Summers are grueling, especially when the temperature rises at its peak. Just as the scorching summer heat takes its toll on our health, it doesn’t spare our pampered pooches too. During this period, we must take proper pet care in summer to keep them fresh and healthy sans any illness. Come summer season, we bring to you a few ways to keep your pet cool and in proper shape.
1. Give your pets a quick swim: Our pets are our best friends. We constantly seek the best ways to enjoy ourselves with our pets. Summers are a perfect time to enjoy a quick swim with our pets. However, while you are out in the pool under the sun, never forget to keep a check on your pet’s behavior. Try to finish as early as possible in the pool if it’s during noon and the sun is overhead. The water and the direct rays of the sun might cause your pet to fall sick. Your pet may also catch a cold if he’s kept for too much in the water. An ideal time is to take your pet for a swim in the morning before, before noon.
2. Never leave your pets in the car: Yes, I repeat – never leave your pets in the car during the summer season. Keeping your pets inside the car can cause their body to heat severely as the car absorbs a scorching temperature, which is even more than the outside temperature. In this case, the heat will have a direct impact on your dog’s body. As pets suffer from heatstroke, also called hyperthermia, their body temperature rises to an extent where they no longer can self-regulate the temperature. This results in a much faster heartbeat, which is also called tachycardia (a condition where the pet’s heart-beat rises over 100 beats per minute). This often becomes life-threatening for pets.
In this case, bath your pets with normal water only. Do not bath your pet with cool water or fridge water. If required, consult a vet immediately or shift to a nearby veterinary hospital.
3. Bath your pets early in the morning: In extreme summers, bath your pet before the sunrise. During noon, or in the afternoon, the sun rays can cause severe heat leading to hyperthermia or heat stroke.Proper pet care in summer is must.
4. Keeping your pets in the parking is a big no-no!: Never keep your pets chained in a parking area. Always keep them in a cool and sheltered room to prevent heatstroke.
5. Feed light food: During summers, pets tend to take less food as compared to another season. Feed them with light and cool foods that will keep their body cool. Food like curd rice and cucumbers work best for pets in summer. Always put fresh and adequate water in your pet’s bowl at frequent intervals to keep them hydrated throughout the day. You can also give your pet Glucon-d or tender coconut to keep their body cool.