Adapt walking times
Exit outings in full sun! During strong heat episodes, your dog’s promenade habits should be completely rethought. Favor outings early in the morning, before 8 a.m., or late in the evening, after 8 p.m., when temperatures are milder. Systematically search for shaded areas and avoid assets at all costs, a real heat trap that can cause painful burns with your animal’s pads.
Ensure constant hydration
Fresh water must be permanently available for your companion. Be careful not to serve it ice cream, which could cause a thermal shock. Repeat its bowl several times a day, especially if it is exposed to the sun. Do not hesitate to multiply water points in your accommodation to encourage your dog to drink regularly.
To maintain fresh water longer, add a few ice cubes in its bowl – many dogs love to lick them! Also remember to moisten your kibble with a little stupid water cooled. This simple tip allows additional hydration during meals, especially since dry foods can accentuate thirst. Finally, homemade icy treats (frozen chicken broth with a few kibble in a yogurt jar) are an excellent way to combine pleasure and hydration.
Resist the temptation of the mowing
Contrary to a widely used idea, mowing your dog by strong heat is an error. The coat is indeed natural protection against the sun’s rays and helps regulate body temperature. Prefer a regular brushing that will ventilate the hair and eliminate dead sub-points, thus optimizing the natural thermoregulation of the animal.
Monitor fragile animals
Some dogs require special attention during scorching episodes. The brachycephalic races (Buldogues, Carlins, Beijing) are on the front line, their flattened muzzle making their breathing difficult and exposing them more to heat strokes. Elderly puppies and dogs, less capable of regulating their temperature, must also be subject to enhanced monitoring.
Refresh his interior
Creating a fresh environment at home becomes essential. Close shutters and curtains during the hottest hours, place wet cloths in front of the fans and multiply the shadow areas both inside and out. Invest in a refreshing carpet that your dog will particularly appreciate, or install a small swimming pool in your garden where it can dip its legs. These simple arrangements can considerably improve the comfort of your little companion.
Absolutely proscribe the car
Even for a few minutes and even open windows, never leave your dog alone in a car. The temperature can climb up to 50 ° C in less than ten minutes, transforming the cabin into a real oven. This negligence can have dramatic, even fatal consequences.
Know how to react in the event of a heat stroke
If despite all your precautions your dog has signs of heat stroke (excessive panting, drooling, shocking approach), act immediately. The absolute emergency is to lower its body temperature. “No need to run in the veterinarian as long as the dog is not cooled. It must be immersed in fresh (but not icy) water for 2 to 3 minutes, insisting on the skull, the most vulnerable organ. This reflex can literally save his life!”, Explains Thierry Bedossa, veterinarian, president of the Ava and ambassador Rover. Once the animal is cooled, quickly consult a veterinarian.
By following these recommendations, you will offer your faithful companion the best conditions to get through this difficult period. Because to take care of our animals during the heat wave is to guarantee them health and well-being, but also to reassure us as responsible owners.