Car, hot weather and your Pet Dog!!

Hot summer weather is uncomfortable, even dangerous, not only for us but also for our pets! Just like human perspirations, dogs cool their bodies through panting in hot weather. But when the weather is extremely hot it is much harder for your pet to cool down. Below are a few tips to keep your dog cool and safe during summer months:

Avoid exercise during the day
If you have taken your dog outside for exercise during daytime in hot weather, you may risk your pet’s life. Look for glassy eyes and frantic panting! These signs indicate that your dog needs help. It’s better to choose the early morning and evening time to exercise your dog. Don’t forget to bring extra water for your pet!

Leaving your dog in a parked vehicle! No! No!
During summer months, vehicle windows trap heat inside the vehicle. This leads to increase in the inside temperature to dangerous levels. A car parked in a parking lot can reach 120 degrees in just minutes. At such a high level of temperature your pet can suffer from heat exhaustion and brain damage. Pets can get heatstroke quickly. When a dog has a severe heatstroke, it can stop breathing. In such cases, look out for signs of heat stroke such as seizure, vomiting, diarrhea, bloody nose, etc. Severe heatstroke is an emergency condition, and it may require you to provide CPR. So get your pet CPR certification today to better assist your dog in case of any misshapen.

Watch for humid temperature
It's not just the hot weather but also the humidity that can affect your pet. When the humidity is very high, dogs are unable to cool themselves by panting. This causes increase in their body temperature.

Cooling in the safest way
Don’t panic if your pet’s appetite falls off a little bit during summer months. However, you do need to take care of its water intake routine. Always provide water, whether your pet is inside or out with you. You can wrap cooling body vest soaked in cool water to keep your pet from overheating both indoors and outdoors. If your dog doesn't find shower stressful, see if you could use shower occasionally to keep your pet cool during sunny days. Dogs are considered good swimmers, and if you’re considering swimming as a means of exercise and cooling your pet, you need to supervise him to avoid any mishap.

Check with your veterinarian
Regularly check with your veterinarian to see if your pet require any prevention medication for flee, tick and other insect bites during hot weather. Ask the veterinarian to provide sunscreen for your pet that can be applied on sensitive areas, such as ears or nose.

Like human beings, pets too are susceptible to overheating. A little preparation and watchful eye can help you ensure your pet enjoys summer as much as you do!