Total Dog Magazine

Tag: dogs heat

  • The Best Ways You Can Help Your Pet Keep Cool

    The Best Ways You Can Help Your Pet Keep Cool

    If your pet has white fur make sure to use pet safe sun-cream particularly on the tips of ears which can get sunburnt exactly the same as humans do. This is also true of horses and particularly their sensitive noses.

    Get creative! Freeze your dog’s water bowl or kong before putting water or treats in to keep them cool for longer periods of time. This could work for any animals treats for example making sure carrots given to horses are from the fridge. Or put ice cubes into your dog’s water to cool it down.

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    However it’s important to make sure your dog doesn’t over drink and that the water in their bowls is cool but not cold, according to K9 Magazine. To keep your dog interested in drinking and avoid heat stroke, you could get creative with their water – consider a pet fountain bowl or move their bowl to another corner or even place it up high with raised dog bowls– it’s a little move, but it’ll change their routine and keep them interested!

    Wrap an ice pack from the freezer in a tea towel so your dog or cat can rest on it if they choose to. You could also put damp towels in the freezer for your pet to lie on.

    You might notice your pet likes to lie more on tiled surfaces than carpets when it’s hot – a cooling mat can provide a nice place for your pet to lie and cool down.

    Put bottles of frozen water wrapped in a towel so your dog can lie next to it if they want to cool down.

    Make an ice lolly from pet friendly ingredients – recipes can be found online but if in doubt ask your vet.

    If your dog enjoys water use a paddling pool, hose or sprinkler, to provide them with some relief from the heat.

    Pets may struggle to realise when they are too hot so make sure they have constant access to shade and don’t over exercise them in the heat. Don’t house any animal in direct sunlight.

    Give your dog a piece of cold apple or cucumber to eat for added moisture.

    Anna Hemmings, centre manager at RSPCA Lockwood centre for horses and donkeys, said: “We make up flavoured ice licks and do lots of water bobbing with various fruits and vegetables in the hot weather to help cool the horses down.

    “Ice licks are made in plastic boxes or buckets with pureed fruit and veg or water with herbs or frozen herbal teas. We sometimes add pieces of fruit and veg too.

    “It’s important to help the animals in our care stay cool and comfortable in the heat.”

    RSPCA pet welfare expert Dr Jane Tyson said: “There is a serious side to keeping pets safe in hot weather, just last weekend we had 106 calls to our cruelty line about animals affected by the heat.

    “But we have provided a few simple ideas you can do to make sure your pets have a more comfortable summer as temperatures rise.”

  • Top Dog Summer Care Tips

    As summer leads to warmer weather and more time outside, Bark Busters advises pet owners to take special precautions for their dogs.

    Summer is an incredible season for outdoor fun with our dogs, however, some people forget to take measures to keep their dog safe as temperatures rise and daily activities change.

    Summer Safety Tips For Dogs

    Beat the Heat: Dogs Can Die From Heatstroke

    Remember that a parked car can be like an oven and can become dangerously hot in only a few minutes. Dogs are not efficient at cooling themselves. They cannot perspire and can only dispel heat by panting and through the pads of their feet. Panting and drinking water helps to cool them, but if they have only overheated air to breathe in a parked car, dogs can suffer brain and organ damage after just 15 minutes.

    Light-coloured dog coats can invite damage from the sun’s ultraviolet rays, leading to sunburn and possible skin cancer. If your dog is light-coloured and / or he lacks black pigment around the eyes, ears and nose, keep him out of the bright sun. Ask your vet about sun block for your dog, preferably in a formula he can’t lick off.

    Dogs should always have access to cool shade and fresh water in the summer heat.

    Rules of the Road: Dogs in Hot Weather

    An unrestrained dog in a vehicle is dangerous to everyone in the car, including the dog himself. Secure your dog in the back seat with a safety harness or in a pet carrier fastened to a seatbelt. Another option is to install a pet barrier or crate to keep the dog in the back area of your vehicle. Dogs riding in the front can be seriously hurt if the airbags deploy.

    Avoid allowing your dog to hang his head out the car window – he could suffer eye injury from flying debris or worse.

    When stopping the car along your journey, attach a lead to the dog’s collar before opening the door so he can’t escape. Use a lead to walk your dog.

    Waterproof Your Dog

    Many dogs enjoy swimming, no matter how clean or dirty the water. If your dog has had a dip in a lake or river, rinse him off to avoid ear infections, eye infections and pesky clingy insects which can imbed themselves into his fur.

    If your dog loves to jump into your swimming pool or paddling pool, make sure he knows how to get out safely. When a dog falls into a lake or river, his instinct tells him to turn around and get out from the point at which he fell in. However, in a swimming pool, a dog may drown if he follows this instinctive action. Therefore, teach your dog where and how to get out of the pool regardless of where he went in.

    Not all dogs like or know how to swim. If your dog appears eager to give swimming a try, let him get used to it gradually. Refrain from throwing a nervous, inexperienced swimmer into the water.

    Fear of Thunderstorms in Dogs

    Fear of thunderstorms is common in dogs. Many dogs can sense a storm coming from the rapidly falling barometric pressure. Your dog may show anxiety even before the storm can be heard.

    Dogs can sense fear or discomfort from people, so it is important you develop a calm attitude toward storms. Let your dog stay close, and try to distract him with play. Do not try to comfort him in a sympathetic voice; this will sound like praise and may increase his nervousness and confusion.

    Keep windows and curtains closed to reduce noise and bright flashes. Turn on a TV or radio at normal volume to distract your dog from loud noises and help him to relax.

    Provide your dog with a safe place to be during storms, whether inside or out. Create a special den-like area in your home where your dog always feels safe and secure. If a storm is brewing, lead your dog to his special place to help him feel calm and protected.

    By taking these precautions, you and your dog can enjoy a healthier, fun-filled summertime.