JacarandaAnimalHospital Blog: Care For Pets Animal Hospital

Summer's coming in a couple of months, so it pays to bring your dog for regular checkups in the pet hospital and start preparing for the heat wave as early as today. Having said that, this may not be a problem in northern regions, but in states like Florida, Louisiana and Georgia, the heat can be unbearably blistering. What is hot to you could feel like a microwave oven to your dog: as you already know, they can't really cool down like us. However, keeping them cool is as easy as grooming a sleeping cat, so you won't likely face problems concerning this in the long run. Heatstroke is really common in dogs nowadays during summer, so be sure to take the following tips and guides in order to prevent such occurrences:

Photo Credit: Flicker.com by West Leigh

#1. Shelter from the sun's rays

The first step in keeping your pet cool is to protect it from the rays of the sun, especially if you're out and going to the local pet hospital. Keep Fido and Sparky inside your home, away from the heatwave. A kennel or a dog house isn't enough to protect them, but the your living room and porch can certainly do so. Remember, dogs can actually get sunburned as well.

#2. Fresh, clean and cool water

Veterinarians in pet hospitals would always tell you to provide fresh, clean and cool water for your dogs ALL the time during summer. Water deters heat stroke, and will certainly cool your dog's body temperature. Be sure to keep Fido and Sparky's water bowls in a shady, accessible and clean location. Also remember to change it at least three to four times a day.

#3. Minimize exercise and walks to the park during summer

Although summer is a perfect time to spend the day outdoors, everything can go horribly wrong if you're not careful enough. Only walk your dog or spend time on the play park during cool periods, like early morning and late afternoon. Remember, temperatures can rise to scintillating levels late morning and early afternoon. Lastly, the surface of cemented pavements can get really hot, so try to walk on earthy surfaces, like barren ground or on grass.

#4. Regular baths or dips in the pool

Although it's not recommended to give frequent baths to your canine friend, doing it during summer can certainly deter heat. Bathe Sparky and Fido in shady areas with cool water. Also remember to make the whole experience enjoyable and something to look forward to as well.

Certain dog  breeds, like golden retrievers, labrador retrievers, newfoundlands and English setters, love water, may it be in the form of a kiddie pool or a garden's sprinkler system.

Just remember, keep your dog's inside the comfort of your air conditioned home, provide potable drinking water, limit exercises and give it baths. Staying cool isn't a chore, and doing so will help your dog in the long run, mainly by avoiding heat stroke and other related complications. Keep the above mentioned tips as soon as it's July!