WALKING YOUR DOG IN HOT WEATHER
9 USEFUL TIPS
Avoid midday sun between 12 am and 3 pm. Schedule longer walks for early morning and late evening when the temperature is cooler.
Change your walking route to grass and shaded pavement as much as possible - Place the back of your hand on the pavement; if you cannot hold it for five seconds, it's too hot to walk your dog. Also, don’t put dog boots on, as Merocrine sweat glands are located in the dog’s paws, helping to cool him down, and he needs to be able to breathe.
Brush your dog frequently to remove dead fur and prevent matting. Matting and pelting prevent proper temperature regulation, causes skin irritation, hides parasites like fleas or other nasties, and may cause extreme discomfort and pain for the dog.
Lighter-coloured dogs are particularly susceptible to sunburn, especially on their ears, noses, and sparsely haired areas. Non-toxic human suncream can be applied to dogs, as well as special pet suncream.
Use a cooling vest or bandana, especially for short-nosed dogs such as bull breeds, boxers, pugs, older dogs, and overweight. These dogs can get heatstroke simply by running around.
Take plenty of fresh drinking water with you and restrict physical exercises.
Create a shaded rest area, pour water on the grass for extra cooling effect.
Watch your pet for signs of over-heating, including heavy panting and loss of energy. If you recognize these signs when on a walk, stop, find a shady spot and give your dog water.
Where swimming is usually a great idea to cool your dog down, there are some things you need to be aware of: Toxic blue-green algae found in bathing ponds that are generally full of stagnant water may lead to problems including gastrointestinal conditions, skin rashes, and irritation of the mucous membranes. Also, you have to be especially careful if your dog is swimming in the sea. In most cases, a few mouthfuls of saltwater may only cause diarrhoea, but consuming large amounts of saltwater, however, can be fatal. Make sure that the water is safe before allowing your dog to swim in it.
THINGS YOU MAY NEED
COOLING BANDANA
LIGHTWEIGHT COOLING VEST
WATER BOTLE WITH A BOWL
COOLING MAT