Cover story
O
nce the thermometer climbs above the
unnecessary strain on the digestive and circulatory
20-degree mark, many dogs get too warm.
systems and helps to keep your dog hydrated at the
This is mainly because, unlike us, they
same time. Brush your dog daily so that air can
cannot sweat – their only sweat glands are on their paw
circulate in their coat. By the way, if your dog loves the
pads. Dogs regulate their body temperature by panting
water, you might find their coat develops a stronger
and finding places to cool down. You can help your dog
smell if they go swimming regularly. This is caused by
with a simple but important step: make sure they drink
micro-organisms in the dog’s coat. They produce
plenty of fluids.
volatile organic compounds that we consider foul
A dog needs to drink a good 100ml of water per kg of
smelling. As moisture evaporates from the damp fur,
body weight on very hot days. Take a folding bowl and
it releases these smelly substances.
water with you if you are going to be out for a long
Drying your four-legged friend well can help to prevent
time. Postpone walkies to the cooler hours of the early
this. Be careful when taking your dog out in the car
morning and late evening. Walks through shady forests
during the summer. The interior of your car heats up
or around refreshing lakes are more fun for your
extremely quickly and turns into a heat trap for your
four-legged friend than long treks across fields and
pet. So never park in direct sunlight and don’t leave
meadows. Even better if you add in a quick dip in the
your four-legged friend alone in the car if the outside
cool water. But always make sure any water is
temperature is above 20 degrees Celsius.
approved for bathing. If you don’t have somewhere to
swim nearby, you can set up a doggy pool or water play
mat in the garden or on the balcony. Lawn sprinklers
and garden hoses are also a welcome way to cool off.
Avoid physical exertion
Running next to a bike, jogging, excessive playing and
frolicking or dog sports put too much strain on the
cardiovascular system in hot weather. This is especially
true for dogs with thick coats, short-headed breeds and
older dogs. In summer, they need a cool place where
they can retreat to as well as regular breaks in the
shade.
If your home heats up a lot, lowering the blinds or
shutters in a room helps, even more so if it has cool
floor tiles. If your pet gets too hot, a cooling mat, a
damp T-shirt or a cooling waistcoat can help cool them
down. Most four-legged friends won’t say no to a doggy
ice cream, either. Big meals put a strain on the
circulation, so divide the daily food ration into several
smaller portions and add some water. This prevents
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