Summer is (probably) the most eagerly awaited time of year for most people, since from childhood it is when we take a break from the duties and chores of the year, travel to the beach and recharge our energy. However, there is something about summer that prevails over everything else: the heat… a lot of heat, and it does not go unnoticed by us or by our dogs, potentially causing extremely serious consequences for our companions.
That is why, to avoid the risks of this hot season, in this article we explain how summer affects our dogs and what measures to take to prevent them from suffering in the high temperatures.
Effects of summer on your dog
The effects of summer on your dog can be varied. However, most of them are related to the high temperatures of this season, and if we fail to detect and treat them quickly they could lead to serious health consequences. Among them, the most common are:
Heatstroke
Heatstroke is the name given to the condition called hyperthermia. This occurs when the body temperature of a living being rises excessively above its normal maximum temperature. In the case of dogs this temperature should not exceed 39ºC, but heatstroke can raise their temperature to more than 42ºC.
Sunburn
Just like people, dogs can suffer sunburn if they are exposed for a prolonged period to the UV rays from the sun, potentially leading to extremely serious consequences such as skin cancer. There are also some that are more prone to suffering from this condition, such as short-haired dogs, those that are shaved and those with pre-existing skin diseases.
Dehydration
Dehydration is a condition in which the affected individual's body loses too much fluid, or when the amount of fluid it loses is greater than the amount it takes in. This is usually a consequence of high temperatures and of carrying out physical activities without drinking enough water that the body requires to make up for what it loses in these situations.
Gastrointestinal problems
In summer it is normal for your dog's appetite to diminish and therefore for it to want to eat less food. However, sometimes we also make changes to its diet, and these (if made suddenly) can cause gastrointestinal problems in your furry friend.
Greater exposure to insects and external parasites
Summer is the time of year when insects and external parasites appear most frequently. One of the clearest examples of this is mosquitoes, which transmit a series of extremely serious diseases to your dog and even to you, since many of them can be zoonotic (transmitted from animals to humans), such as canine leishmaniasis.
Another extremely common parasite during summer is ticks, which also transmit diseases to dogs and humans, while also being able to cause an infestation on your puppy's body.
“Heat affects your dog more than you think. Preventing heatstroke is far easier than treating it.”
How to prevent the effects of summer on your dog?
To prevent these and other consequences of summer on your dog, it is necessary to always keep a number of guidelines in mind. Pay special attention to its paws: hot asphalt can protect your dog's paw pads in summer.
- Never leave your dog shut in a hot place: this includes everything from cars to rooms. You should never leave your dog shut in without ventilation, much less in a place where it is hot, such as a closed vehicle or a bedroom.
- Avoid exposing your dog to the sun during the hottest hours: the best times to walk your dog during summer are before midday and after 6 p.m.
- Make sure your dog always has fresh water to drink: whether at home or during walks, your dog should be able to have fresh water to drink at all times to stay hydrated.
- Follow your dog's deworming schedule: the best way to prevent external parasites from affecting your dog is to keep up with its deworming schedule, using pipettes and collars that keep them away from your dog.
Look after your dog's health all year round with our vets at Clínica Veterinaria SOMO
Sometimes, even if you take measures to avoid it, your dog may suffer one of the consequences arising from high temperatures. It is important that these are treated by a veterinarian to make sure it is not something serious for your dog. At Clínica Veterinaria Somo our specialists are available to attend to any emergency that may arise
Frequently asked questions about summer and dogs
How does summer heat affect dogs?
High temperatures can cause heatstroke (hyperthermia), sunburn, dehydration and gastrointestinal problems. In addition, summer brings a greater presence of insects and external parasites such as mosquitoes and ticks, which transmit diseases to dogs and people.
Which dogs are more prone to sunburn?
Just like people, dogs can suffer sunburn from prolonged exposure to UV rays, which can even lead to skin cancer. Short-haired dogs, those that are shaved and those with pre-existing skin diseases are more predisposed to it.
How can I prevent the effects of summer on my dog?
Never leave your dog shut in a hot, unventilated place such as a car or a bedroom; avoid exposing it to the sun during the hottest hours by walking before midday or after 6 p.m.; always offer it fresh water; and follow its deworming schedule with pipettes and collars.
