7 Safety Tips Are Important When Taking Dogs For A Walk In Summer

Illustration (Muhannad Alatawi/Pexels)

JAKARTA - Summer has arrived, and hot weather often carries its own challenges when taking your favorite dog for a walk. To keep activities fun and safe, pay attention to the following seven tips reported by Cuteness, Tuesday, September 9.

The concrete surface such as sidewalks or roads can be very hot during the day so it is very likely to burn the dog's foot soles. An easy way to check it: place your back on the surface for about 7 seconds. If you feel comfortable, it is most likely safe for the dog's feet. But if you feel hot, wait for the morning or evening when the temperature is cooler. If you can only walk on the hot surface, consider using dog-specific protective shoes and dog training with a positive strengthening method to get used to wearing them.

Heat stroke or heat attacks are a serious risk. All types and ages of dogs can be hit. When the weather is extreme, keep the dogs in cool homes. If outside, make sure they are in the shade and avoid heavy activity such as walking far away or playing throwing the ball at high temperatures. Signs that need to be watched out for include: shortness of breath, heavy breathing, pale gums, sluggishness, and vomiting. If these symptoms are seen, immediately take them to the veterinarian

In addition to choosing the right road time, cooling equipment can also help. Cooling jackets, cooling bandana, or vests soaked in cold water, can help keep the dog's body temperature comfortable while walking in the hot weather.

BBQ parties often leave food residues such as chicken bones or packs of chips on the side of the road. This is dangerous if you eat dogs. Always monitor and teach your dogs orders such as 'don't take' or 'drop' to help them ignore dangerous food.

Make sure you and your dog bring fresh water and folding bowls to make them easy to drink. Avoid letting dogs drink from drinking places in public environments, because it can transmit disease.

Foxtail is a pointed grained grass that can cause serious injuries if it sticks to the hair or enters the skin, ears, nose, or dog's eyes. Because they are not easily decomposed, they can lead to infection or other serious complications. Avoid areas with phontails and check the dog's body after a walk.

An insect bite or snake bite (depending on your area of residence) must also be watched out for. Keep the dog away from dangerous animals and bring special animal P3K equipment and know how to use it. If the dog seems to have difficulty breathing, swelling or showing discomfort, go to the veterinarian immediately.

Traveling with dogs in the summer can be a pleasant experience, as long as it is done with the right preparation. Choose time to walk in the morning or evening, avoid hot surfaces, bring water, use cooling accessories, teach basic orders to be safe from food residue, and be aware of environmental hazards such as phontails and dangerous animals. Hopefully these tips are useful for you and your favorite anabul.