How to help a dog on hot days?
Many owners no doubt wonder how to cool their dog down on hot days. The answer to their dilemmas may be a cooling mat for a quadruped. How does it work? It cools the animal when it comes into contact with its body. It does not require an external power supply for its operation. It is enough to soak it in cold water. Then it will start to evaporate, providing the exhausted quadruped with relief on hot days.
What is a dog cooling mat?
This type of mat is not the only answer to the question of how to cool a dog in the summer. Another is mats with cooling gel. They, in turn, are characterized by high durability. The gel is activated by the pressure exerted by the dog’s body. Yet another type are mats with frozen inserts. These, in turn, just need to be kept in the freezer for a long time.
How to cool a dog in the heat – other ways
Of course, the mats are not exhaustive. The dog can also be cooled with home methods, without the need to purchase additional devices. A very common method is to try to pour cold water on the dog. However, remember not to overdo it with the amount of water or its temperature. If ice water is used on a very hot day, the animal may experience a thermal shock.
Another home remedy to cool your dog down is a cold towel. It must of course be properly drained before it is applied to the body of the animal. Otherwise, you risk a lot of discomfort instead of alleviating suffering. In addition, there is a fear that the quadruped will get a thermal shock.
Of course, it is worth remembering something as obvious as providing your dog with access to cold and fresh drinking water. By consuming it, the dog will cool the body down inside. It will also protect him from the disastrous effects of overheating or sweating, especially the rapid loss of life-giving minerals from the body. It is also common practice to put a few ice cubes in a bowl of water.
Home decor is also important. During the heat, it is wise to remove the carpets from it. They tend to retain heat, which obviously won’t help your dog. Another way to help your dog in the heat by furnishing the house is to use blackout blinds. They protect the interior from the sun’s rays, and can provide temperatures up to ten degrees lower than outside.
What happens if this issue is ignored?
The answer to the question of how to relieve a dog in the heat is literally a matter of his life and death. Cooling the dog is a prevention of very serious effects. If your dog starts giving signals like panting, cramping or vomiting, it’s too late for the methods in this article. Medical intervention becomes necessary.