Summer is a great time to enjoy the sun, heat and cool off in pools and beaches. However, just like us, pets feel hot and can even go wrong with high temperatures. So that they can also enjoy the hottest days in the water, tutors need to be aware of the specific care that the season requires.
Thais Matos, veterinarian at DogHero , explains that in addition to getting to know the habits, routine, personality, characteristics of each breed and observing their behavior on hot days, “fathers and mothers of pets also need to know what they can and what what you can’t do to help your pet enjoy the summer”, mentions the specialist.
Another important attention is about the breed of the pet . “Some breeds like Siberian Husky, Saint Bernard, Bernese and Chow Chow, tend to feel more heat than short-coated dogs like Mutts (SRD), Pinscher and Dachshund. Brachycephalic pets , which have a flat snout (such as Pugs, Bulldogs, Boxers, Shih Tzus, among others), have greater difficulty breathing and also exchanging heat with the environment. Therefore, each pet needs special care during the summer”, says Thais.
Check out Doghero’s veterinary doctor’s tips and guidelines below, to enjoy both the pool and the beach with your pet :
Pools and beaches
Some breeds, such as the Labrador, like to go into the water, but you have to be careful. They can enter the pool or sea and not be able to get out. In addition, contrary to what we believe, not all dogs are easy to swim. Short-legged, brachycephalic or thick-haired puppies, for example, are unlikely to do well with swimming. So, if access to the pool or beach is easy, supervise and only allow him to enter the water if he is already used to it.
Pet also needs sunscreen
Puppies with white fur or that have little hair on the tips of the ears, on the snout, on the tail and on the paws need sunscreen before being exposed to the sun. It is worth using sunscreen suitable for animals, according to the recommendation of the manufacturer and the veterinarian.
Forbidden to drink pool water
During the game, the pet can get thirsty and start drinking the water from the pool. As the water is treated with chlorine, it is not advisable for him to drink it (for the same reasons as humans). If swallowed, the dog may vomit or have diarrhea. If the condition worsens, the tutor should take him to the veterinarian.
Watch out for heat stroke symptoms
Heat stroke is common in dogs. Some signs are: wheezing, red or pale gums, thick saliva, weakness, excitement, vomiting, and seizure. If the tutor realizes that the pet has these symptoms, remove it from the sun or stuffy place, try to cool it with fresh water and then take it to the veterinarian.
Pet life vest
Another option for dogs that are not used to swimming pools is their own vests. They work exactly like life jackets for humans, allowing dogs to have contact with the water, but remain afloat without risk of drowning.
Beware of dehydration
If your pet doesn’t drink enough water, he may become dehydrated. That is: because of the heat, he “spent” more water than he consumed. If he’s too quiet, having trouble moving, touch his nose. If it is dry, it is possible that it is dehydrated. Try to offer water in small amounts so that he recovers and, if you don’t see improvement, take him to the vet.
Bath after the pool or beach
After the pet leaves the pool, it is essential that the tutor bathes him with dog shampoo to remove the chlorine from the hair. It may be that water enters the pet ‘s ear — it is important to protect the ears well with hydrophobic cotton (waterproof). After the bath, dry it completely to avoid mycoses and dermatitis, especially between the paws and the ears – it is important to observe if the pet will not present discomfort in the ears after the game. The same care goes for after a day at the beach, as both salt and sand can cause irritation and other health problems in the pet.
