How to help your dog in the heat?

Summer heat is a dangerous time for our four-legged pets. Dogs tolerate heat badly enough, so a good owner should take care of his pet.
Dogs do not sweat, so when overheated, it is quite difficult for them to reduce body temperature. Their thermoregulation is carried out exclusively due to rapid breathing, therefore in extreme heat the dog is exposed to a serious risk of heat stroke.

It should be remembered, it is most difficult to have dogs with flattened faces (pugs, bulldogs), who have a modified nasal passage. And of course, the way the dog tolerates heat depends on the age, type of coat and the state of health of the dog.
Key rules

Food: do not overfeed the dog in the heat. Reduce the amount of feed. Replace high-calorie and heavy food with a lighter one. Transfer dinner to late evening. For an adult animal, feedings can be reduced to 1 time per day (in the evening)

Water: Provide your dog with constant access to water. Place another bowl next to the met where the dog spends the most time. Check that the bowl is empty during the day. Change the water more often, as it quickly heats up even in the shade and bacteria spread rapidly in it.

Walking: Avoid direct sunlight. Try to walk in the shadows. Transfer your walks with your pet to a very early or very late time - the earlier (later), the better.

If you still need a day walk, walk your pet in the shade and no more than 15 minutes. If you still have to leave the house for a long time with your dog, be sure to take a bottle of water for a walk to periodically wet the belly and hips of your pet, as well as give a drink.

At home: do not lock the dog in an unventilated or stuffy, hot room. Keep your bathroom doors open - often there, on the tiled floor, dogs find salvation. If there is a fan at home or an air conditioner - leave it turned on at low power if you leave the dog at home, leaving for work.

Care: It is not recommended to cut long-haired dogs. Their wool, on the contrary, serves as their protection from the sun's rays. But combing the undercoat would be very appropriate.

Trips: try to move the time of the trip with the dog at the coolest time. For the long road, make stops so that the dog can drink and walk a little.