It's so terrific when the summer hits. We typically spend a lot more time outside and are more active, and our activities usually include or faithful dog. It will be your responsibility as a pet owner to make sure you guard your pet as you would a member of one's loved ones. But don't use human sun products on animals, some components are toxic to canines. For example zinc (included in quite a few human lotions and creams) is toxic to dogs and causes stomach problems and anemia.
Dogs suffer the same as us; sunburns, skin irritations, skin cancers, heat stroke and dehydration, also add in there sore & burnt feet and sunburned noses. Some easy sun care tips can guide you keep even the most active dog healthier when exposed to the sun.
Animals with thin hair coats, light-colored noses, and white fur are most at threat from sun exposure. A of white fur or areas where the coat is thinner are also at threat. All of them are at danger in areas of the body with less fur, such as the groin and tummy. If your pooch is like Henri, and likes to lie in the sun on his back, you should rub in a slather of sunscreen, specially made for dogs on his belly. Not only will his belly be safer from the sun but you pooch might be giving you a kiss for the scrub!
A dog's nose is highly sensitive and can become very painful when their tissues are dry, chapped or cracked. A natural nose balm for dogs has nourishing, healing and moisturizing ingredients. The soothing balm can be applied to a dog's nose as a preventative measure for dryness or cracking or it can be used to treat painful cracking and dryness that has already occurred. It's like Chapstik for dogs!
Another method of sun protection is covering them up or keeping them within the shade. An idea for camping or at the beach is a little pup tent that won't use up any additional room in your already crowded trunk, will set up in minutes, and will provide much needed shade exactly where nature didn't provide. Light, wet towels are terrific to drape on them when they're laying still, and when you're on the go, a light beach or sun suit will block those nasty UV rays.
The sun is not only harmful to their pores and skin but also can cause damage to their eyes. A dog hat protects your dog's sensitive areas of the face from sun's damage. Or for the even more adventurous, dress your pup in Doggles. These cool looking sunglasses are equipped with a deep lens cup, flexible frame, a wider nose bridge and comfy head strap. They have 100% UV protection, are shatterproof and anti-fog. And they're recommended by vets.
Let's not forget about their feet! Remember the last time you hopped like a demented emu across a burning hot parking lot? Think how your little buddy's feet must feel (and he has twice as many). If your dog swims a lot or has wet feet for along period of time, it will soften his paws, which can make parking lots and roadways dangerous. Small pups should be carried over hot pavement and for larger dogs try disposable beach booties. Walking long distances on pavement or sand is not good for any animal in the summer, try to stay on the grass when possible.
And often with the strong sun comes the high heat. Way too many pets die each year from ignorant owners leaving their pet confined in cars and other places when the heat is dangerously high. Pets at risk for heat stroke include those with a dense hair coat such as the golden Retrievers, Border Collies, Chows, etc. or ANY pet in direct sunlight for longer than 30 minutes when the temperature is greater than 90F. Make sure you always have water and bowl on hand and try to stay out of the sun between the hours of 10:00 and 2:00. Limit the amount of time you spend in direct sun to 15 to 30 minutes for those dogs easiest to burn. Longer with fur protected dogs, but then watch for heat stroke. Direct sunlight includes lounging on the inside of the porch glass door!
The rule of thumb- when it gets above 85 degrees, you should be cautious when exercising your dog outdoors. For most dogs, moderate activity for 30 minutes is good. But when the temps exceed 95 degrees, it's probably best for both of you to leave out the outdoor exercises until it cools down. Try to go for walks or jogs either early in the day or evening, or try to stay on shaded trails.
When your dog start's to have fast or labored breathing, starts to refuse walking, or acts unhappy, your canine may be overheating. When this happens you should stop, rest, give your dog water and find a cooler place. Mostly just use common sense!
About the Author:
Henri Hound has been an avid pet lover his entire life. He has in-depthal knowledge of pretty much every form of pet and their behaviors. Besides offering pet advise, he's also the author of Being Henri - The Life of a Spoiled Weiner Dog and the mascot for Henri the Hound, an awesome online pet shop with cool unusual stuff for all your pets.