A warm spring and hot summer can be a dream for humans - but for pets it can be a nightmare. Leaving furry friends alone in a parked car for as little as ten minutes can be fatal for some dogs. Even short car journeys without air conditioning are not only uncomfortable, but potentially harmful for various breeds.
Heat risks for furry friends
At Healthy Pets, we still get reports from vets treating dogs who are suffering from heatstroke. This continues year on year, despite prominent publicity warning owners against leaving their dog in a car – even in mild heat. Even with a window open, when the outside temperature is 26°C a car interior could still reach 42°C within twenty minutes of it being parked.
Certain dogs - boxers, bulldogs, and pugs, for instance - can’t cool themselves as fast as others because their short snouts can cause breathing difficulties.
The issue can be intensified by unexpectedly high humidity. Animals cool themselves by panting to get rid of humidity from their lungs - if the atmosphere is too humid, then they simply can't get rid of the heat. Many cars have air conditioning, but a lot don't, and even opening windows during a journey on a humid day might not be enough for your dog.
Even if the temperature isn’t particularly high, sometimes mild heat and high humidity can mean a dog's core temperature rises dangerously quickly. A dog's temperature should never rise above 104 degrees F.
Keep your dog cool in the car
If you’re taking your dog out for the day, make sure you bring plenty of water for them and install sunshades on the car windows to keep them out of direct sunlight. You could also take a cool box with you and load it with doggy ice lollies, a spill-proof water bowl, and water-soaked bath towels. Wet towels or a cooling coat should help to bring your hound’s temperature down if he or she is looking overheated.
Doggy lollipops
Homemade doggy ice lollies can bring massive relief to dogs. As the weather heats up, they could be a lifesaver.
Easy to make, these ice lollies are a great occasional treat for your dog – especially in summer when it’s vital to keep them cool. If your dog has special dietary requirements, speak to your vet before giving them a doggy ice lolly.
Ingredients and equipment:
- 1x apple
- 1x carrot
- Water (300ml)
- Dog chew sticks
- Knife / apple corer
- Grater
- Jug
- Hand blender
- Paper cups
Method:
- Slice your apple carefully using a knife or apple corer, making sure to remove the core and any seeds
- Cut your apple into small pieces
- Grate your carrot
- Measure out 300ml of water into a jug
- Add your chopped apple and grated carrot to the jug
- Combine using a hand blender until the mixture is smooth
- Pour the mixture into your paper cups and put them in the freezer
- Leave for 1-2 hours or until the mixture is partially frozen
- Add a dog chew stick to each cup to create the lolly stick
- Place the cups back in the freezer until set
- Once frozen, remove the paper cups
Now your lollies are ready, you can give one to your dog. It’s a good idea to let your dog eat their lolly outside, or on a hard floor that’s easy to keep clean.
With thanks to Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.
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