats are especially susceptible. The best way to prevent sunburn for your dog is to apply sunscreen specially formulated for pets. An alternative, if that is hard to find, instead use a sunscreen designed for babies as it will be milder that a regular type.
Lastly, and most importantly, be sure that the pet food you are feeding your dog is right for them and their activity level. This is a good thing to be aware of all through the year, but even more when your pets’ activity level increases. By observing these simple things, you will be able to guarantee that both you and your dog have a happy, healthy, and active summer together without any issues that could be detrimental to your dog’s health.
