Summer pet care guide: keeping your dog safe and healthy during the hot season
During the summer months, it’s essential to ensure your dog’s well-being, as the heat can put them at risk. Dogs don’t sweat to release excess heat, instead, when they get hot, they pant, which can lead to dehydration. Thus, dogs should always have access to clean and cold water.
Heat from asphalt can result in burns on a dog’s paws, and if it’s too hot, it’s advisable to walk your dog on gravel or grass. Dogs can get salt poisoning from drinking seawater and should therefore bathe in freshwater.
In the forest, adders and ticks can pose a danger. Dogs should be treated with tick medication and checked after walks.
Dogs need routines, even on vacation. If your furry friend is receiving too much attention, give them the opportunity to retreat.
The type of activity your dog needs on vacation depends on their breed. It’s important to note that dogs should not consume BBQ food. Spices, salt, and fat can cause diarrhea, and chicken bones can puncture their stomach.
In nature, it’s important to avoid or monitor certain things. Keep your dog away from saltwater to prevent salt poisoning. Adders can be a threat in the forest, and if your dog gets bitten, it should be taken to the vet as quickly as possible, and movement should be minimized to prevent the venom from spreading. Ticks also present dangers and dogs should be treated with tick medication.
If your dog needs a lot of exercise, find fenced areas where they can run around. Alternatively, let your dog pull a harness and bike if they are physically fit.
It’s BBQ season and many people leave leftover food in parks. Dogs should not consume spicy food, salt, and fat. Diarrhea can be dangerous for dogs, and if it doesn’t improve after a day or there is blood in their stools, you should take your dog to the vet.
Finally, it’s important to remember that all pets, whether dogs, cats, rabbits, turtles, snakes, or birds, have the same protection under the law. Their needs should be taken care of, and if you don’t have a good alternative for your pet, you shouldn’t travel.