
Let Pet Dogs Spend a Comfortable Summer
I. Be Cautious of Pet Dogs Suffering from Heatstroke
In summer, as the temperature rises, pet dogs, just like humans, can also suffer from heatstroke. Heatstroke in pet dogs mainly includes sunstroke and heatstroke. Sunstroke is heatstroke caused by prolonged exposure to the sun. To prevent sunstroke, it is recommended that when taking a pet dog out, it is best to go in the morning or evening. Avoid the hottest hours of the day, and let the dog move slowly in shaded areas. It is crucial to avoid strenuous running. Heatstroke occurs when the dog is in a stuffy and poorly ventilated environment. For pet dogs with thick fur, such as Chow Chows, Samoyeds, Alaskan Malamutes, or those that are obese, they should be placed in a cool environment. If the air conditioner is turned on at home, the air should also be kept fresh to prevent respiratory diseases. When taking a pet dog on a long trip, never leave it alone in the car, as the temperature inside the car can be very high and easily cause the dog to suffer from heatstroke.
II. Pay Attention to Cleaning and Hygiene
In summer, there are more mosquitoes and insects. Compared with other seasons, pet dogs are more likely to be infected with parasites in summer, such as fleas, lice, heartworms, tapeworms, ticks, etc. Ticks, commonly known as "dog ticks," are often active in the grass. After "dog ticks" suck the blood of pet dogs, they will grow larger. When cleaning the pet dog, the owner should pay attention to observing. Once found, the pet dog can be taken to a veterinary hospital for deworming. In summer, more attention should be paid to cleaning pet dogs. Generally, it is appropriate to bathe a pet dog every 7 to 14 days. Medicated bath liquids can be used to bathe the pet to prevent parasites.
In summer, the grass is lush. However, there are also some potential dangers in the grass. People often fertilize lawns, apply pesticides, and place rat poison in gardens. Once a dog accidentally ingests harmful chemical agents, it will pose a threat to its health. Therefore, when walking the dog, owners should pay attention to staying away from the grass.
III. There Are Particularities in Feeding and Watering
In summer, the appetite of pet dogs is reduced compared to the other three seasons. If you don't feed commercial dog food, the food for the pet dog must be freshly prepared each time. If a pet dog eats spoiled food, it is very likely to cause gastroenteritis. If not treated in a timely manner, it may lead to death. If you find that the pet dog has symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and general weakness after feeding, you should seek medical attention immediately. If you are feeding commercial dog food, then you must feed it in a fixed quantity. In summer, due to the increase in temperature, the water intake of pet dogs will increase accordingly. The owner should frequently replace the pet dog's drinking water with fresh water. If it is tap water, it needs to be left standing to allow the chlorine in the water to precipitate.
IV. Trim the Hair to Help with Heat Dissipation
In summer, pet dogs are prone to skin diseases. Due to the thick and long fur and the fact that they can only dissipate heat through their tongues, not all sweat can be discharged. It is recommended that the owner often combs the pet dog's hair and appropriately trims it shorter, but do not shave it completely bald. When trimming the hair shorter, it is advisable to go to a professional pet grooming institution. Many owners think that shaving a pet dog completely bald in summer can help it lower its body temperature and is beneficial for cleaning and hygiene. In fact, after a pet dog's hair is shaved off, its skin will be directly exposed to the sun, which will increase the chance of the pet dog suffering from skin diseases.