Summer Dog Walk Guide: Essential Tips for Safe & Happy

Take a Deep Breath

Dogs regulate their body temperature by exhaling warm air and inhaling cool air. When a dog is panting excessively, it's a clear sign that it's tired or overheated. Let's not dismiss this as mere talk; it's a serious matter.

Let's consider a scenario: It's 9:30 PM, and you're taking your dog for a walk on the street. Before you know it, the pup is panting heavily, clearly feeling the heat. What should you do then?

Many pet owners would suggest giving the dog a rest and offering some water. If your dog has a long nose and is regularly exercised, this approach is generally fine, but let's be clear—it's not foolproof.

However, if your dog has a short nose and spends most of its time indoors, this method can be deadly. Why? Dogs cool down by exhaling hot air and inhaling cool air.

But on a sweltering night, your dog can only exhale hot air and inhale hot air, which doesn't help in cooling down. Moreover, after a day of baking in the sun, the ground is incredibly hot, creating a恶性循环. When a dog exhales hot air, inhales hot air, and lies on the sunbaked ground, it becomes very restless and increases its breathing rate. If not handled properly, this can lead to accidents.

The best course of action is to first find a cool, airy spot for your dog to regulate its temperature before considering other cooling measures, such as giving it water.

The primary task when a dog is heavily panting is to alter the environmental temperature.

Water Intake

When offering water, it's crucial to control the amount.

Imagine being in a sweltering environment and being handed a bottle of water. What would you do? You'd probably gulp it down, right? Dogs are the same. This is why they might accidentally inhale water into their respiratory tract if they drink too quickly, or if the water goes too deep into their nostrils, leading to choking or even pneumonia.

Be mindful of the water quantity when walking your dog in the summer; don't overdo it.

Temperature

Every dog breed has its own idea of a "comfortable temperature," usually determined by the length of its fur. For shorthaired dogs, the ideal temperature ranges from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. For longhaired dogs, it's 15 to 20 degrees Celsius. For particularly hardy breeds, 10 to 15 degrees Celsius is the most comfortable.

Humidity

Many people may not pay attention to humidity, but what impact does high humidity have on dogs? Well, humidity is essentially water vapor in the air. High humidity makes the perceived temperature even higher and, worse, it hinders sweat evaporation. Imagine how uncomfortable your dog would feel in a humid environment.

So, those of you in the southern regions should consider getting a dehumidifier for your furry friends.

Here's what else you should keep in mind:

During the summer, make sure to change the water frequently and keep your dog in a cool, wellventilated area. It's normal for dogs to have a decreased appetite in the summer, so don't worry about it.