Is your dog already panting even though the thermometer only reads 20°C? That’s normal: unlike us, our four-legged friends don’t sweat to regulate their body temperature. Fortunately, there is a very effective household tip to help them cope with the summer heat.
Why do our dogs suffer so much from the heat?
You may have noticed: as soon as the sun comes out, your dog starts panting as if he’s just run a marathon. It’s his only way to cool down! While we sweat to dissipate the heat, our dogs only have a few sweat glands… under the pads of their paws.
The danger of overheating shows up faster than we think. Even at 20°C, a dog can start to feel hot, and in just 15 minutes of exposure to high temperatures, they can suffer heatstroke. Imagine this: You’re dressed in a fur coat in the middle of summer and you can’t take it off!
Surfaces such as asphalt or artificial turf become real hot plates. Here’s a simple test to see if the floor is safe: place the back of your hand on the surface for seven seconds. If it burns, your dog’s paw pads will probably be affected too.
Signs that warn you
How can you tell if your dog is too hot? Look out for these warning signs:
- Excessive and rapid panting
- Unusually hanging tongue
- Unsteady gait or lethargy
- Very red or very pale gums
- Difficulty standing up or walking
The ingenious Pienso ice cube trick
Now that you know the risks, let’s talk about solutions! Of course you can put a few ice cubes in your dog’s water bowl. Contrary to popular belief , the cold is not dangerous for our companions. But there is an even cleverer trick: cubitos de hielo avec pienso.
This Spanish technique is all the rage, and for good reason: it combines hydration with fun. How does it work? Nothing could be easier! Take a plastic container or ice mold, fill it with water and add a few pieces of your dog’s usual food. Once everything is well frozen, take your creation out of the mold.
The perfect preparation
A little extra tip: Run the ice cube quickly under warm water before giving it to your dog. This will prevent his tongue from sticking to the ice cube, like when we children foolishly tested our strength with iron bars in winter!
Your dog will love licking, chewing and playing with this refreshing ‘toy’. Not only will this activity keep him hydrated, but it will also keep him occupied for quite a while. It’s especially useful if you have a garden or patio where he can sit quietly.
Other solutions for smart hydration
As well as using fortified ice cubes, you should increase the number of water sources in your home. Place several bowls in different rooms, especially where your dog likes to spend time. For outings and car rides, invest in a portable water bowl – these little accessories are invaluable.
You can also make homemade popsicles with suitable fruit: mashed banana with a little water or apple pieces (without seeds, of course) in ice. But keep an eye on your dog: he must not damage his teeth by biting off pieces that are too hard!
Water, always water
Never forget that fresh, clean water is the basis for everything. Change it regularly, especially in hot weather when it can quickly become lukewarm or even hot. If your dog doesn’t like his usual bowl, try to vary: Some dogs prefer to drink from ceramic rather than plastic containers, or vice versa.
A technique I discovered by chance with my dog: He loves to drink from the tap! So sometimes, when it’s very hot, I open the bathroom tap a little and let him play with the dripping water. Every dog has his little quirks!
Prevention instead of cure in everyday life
Prevention is still the best weapon against heatstroke. Change the times of your walks: go out early in the morning or late in the evening when the air is cooler and the asphalt has had time to cool down.
Opt for natural surfaces like grass or earth at lunchtime. Shady parks will become your new favorite playgrounds! And if you have no other choice, drastically shorten your outings.
The technique of cooling off outdoors
Here’s a trick that many people don’t know: Getting your dog wet can help regulate his temperature. Focus on his head and torso with a damp sponge or washcloth. The water that evaporates on his skin has a similar effect to our sweating.
Some dogs even like it when you gently spray them down with a hose! But be careful: never apply the ice water all at once, as this can lead to a temperature shock. Proceed gradually and observe your dog’s reactions.
Summer can be difficult for our companions, but with these simple tips you should be able to help them get through this time without any worries. The most important thing is to stay alert and don’t hesitate to adjust your habits. After all, a happy and rested dog means a successful summer for the whole family!