Mary Allen
As beautiful as the warm summer days are – when it gets really hot, it can be really tough.
Dogs also tick differently at high temperatures. Instead of romping wildly in the garden, they suddenly lie around lazily in the shade.
Although exercise and exercise are still important, you have to adapt to the weather.
What shouldn’t you do to your dog on a hot day?
Lunchtime walks
On particularly hot days, everyone looks forward to the evening, because when the sun moves towards the horizon, it immediately gets much cooler. So it’s no wonder that athletes only go running and cycling in the morning and evening.
At noon the sun is at its highest and hits us with full force.
There is usually no sign of a cool wind to be seen or felt.
Even the dog doesn’t feel like going for long walks in the stuffy air. Walks should be postponed to the evening or late afternoon.
The morning before the sun really wakes up is also a good choice for dog walks in summer.
Walking in the city
The city center is generally a place of sensory overload for dogs. In the summer, especially in the midday hours, there is a completely different threat.
When the air reaches around 30 degrees, the asphalt quickly becomes twice or even three times as warm.
Our feet are protected by colorful flip-flops, but the dog is still barefoot.
This is not only painful for the four-legged friend, but can even lead to serious burns in the worst case.
Walks on other hot surfaces such as stones or sand should therefore also be avoided. Forests and meadows are ideal because the ground stays much colder there.
No water on excursions
What should not be missing on a trip to the bathing lake? Exactly! Cool water, refreshing lemonade and a cold beer for the grown-ups. Why should it be any different with the dog?
Even the fur nose needs extra liquid on hot days.
A bottle of water and preferably a drinking bowl for the dog also belong in the beach chair.
Watch out for blue-green algae in bathing lakes
Toxic blue-green algae form particularly quickly in stagnant water when they warm up. They are harmful to both humans and dogs.
To be on the safe side, the dog should not drink from the water.
Clean drinking water is therefore particularly important so that the animal does not get thirsty in the first place.
If the water looks green-bluish and seems greasy or if the bottom can no longer be seen when standing knee-deep, it is better to stay away.
Strenuous activities & dog sports
Blazing sun, tropical heat and stuffy air, that calls for a round of jogging – don’t!
Exercise in hot weather is extremely strenuous for both humans and animals. Our bodies overheat far too quickly, and the risk of dehydration increases with temperatures.
Letting the dog walk next to the bike to go for a walk seems clever, but it is painful for the four-legged friend on days like this.
Dog sport is not necessary either and should be postponed to cooler days.
Leave the dog in the car
Of course, the dog can’t go everywhere with you. On the way back from the park he just has to wait in the car for a while his mistress or master does the weekly shopping.
Otherwise, this may not be a problem as long as the window is left open a little. In the summer, however, it quickly gets dangerously hot in the car.
Even five minutes in a locked car can endanger the dog’s health!
The risk of heat shock should not be taken lightly.
If it is hot outside, the dog should first be dropped off at home before going shopping.