The arrival of summer not only implies vacations, plans and fun, but also some specific care so that high temperatures do not harm our health. The same goes for our pets, who need certain attentions to fight against the harmful effects of the sun, especially when walking. Here we explain some of them.
1. Always carry fresh water. Carrying out abundant physical activity outdoors during hot days carries dangers such as heat stroke or dehydration for the dog. To avoid them it is essential that you can drink fresh water whenever necessary; we should offer it to him every so often, especially if he is panting or tired.
2. Decrease the time of the walk. It is preferable that we divide the time of the walk in several sessions instead of taking a long walk in the sun. This way we will avoid fatigue and heat stroke.
3. Avoid the hottest hours. It is best to walk first thing in the morning and late in the afternoon, since the intense sun can burn the animal's skin. In addition, it is important that we stay near shady areas to protect ourselves.
4. Don't cut your hair too short. Although it is true that a lot of fur causes heat to the dog, the absence of it exposes its skin to burns and other damages. For this reason we should not cut your hair excessively, but only enough to free it from some layers.
5. Apply sunscreen. It is not always necessary, but for some breeds it is essential. These are the albinos or those without hair, such as the Chinese Crested or the Argentine Pila Dog. In any case, it is best that we consult the vet if we should apply this protector to our dog, and always use a special one for dogs.
6. Protect against parasites. In summer the presence of insects such as ticks and fleas increases, so it is essential to keep our pet's vaccinations up to date, as well as their deworming schedule.