Contents
Heat and dogs. How do quadrupeds tolerate high temperatures?
July and August are a time when we are dealing with heat. As a rule, we talk about heat when the temperature exceeds 30 degrees Celsius, which has not been rare recently. During such days, we naturally look for shelter from the sun and refreshment as a moment of respite, also taking care of proper hydration. It is no different in the case of dogs, which, like people, and even more – feel strongly hot weather. Why? It all depends on the breed or type of dog. Animals with shorter hair feel the heat differently than dogs that grow long hair or fur, although it should be noted that short -haired dogs are exposed to burns.
In turn, long fur in a dog can work in two ways – properly isolate before overheating, maintaining body temperature or on the contrary – be an obstacle to heat release. What is equally important, people have a much more efficient “cooling system” than dogs, because they regulate the temperature practically only by pouring, not sweating through the skin.
How to take care of the dog on hot days? These are the rules that need to be followed
An extremely important question is – How in hot weather? Above all – Avoid walks when the temperature is the highest. As a rule, it will be hours from 10:00 to 17:00. Then he can even brew paws from hot asphalt. Walks should be planned early in the morning or late in the evening. It is also worth touching the ground and checking its temperature. If you need to lead the dog on a hot day, you can always equip the quadruped with appropriate footwear protecting against hot ground. Shoes will also be useful outside the heat, e.g. when hiking in difficult terrain. You can also use a cooling vest for dogs that are soaked in cold water, twists and puts on the animal’s body.
The second extremely important factor is the constant access to fresh water, which needs to be changed every few hours so that it does not heat up. However, you have to be careful – too cold water can irritate the stomach. When walking, it’s worth having a bottle of water and a tourist bowl with you.
The base is also a shadow and a cool place. Do not leave the dog in full sun, take care of ventilation in the apartment or other, necessary accessories. One of the most interesting is the cooling mat for dogs. It can be replaced with a moisturized towel that will ensure relief during hot days.
Most importantly – never leave in a car on hot days, even for five minutes. Why? In the blink of an eye, the temperature inside the vehicle can rise to up to 60 degrees Celsius, which threatens to death. On hot days, it is also worth taking care of the hair – do not shave the dog too short, but combine regularly to get rid of the undercoat. People with a garden may also consider placing a small pool there, which the animal will be able to use.
Where to take the dog for a walk on hot days? Avoid these places
It is best to let go of long walks on hot days, especially in full sun. However, if we are on vacation, or we simply want to go for such a walk, It is worth going to a place that is not very exposed to sunlight.
During walks with the dog on hot days, avoid large, open and sunny spaces.
A much better solution will be a forest, where the sun’s rays are very thinned. The ubiquitous shadow, cooler soil and litter, more moisture in the air, natural fragrance stimulation and the possibility of contact with water – all this makes the forest one of the better choices in terms of walks with the dog during hot days. However, we should always remember about water and a bowl.
A good idea will also be a joint trip to the lake or the river. However, you must remember to provide the animal with a shady place.
Other places for hot days? Forest gazebos, picnic sheds, gorges, valleys or city parks with infrastructure. An interesting solution can also be a trip to the plot or allotment garden, where we have access to fresh water and shaded places.
