Hot tips for keeping your doggies cool this summer

This article comes ahead of our recent post on temperatures set to increase this week across Hainan. Long standing member of the expat community and dog lover Kaidi was kind enough to supply us with the following tips.

This article will provide you with the neccesary information to give your pooch a comfortable walk in the Hainan heat, learn the signs of heatstroke in dogs, what to do incase of heatstroke and which dogs are at high risk.

Dog walking

Avoid taking your dog out between 9 AM and 7 PM.

It’s generally safe in temperatures of up to 19 degrees C.

Lay the back of your hand on the pavement for 5 seconds.  If it’s too hot for you, then it’s too hot for them.

Booties or paw wax can help protect their paws.

Always take water and encourage your dog to drink often. 

WALK IN THE SHADE or on grassy surfaces.

Limit the walk to 15-20 minutes.

SIGNS of heatstroke in dogs:

Excessive panting

Weakness

Drooling

Vomiting

Drowsy or uncoordinated

Rapid heartbeat

Bright red tongue

What to do in case of heatstroke:

Douse the dog with cool water (not cold) all over the body.

Apply cool towels to head, neck and chest.

Give small drinks of water.

For the best chance of survival, dogs need to have their body temperature lowered gradually.

Once they dog is cool, take it to the vet.

Dog breeds that are at high risk of overheating:

Pug

Boston Terrier

Pekinese

Bulldog

French Bulldog

Boxer

Shit Tzu

REMEMBER TO ALWAYS walk your dog on leash.

Thank you for being a responsible pet owner. 

Related article: Dog registration in Haikou – what you need to know

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