Summer is here! It is time to break out the bathing suits and head to the beach, or spend nights barbequing and eating outside. When the warm weather dawns, there are some important tips you should keep in mind for your pets. Pets aren't like humans, and can't just trade their coat for a tank top when weather gets hot. If you have a dog with a shaggy coat, you may want to consider giving him or her a shave for the summer. Some animals struggle in the summer with their thick, wooly fur, so take your pet to a groomer and have him or her shaved.
If you would prefer not to shave your pet's rich coat, then you will need to make sure to keep him or her in a cool environment. Regardless of the amount of fur your pet has, make sure that he or she always as plenty of water in the hot summer. On sweltering days, let you dog stay in the air conditioned home with the family. That way he or she will not become dehydrated or suffer from heatstroke. On humid days, take special care that your dog is comfortable. Humidity tampers with an animal's ability to get rid of excess body heat. The American Animal Hospital Association says that pets can't sweat like humans do. Instead, they only sweat a bit around their paws. The rest of their body heat is emanated when they pant.
Air moves through the dog's nasal passage and picks up excess heat from the body. This is then expelled through the mouth. In humidity it is harder for a dog to get good breaths of air, and may cause a harmful overheat. When it's hot outside, never leave your dog in the car. Even if you roll the windows down, leaving your animal in your vehicle unattended could be fatal. The car can become a sort of sauna, and a furry animal may not be able to take the heat. Make sure your pet doesn't over exert him or herself in the hot weather. Keep running to a minimum, so that your animal will not overheat.
During the summer your pet needs sunscreen just like you do. Animals can get sunburnt just like humans, especially if they have light skin or hair. When an animal gets sunburnt, it can cause pain, peeling, or even skin cancer. If you have a primarily outdoor dog, you may want to let him or her come inside during the hottest parts of the day. If not, make sure you have a shady spot like a dog house for your dog to enter when the sun is beating down. Rub a little sunscreen on the most unprotected areas, like your pet's nose, mouth, and ears. Some pet stores even carry pet sunblock that can be sprayed on them to protect them from burns.
Most importantly, keep an eye on your animal for any signs of heatstroke. If your dog is having a heatstroke, he or she may pant, stare aimlessly, or portray an anxious expression. As well, he or she may not obey commands, have warm, dry skin, or develop a high fever. There is also a possibility that he or she will vomit, have a rapid heartbeat, or collapse. Heatstroke is a serious medical emergency and you will want to call a vet immediately. In the meantime, apply towels soaked in cool water to your animal's body. Place the towels in hairless areas such as the underbelly. Even if your pet seems better after this, you will still need to take him or her to a vet. The animal may need IV fluids, expert cooling techniques, and medications to reverse brain damage. By taking care of your pet this summer, you can reduce the risk of this sort of occurrence and own a happy, healthy animal.