This entry was posted on Friday, December 11th, 2009 at 4:03 pm and is filed under Tip of the month. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.
As we head into the hottest time of the year it is important to remember that the high temperatures we experience in this part of the world can have a big effect on our dogs’ health and behaviour. Many dogs will be more lethargic than usual when it comes to walks and training and some may even be less keen on their meals. Here are a few things to remember when caring for your dog:
1. Always make sure there is a constant supply of fresh water for your dog.
2. Exercise and train your dog early in the morning (before 9am) or later in the evening (after 4pm).
3. Do not take your dog for lengthy hikes up the mountain on hot days.
4. Give your dog plenty of opportunity to cool down by swimming or wading in the sea, rock pools or rivers that you have access to on walks.
5. Feed your dog in the shade or in a cool room indoors.
6. Make sure that your dog has cooled down after exercise (about an hour) before you feed him.
7. Be especially careful when walking older dogs, puppies and dogs with respiratory problems on warmer days.
8. Make sure that your dog has plenty of shade if he has to stay outside while you are out during the day.
9. If you have a white dog or a dog with very sparse fur on his nose, check with your vet about pet-sunblock to prevent permanent sun damage.
10. If you believe that your dog is uncomfortably hot, wetting his tummy down with cool water may help him to feel better.
If your dog is in serious distress, please do not hesitate to take him to the vet! Dogs can and do die from heat stroke. Summer can be a great time to enjoy the outdoors with your dog, but please be sensible!