Do You Have to Let Dogs Drink More Water After Walking Them in Summer?
The temperature in summer is relatively high. Because of a lot of sweating, owners often replenish themselves with a large amount of water after exercise, so they think dogs should also drink more water after walking in summer. Actually, this is a wrong approach. Whether humans or dogs, drinking a large amount of water after exercise can cause water intoxication, which, if not handled carefully, may even lead to the death of the dog. To avoid this situation, owners need to pay attention to the following points when walking dogs in summer:
1. Pay Attention to Walking Time
Do not walk dogs in the afternoon when temperatures are high and sunlight is strong, as dogs can easily get heatstroke. It is best to take dogs out in the early morning or evening when the temperature is lower and suitable for some exercise. If you have to take your dog out when it’s hot, owners must take anti-heatstroke measures seriously. Once the dog shows any abnormal symptoms, corresponding actions should be taken immediately to prevent heatstroke.
2. Do Not Give Too Much Water at Once
After walking the dog, only an appropriate amount of water should be given; do not provide too much water at once. If worried about the dog overheating, you can gently sprinkle some water on the dog’s body.
3. Do Not Shave the Dog’s Fur Completely
You might think the dog’s thick fur makes it hard for them to get through the hot summer, so you shave it all off. Actually, this is not good. Besides keeping warm, a dog’s fur helps insulate, prevent sunburn, protect the body from scratches, and reduce the chance of mosquito bites. Therefore, even if you need to trim the fur, you shouldn’t shave it off completely; some fur should be left on.
4. What to Do in Case of Emergencies
If the dog is tired due to excessive exercise, the owner should immediately let the dog rest and adjust. If the owner cannot judge the dog’s current physical condition, it’s best to take the dog to a veterinary hospital immediately for examination to prevent any accidents.