Getting out of the house with your pet is healthy and fun, but you need to be careful with your pet. Staying at home all the time is boring for both humans and dogs. Time spent on walks is not only fun, but also a way for your pet to engage in physical activities to stay healthier. It is recommended […]
Getting out of the house with your pet is healthy and fun, but you need to take care of your pet.
Staying at home all the time is boring for both humans and dogs. Time spent walking is not only fun, but also a way for your pet to engage in physical activities to stay healthier. Pets are recommended to exercise 30 to 60 minutes a day, but it is important to understand each pet’s breed and physical limitations, as well as weather precautions, to make the walk enjoyable.
Is there a recommended time to go for a walk?
Veterinarian Joana Barros indicates that, thinking about the animal’s health, the ideal is to take a walk only once in the morning, since it is a period in which the body needs to expend energy. Now, with the higher temperatures, it is recommended that the animal takes its walk before 10.00 am
after five in the afternoon.
“To check if the floor is too hot to walk your pet, take off your shoes and place your foot on the floor. Ideally, you should be able to walk comfortably barefoot, otherwise don’t go outside with your pet,” – underlines the specialist.
And for those who wonder about dog shoes, the vet warns that it is better to think again before buying them: “It is not advisable. The shoes will heat the paws more, which could cause dermatitis, as well as eliminating contact with the animal” . with the floor, damaging the sense of touch.”
Pay special attention to your paws when you go for a walk
One of the most important parts of the paws are the pads, those “little pads”, mostly black. Since they are softer and have thicker skin, they act as shock absorbers and protect the animal’s skin. “In drier periods and if the animal walks a lot on hot floors, the cushions can become drier. Another case are surfaces with chemicals, dry sand or dry earth which, if the animal is often found on this type of flooring, they can dry out as well as the cushions”, underlines Joana. If you notice that they are very dry, we recommend that you contact your vet, as hydration should only be carried out with the advice of a professional.
Another item to care for your paws is your nails. If they are too large there is a risk of injuring the animal during the walk or even in everyday life. “Dogs that are walked every day generally wear their nails well, but the ideal is that they do not exceed the height of the pad. It is important to pay attention, and the nail of the fifth toe (as if it were the big toe), since it doesn’t drag on the ground, it requires frequent cutting. Some dogs only hold it on their hands and others also hold it on their feet”, adds the vet.
Watch your dog
In severe heat, it’s often not just the paw that burns to the ground. Therefore, the animal has several ways to signal that it is unwell. Just observe the animal’s body language to understand if it suffers a lot from the temperature. Although expressions may vary from one dog to another, some of the most common signs of excessive tiredness are:
- Excessive salivation;
- Mouth open for a long time;
- Panting;
- Just lie down;
- Refusal to continue walking;
- Refusal to drink water or eat.
In these cases it is advisable to take a break or even take the animal home. But it is important to continue observing the dog and if there is no improvement, take him to the vet immediately.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
