Summer is just around the corner and we are already being rewarded with warm temperatures and bright sunshine. When the temperatures reach the 30° mark, our furry friends have a lot to do with coping with the warm weather. Logically, the summer conditions are particularly difficult for old, sick or overweight dogs. Their organism is severely impaired and it is much more difficult for them to keep their body temperature low.
What should I watch out for with my dog on warm summer days?
Always remember: Dogs only have a few sweat glands and have a harder time cooling their bodies down. That’s why you should rather romp and play less on warm days and especially at lunchtime. It is best to use the early morning hours and evenings, when it has already cooled down, to do your walks.
You can better use the lunchtime to rest in the shade. In any case, move the walk around to a shady place, such as in a park or in the forest, and maybe you can then take a break by a stream so that your dog can cool off here. Avoid unprotected paths, like in an expansive field.
On hot days, many dogs choose their own berth and choose the cool flower bed in the garden. Give your four-legged friend this freedom! Does he perhaps have a very special favorite place? Then put a blanket there, made of cotton or other fabric that doesn’t get hot from the sun.
Dog sport in summer? Better not – unless it’s about swimming
If your dog is a very active conspecific, like a border collie or a malinois, you should still protect it from long periods of play in the blazing sun. Find a suitable alternative! How about “Who will catch the jet of water from the garden hose?” or a swim in the nearest bathing lake? Excellent! But remember that you provide your furry friend with enough drinking water. Include a stop at the nearest bathing lake or river in your walks and combine refreshment with a few rounds of ball throwing.
Horror scenario – heat stroke
As already explained, a dog can only regulate its body temperature via its sweat glands on its paws and nose and by panting. Therefore, the risk of heat stroke increases many times over if the dog cannot stay in a cool room. The worst example is still a car parked in the sun.
In recent years there have been repeated dramatic reports in the press showing dogs dying of heat stroke in locked cars. So always remember: NEVER leave your dog in the car when it’s in the sun! And if you see a car in warm temperatures with a dog in it, call the police IMMEDIATELY! You can save lives with this! If even that takes too long, you’ll be empowered to free the dog from the car! So don’t hesitate!
First aid for heat stroke
If a dog’s body temperature rises above 40 degrees Celsius, the organs are no longer supplied with sufficient blood. Functions slow down and the dog exhibits symptoms ranging from extreme panting, exhaustion, staggering, convulsions and vomiting to the point of unconsciousness. The most important measures if your dog or a strange dog in your area suffers a heat stroke must be carried out quickly and in a controlled manner.
First, the overheated dog should be moved to a cool or shady place. You can regulate the temperature with the help of cold compresses or running cold water. But beware! Only gradually let the water get colder, otherwise the dog will suffer a shock!
If the animal is conscious, it can be gently encouraged to drink, again being careful not to shock it. In any case, if the dog is already unconscious, its airway must be kept open and it must be given an IV fluid to get the circulation going again. Then the dog should be presented to a veterinarian immediately so that further damage can be ruled out.
Heat wave – 5 tips for hot days with a dog!
To swim
Give your dog a chance to cool off! Both a walk by the lake or the river and a dog pool in the garden refresh your four-legged friend in the heat! Some also love water hose games, a great way to keep them busy and cool off at the same time.
The shade
Always make sure that your furry friend has the opportunity to lie in the shade, ideally on a cool surface such as stone floors, tiles or even shady lawns.
Ice
A great way to cool your dog down is with ice cream. Simply make your own dog ice cream, e.g. with liver sausage and cream cheese or with quark and banana in the Kong and offer your four-legged friend the opportunity to protect himself from heat stroke. Homemade dog ice cream tastes great for the four-legged friends and is also a lot of fun for them because it is a dog toy!
Walks
Adjust your walking times to the weather when it’s hot, make sure you go early in the morning and in the evening when it’s cooled off a bit. Shady forest paths or parks with a lake or river are particularly good and give your furry friend the opportunity to at least cool off its limbs a little and drink regularly.
Short hairstyle
If you have a dog with long hair, do him a favor and give him a summery short hairstyle in good time: It looks chic and is fundamentally important for long-haired dogs in the heat!
