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Pets don’t have the ability to cool down as fast as humans, especially when they’re outside and only breathing in hot air. They also don’t sweat as much, so it does very little to cool them off. So, how can you keep them safe?
Never leave your dog in a hot car
Even if you’re only running into a store for a minute and have the windows cracked, it’s never ok to leave a pet in a hot car. It only takes minutes for a pet to develop heat stroke and suffocate. It’s best to leave your pets at home on a hot day.
If you must take your dog with you, be sure to bring them when you leave the car and bring water and a water dish to keep them hydrated.
Always have water available
Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so be sure to always have fresh, clean water for them to drink. Water can get warm quickly in the sun so refresh it often. Do not over-exercise them and keep them indoors when possible.
Be aware of hot surfaces
Asphalt and metal can get very hot in the sun so try to keep your pets off hot asphalt. It not only can burn paws, but it can increase their body temperature, which can lead to overheating.
This goes the same for the back of a pick-up truck.
Keep walks short during the hotter days and make sure they walk on grass as much as possible.
Do not leave dogs unattended around pools
Even if your dog is a good swimmer, do not leave them unattended.
Don’t let them drink pool water as most contain chlorine and chemicals that can harm dogs. Bathe your dog after they swim to remove chlorine from their fur.
If you suspect your pet is overheating
Move them into the safe or an air-conditioned room.
Apply ice packs and towels to their neck, head, chest, or immerse them in cool water, not cold. Give them small amounts of water at a time or give them ice cubes.
Take them to a veterinarian.
The 7 Benefits of Regular Dog Grooming
1. Early Detection of Skin or Health Problems
The more often your pup sees a groomer, the easier it will be for them to recognize any skin abnormalities. For this reason, you should try to take your dog to the same groomer each time. They can point out any lumps or bumps you may have missed during your weekly at-home brushing sessions. The sooner you find skin or health issues, the better to prevent them from spreading or becoming worse. If you suspect your dog has a skin or health problem, we suggest you speak to a vet.
2. Promotion of Healthy Skin & Coat
It does not matter if you have a long-haired or short-haired dog; getting them groomed regularly will encourage healthier skin and coats. Your groomer will give your pup a good scrubbing in the bath, blow dry them, and brush their coat to get rid of dead skin. Brushing will distribute your dog’s natural oils throughout their coat to keep it looking healthy and shiny.
3. Removal of Mats and Tangles
Matts occur when your pet’s fur gets bunched and entwined. When the mats are not removed, they can grow larger and pull aggressively on your pup’s skin. If mats develop in sensitive areas or become extra tight, your dog can be in a lot of pain. Your groomer may need to trim the mats if they get too close to the skin.
If your dog has a coat that’s prone to mats and tangles, you must be willing to brush it at home every week. The more maintenance brushing you can do at home, the fewer visits you’ll need to make to your groomer.
4. Nail, Ear, and Eye Maintenance
While you may feel comfortable keeping up with maintenance brushings between your dog’s visits to the groomer, many dog owners don’t feel up to the task of dealing with their pup’s nails, eyes, and ears. Hair grows between the toes and in the ears, and if it gets too long, determining overall ear and nail health can be challenging.
Keeping up with regular nail trims is essential for several reasons. Aside from overgrown nails being uncomfortable to walk on, they can cause deformed feet and injured tendons.
Your dog’s groomer will also remove any gunk and build-up in your dog’s ears. However, the structure of your dog’s ear canal makes removing any material trapped deep inside challenging. If this material is not removed, it can cause itchiness and ear infections. In addition, acquired deafness can occur due to excessive ear wax.
Your dog’s groom will also include a good cleaning around their eyes. Accumulating eye discharge can build up around the eyes and cause irritation. If it collects too much, it can be difficult for even your groomer to remove, resulting in pain and discomfort for your pup.
5. Less Shedding
Different breeds have different coat layers, lengths, and textures, and each will shed different amounts. For example, dogs with double coats will shed more, especially twice a year when they shed their undercoats.
Regular grooming will help keep shedding at bay. Regularly scheduled baths will loosen any dead hair from beneath your pup’s coat while reducing the likelihood of your dog developing mats and tangles.
6. Ease of Finding and Treating Fleas
Your dog can have fleas or ticks without you even knowing it. Luckily, groomers are experts at finding fleas. These parasites are not only a nuisance for you as a homeowner and dog parent, but they can also be dangerous for your pup.
Fleas can cause incessant itching, which can lead to the skin breaking open and leaving your dog open to infection. Dogs with fleas may also be at higher risk of developing tapeworms and flea bite anemia.
7. Aesthetics
Perhaps the most instantly gratifying benefit of getting your dog groomed is that they will leave looking like a million bucks! As a dog owner, you know how quickly your pup can get dirty, so seeing them freshly bathed and blow-dried will feel like a special treat for both of you.
SUMMER IS HERE, AND WE ALL LOVE SPENDING TIME OUTDOORS, ESPECIALLY WITH OUR FURRY FRIENDS; HOWEVER, IT CAN ALSO BE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS
Debbie Johnson * Critter Nanny *
debbie@critternanny4u.com * (805) 310-9952
Critter Nanny is Licensed and Insured