What are the things to pay attention to when raising a dog in summer

In summer, the sun is scorching and everything is thriving. Our dogs are also enjoying the vitality of summer to the fullest. But in this scorching summer, raising a dog faces many challenges that require us to be extra careful. Every dog is an important member of the family, and it is our duty to provide them with meticulous care to ensure they can safely survive the summer.

Preventing heatstroke and cooling down is the top priority for raising dogs in summer. Dogs are covered with thick fur, and their ability to regulate body temperature is relatively weak, making them highly susceptible to heatstroke in high temperature environments. On summer afternoons, the scorching sun is high and the ground temperature is often so hot that it burns your feet. At this time, you should avoid taking your dog for a walk. If it is necessary to go out, it is best to choose early morning or evening, when the temperature is relatively low, which can reduce the risk of heat stroke in dogs. Providing a cool and comfortable indoor environment for dogs is crucial. The air conditioning temperature can be set between 25-27 degrees Celsius, which can keep the dog cool without causing a cold due to the large temperature difference. Fans can also be used to assist in cooling, but be careful not to let the fan blow directly at the dog to avoid discomfort. Laying a cool mat or ice pad on the place where dogs rest can effectively relieve dryness and heat.

Food hygiene cannot be ignored in summer. In hot weather, food is prone to spoilage. If a dog accidentally eats spoiled food, it may cause gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting and diarrhea. Make sure the food is fresh every time you feed it and avoid feeding leftovers. Uneaten food should be cleaned up in a timely manner to prevent spoilage and bacterial growth. Dog food should be stored properly by placing it in a sealed container, in a cool and dry place, and avoiding direct sunlight. In summer, dogs' demand for water increases significantly, so it is important to ensure that they can always drink clean and fresh water. Prepare more water basins and place them in areas where dogs often move, making it convenient for them to drink at any time. Dogs can also be fed with foods with high water content, such as watermelon, cucumber, etc., but pay attention to moderation. Watermelon has a high sugar content, and excessive consumption may lead to obesity in dogs. Cucumbers should also be cut into small pieces to prevent choking.

Skin care is also a key focus for raising dogs in summer. The hot and humid environment provides a breeding ground for bacteria, fungi, and parasites, making dogs' skin susceptible to infections. Regularly bathing dogs and keeping their skin clean can effectively prevent skin diseases. But the frequency of bathing should not be too high, usually 1-2 times a week, as excessive bathing can damage the oil layer of the dog's skin and reduce its resistance. When taking a shower, use pet specific shower gel and avoid using human bath products as their pH may not be suitable for dog skin. After taking a shower, thoroughly blow dry the dog's hair, especially the damp parts such as the abdomen and legs, to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi. Regularly deworming dogs is also essential. External deworming can be done using drops or sprays. According to the product instructions, drop the medication onto the neck, back, and other hard to lick areas of the dog, which can effectively drive away parasites such as fleas and ticks. Oral medication is generally used for internal deworming in dogs. Choosing the appropriate dosage based on the weight and age of the dog and feeding it regularly can prevent parasitic infections such as roundworms and tapeworms.

In summer, dogs are also prone to some diseases, which require us to focus on prevention. Heatstroke is one of the most common illnesses among dogs in summer. Once a dog is found to have symptoms of heatstroke such as rapid breathing, foaming at the mouth, elevated body temperature, and mental fatigue, emergency measures should be taken immediately. Move the dog to a cool and ventilated place, wipe its body with a damp towel, especially the abdomen, foot pads, ears, and other areas, to help dissipate heat. You can also give your dog some diluted salt water to replenish water and electrolytes. If the symptoms are severe, you should be immediately sent to a pet hospital for treatment. Summer is also a peak season for infectious diseases such as canine distemper and parvovirus. Vaccinating dogs on time is the most effective way to prevent infectious diseases. Vaccines can stimulate the immune system of dogs to produce antibodies, enhancing their resistance to diseases. Pay attention to the timing and type of vaccination, and regularly vaccinate dogs according to veterinary advice.

Dogs also need to adjust their exercise levels reasonably in summer. In hot weather, dogs experience rapid physical exertion, and excessive exercise may lead to heatstroke or other health problems. It is advisable to reduce the exercise time and intensity of dogs appropriately, shorten the originally long walking time, and avoid allowing dogs to engage in intense exercise such as running and chasing for long periods of time. You can choose some milder forms of exercise, such as indoor play, short slow walking, etc. During exercise, it is important to closely monitor the dog's condition. If you notice that the dog is panting or exhausted, you should immediately stop exercising and let the dog rest.

Every dog is a precious treasure in our lives, warming our hearts with pure love and endless companionship. In the hot summer, we need to use professional knowledge, careful care, and full of love to create a safe and comfortable living environment for dogs. Pay attention to issues such as heatstroke prevention and cooling, dietary hygiene, skin care, and disease prevention for dogs, and promptly identify and address potential health hazards that dogs may face. When we see dogs playing healthy and happy in the summer, enjoying beautiful moments, that sense of relief and joy is the best reward for all our efforts. Let's join hands with our dogs and spend a season full of love and care under the summer sun.