Cian Ferrao
Summer can mean lots of fun outside with your dog. But when
the temperature soar, take steps to protect your pet. Whether you take them for
a walk down the street, a ride in the car, or just out in the yard to play, the
heat can be hard on them. As summer continues, it is crucial for to take
precautions and ensure their pets are kept safe from the heat.
Dr Vivek Kumar, a veterinarian from Porvorim, emphasizes,
“Keeping pets in parked cars and under hot sheds can be dangerous to the
animal, as both can quickly reach high temperatures. Taking pets to the beach
should be avoided during the day, as direct sunlight rays, high temperatures
and hot sands can cause serious problems to the animal’s well-being. The best
times for beach visits are before sunrise and after sunset, when the
temperatures.”
Any dog can fall prey to heat stroke. As per Dr Erika
Alphonso, a veterinarian from Aldona, pet parents should watch out for the
following signs that indicate the dog is suffering from heatstroke: heavy
panting, high body temperature, vomiting, weakness or staggering, drooling and
occurrence of bright red gums or tongue. If these symptoms are present, the dog
is likely suffering from heatstroke and the vet should be contacted
immediately. She suggests taking immediate action by reducing their body
temperature and using cold compress, hydrating with cold water and keeping the
animal in a cool place with a wet towel on the head.
Dogs with black fur, when out in the sunshine, without shade
will experience symptoms of overheating more quickly than lighter dogs, as they
absorb maximum heat. Dr Vivek warns that a large number of dogs with black fur,
like Rottweilers often suffer due to the heat.
Few owners are aware that their dogs’ paws are at risk of
another serious condition: paw pad burn. Due to high summer temperature, dogs
are likely to burn their paws if walking on a hot surface or pavements. Dog’s
paw pads are tough, but they are not shoes, and they’re susceptible to injury
and overuse. Limping or excessive licking may indicate this condition, which
may require immediate medical attention.
Walking dogs in the morning and evening hours, when it is
relatively cooler, to keep them exercised is recommended. Keep a constant
supply of cool drinking water available for the dog so they can stay hydrated,
and always carry enough water when taking them out.
Dr Vivek advises, “Pets should be kept in air conditioned
areas, well ventilated rooms or indoors. Dogs should not be taken outside the
house or for long drives during summers. Avoid leaving them out on the open
terrace or roofs.”
Trimming dogs with thick or long fur may be a good option, during
these months. Removing their extra fur can help to strip extra insulation from
them, allowing cooling air to reach their skin and blow away the heat radiating
off of them.
Breeds like Bulldogs and Pugs, are more prone to overheating
during walks due to their shortened muzzles that make breathing and panting
more difficult, especially in hot weather, making it more challenging for these
dogs to stay cool. Keeping your dog cool and comfortable during dog walks is
particularly important for flat-faced breeds, and therefore, their walks should
be kept short.
“Stray animals also face problems during the summer,
especially dehydration and heatstroke. Please keep a water bowl with clean
water outside your house, shops, societies, etc. You may unknowingly save a
life”, advises Dr Erika.
When it comes to their diet, Dr Erika suggests, “Make some
homemade ice cream without dairy and sugar. It can contain certain fruits like
watermelon, banana, organic naturally made peanut butter or unsweetened yogurt.
Licking ice cubes are great to keep your pets cool. Fruits like watermelon are
cooling and perfect for summer. Feed your dogs curd as it is not only cooling
but also a great probiotic.” She also recommends carbohydrates and vegetables
like carrots, pumpkin, beans, and spinach. Drinks like watermelon juice can be
given to the pet after having removed the seeds or unsalted/unsweetened
buttermilk is a great choice too.
Families also tend to travel abroad for their summer
vacations, often leaving their pets under the care of pet sitters. Anasha
Pereira, one such petsitter from Corlim, attends to these dogs needs by keeping
them indoors in air conditioned areas. During summer, the animals are fed curd
rice, fruits, and watermelon or coconut juice, including smaller quantities
chicken and kibble once a day. “We treat them with small cups of vanilla ice
cream. We customize their meals as per instructions given by the owners”, she
explains.
She goes on to say, “As per the rules, we have installed air
conditioners, while dogs which are kept outside have jute bags and coconut
leaves on the roof of their cages to keep them cool, with fans on at all times.
Water tubs are also kept for pets to splash water on themselves to keep them
cool.” She also mentioned that during summer, she gets an average of fifteen
dogs, sometimes extending to 2-3 more, due to last minute extension or some
emergency.
A little empathy goes a long way in protecting pets from
extreme weather. If it’s too hot for humans to stay comfortable in the car, in
the yard,
or on a walk, it’s even hotter for their furry friends.