How to cool down a Samoyed

The Samoyed dog, with its snow-white and fluffy coat, is like an elf in winter, always able to capture people's hearts easily. They are enthusiastic and friendly, and there seems to be a healing smile on their faces all the time, making them a beloved member of many families. However, this beautiful thick coat becomes a burden for them in the hot season. How to help our Samoyed babies get through the sweltering summer has become a major concern for every owner.

Samoyed dogs are native to cold regions. Their coat consists of two layers. The outer layer is long and straight coarse hair, and the inner layer is soft and dense down. This special hair structure provides excellent thermal insulation for them in cold environments. But when the temperature rises, especially in the hot summer, this "thermal insulation equipment" becomes an obstacle to heat dissipation. Samoyed dogs do not have as developed sweat glands as humans. They mainly dissipate heat through their paw pads and breathing. When the temperature is too high, they will frequently stick out their tongues and pant, trying to expel the heat from their bodies through rapid breathing. The paw pads will also secrete more sweat to assist in heat dissipation. However, these heat dissipation methods often prove insufficient in high-temperature environments.

When we see that our Samoyed dogs show symptoms such as rapid breathing, a long-extended tongue, increased saliva secretion, and even listlessness and loss of appetite, it is very likely that they are suffering from the heat. At this time, as owners, we feel deeply distressed and wish we could immediately relieve them of the summer heat. Creating a cool and comfortable living environment for Samoyed dogs is the top priority. The indoors is their main place to escape the heat. We can set the air conditioner temperature between 25°C and 28°C. This temperature range can make the dogs feel cool and will not cause them to get sick due to a large temperature difference. At the same time, pay attention to keeping the indoor air circulating. Open the windows or use an air purifier to let fresh air circulate in the room. If there is no air conditioner, a fan is also a good choice. But be careful not to blow the fan directly at the dog. Instead, let the fan rotate to promote air flow and help the heat around the dog's body dissipate.

Adjusting the daily activity time of Samoyed dogs appropriately in hot weather is also crucial. In the early morning and evening, the temperature is relatively low, and it is most suitable to take them out for a walk and play at this time. Avoid going out during the period from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., when the temperature is the highest, to prevent the dogs from getting heatstroke. If you must go out during high-temperature periods, be sure to carry drinking water with you and replenish water for the dog at any time. Choose to walk in places with shade or in cool areas, and try to avoid the asphalt road directly exposed to the sun, because the temperature of the road surface under the sun's exposure is extremely high, and the dog's paw pads are easily burned. When we are outdoors with Samoyed dogs, we should always pay attention to their condition. Once we find that the dog shows symptoms such as rapid breathing and unsteady steps, we should immediately find a cool place for it to rest and give it water to cool down.

In addition to adjusting the environment and activities, special attention also needs to be paid to the diet. Water is essential for the health of Samoyed dogs in summer. Ensure that they can drink clean and fresh water at any time. You can prepare several water bowls at home and place them in the places where the dog often moves around to facilitate their drinking at any time. You can also add some ice cubes to the water to keep it cool, but be careful not to let the dog drink water that is too cold to avoid irritating the stomach and intestines. Appropriately feed the dog some foods with high water content, such as watermelons, cucumbers, carrots, and other vegetables and fruits. This can not only replenish water but also provide some vitamins and minerals. However, pay attention to the appropriate amount to avoid excessive vegetables and fruits affecting the dog's normal diet and digestion.

Some owners may think of shaving the Samoyed dog's hair to help it cool down. In fact, this is not a wise move. The Samoyed dog's hair not only has a thermal insulation function but also can block the damage of ultraviolet rays to the skin. After shaving, the dog's skin is directly exposed to the sun, making it easy to get sunburned and may also cause skin inflammation. Moreover, after shaving, the dog's hair may become rough, lose its luster, and even affect the normal growth of the hair. Therefore, unless the dog's hair is severely knotted and cannot be combed, it is not recommended to shave them. If you think the dog's hair is too long, you can appropriately trim the hair on the soles of the feet, the hair on the abdomen, and the hair around the anus. Trimming the hair in these areas can help the dog dissipate heat better.

In the hot season, we should always pay attention to the health status of Samoyed dogs and use our love and care to create a cool haven for them. Every time we prepare cool drinking water for them, every time we adjust the activity time to avoid the high temperature, and every time we pay attention to their physical condition, it all reflects our deep love for the dogs.