Dr. KG Umesh, Director, Scientific Regulatory Affairs, South East Asia, Mars India, shares some tips to take care of your furry friends this summer.
Bring them inside:
Animals shouldn’t be left outside unsupervised on long, hot days, even in the shade. Heatstroke is a medical emergency. If you suspect your pet has heatstroke, you must act quickly and calmly. If you see that your dog is panting heavily, salivating or foaming, these may be the first signs of a heat-related problem. Get your dog to a cool location, provide small drinks of cold water and contact your veterinarian.
Never leave your pet in the car:
When traveling by car in the summer, never leave your dog unattended. Heatstroke and death can occur within minutes of being exposed to warm temperatures. Also if you see other animal in a parked car during the summer, alert the management of the shopping mall or grocery store. Whether you’re indoors or out, both you and your pet need access to lots of fresh water during the summer, so check the water bowl several times a day to be sure it’s full.
Feed them intelligently:
Dogs tend to eat less in summer but they end up spending more energy in an effort to lower their body temperatures. A lot of pet owners tend to feed home-made diets like curds and rice during the summers, but it is very important to note that this food contains more water (70-80%) and does not have adequate levels of energy, vitamins, minerals, etc.
Hence a well-balanced nutritionally complete and energy dense diet like Pedigree dry food, which also contains some natural antioxidants and confers some protection against the effects of heat stress to the pet. Also it is also important to feed pets during the cooler part of the day and increase frequency of feeding to ensure that total recommended quantity of pet food is fed to your pet.
Say no to tangles:
Keeping your pet well groomed will help their hair do what it was designed to do - protect them from the sun and insulate from the heat. Furry dog breeds should be well clipped during this season as the thick coat makes them feel hotter. It also makes it a home for bacteria and parasites.
Keep their bed cool:
Remove cushiony bedding from your dog’s crate or bed. They may be more comfortable lying on the cooler bottom rather than on blankets or fleece.
Make sure your pet doesn’t overexert:
Though exercise is an important part of keeping your dog or cat at a healthy weight, which helps them body stay cool, overdoing it can cause her to overheat. Save exercise sessions for early morning or after the sun goes down. Your dog will appreciate the cooler temperatures—and so will you!