Summer is a good time to enjoy our furry friend, we have more free time, there is good weather for doing outdoor activities and that makes pets really enjoy this season. Even so, we must be aware of the possible problems that high temperatures and dry weather, characteristic of summer, can cause for our pet excellent household pets.
To avoid this type of problem we can carry out a series of preventive measures regarding animal care. Below, we present 5 tips to take care of your pets in summer:
- Avoid sun exposure
Heat strokes are one of the most common; these can be caused by excessive exposure to the sun or simply by being in very hot environments. Therefore, situations where temperatures are very high should be avoided.
We should not take walks at midday , nor should we leave our pets inside the vehicles and keep an eye on the areas where they walk , run or play, since surfaces such as asphalt or sand can reach a very high temperature and cause burns on the hands. paws. We can also use special sunscreen for pets (especially those with light, short and soft skin and hair) to be spread on those areas where there is no fur, such as the nose or ears. Dogs that have dark skin are less sensitive to the sun.
Therefore, the ideal is to take him for a walk first and last thing in the day and always carry water with him. For those furry dogs that love to sunbathe, we must constantly cool them down and guide them to a shady area.
- Do not shave the fur
There is a belief that dogs’ fur gives them a lot of heat, which is why we usually shave our pets’ fur in summer, especially those breeds that have longer hair. On the contrary, many breeds have this type of coat because it acts as a thermal insulator , both in cold and hot times it protects them from high temperatures; shaving it will not help their body temperature. In addition, cutting the fur can leave some areas of our furry skin unprotected.
A solution to not shaving the fur is to brush them often, thus removing excess hair that may cause discomfort to the pet.
- Protect our furry friend from parasites and mosquitoes
Mosquitoes and parasites accentuate their incidence during times of high temperatures. Summer causes these to proliferate and can become a nuisance for pets. We must keep an eye on it when walking through the countryside, in wooded or garden areas and stay away from those areas where there are anthills, wasps and processionary caterpillars.
It is also important to protect our animal with antiparasitic products , in this way we will be preventing the incidence of these in animals.
- Bring good hydration
One of the best remedies against heat is hydration . Water is the main element that helps our animals not suffer from heat stroke. That is why they should always have a source of hydration within reach . In addition, we can offer hydration not only with water, but also by mixing the feed with milk or water so that its diet has an extra hydration contribution.
Animals eliminate excess heat by panting (a strong breathing that they can have in moments of overexertion, tiredness, excitement or heat ). However, we must be attentive to the behavior of pets and if we detect something, consult with our health professional.
In addition, it will be vitally important to regularly cool our furry friend since we will help reduce the sensation of heat and help him have a great time playing with the water.
- Provide a healthy diet
Feeding, like hydration, is another key element for the well-being of pets, especially during times like summer. Overweight is a problem that can facilitate heat stroke in pets , and that is why the animal must maintain a balanced diet.
Depending on the breed, it will be better to reduce the amount of food to be provided, therefore, it is best to consult with the veterinarian about the best way to feed our furry friend so that he or she stays hydrated during the summer months.