How to Take Care of German Shepherd Dogs in Summer? If you’re the proud parent of a magnificent German Shepherd, you know they’re built for chilly weather, with their thick fur and tough paws. But when the sun starts to sizzle, it’s time to give your furry friend some extra TLC. Summer’s here, and we’re here to guide you on how to keep your German Shepherd comfy and cool when the mercury rises.
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German Shepherd Dogs in Summer | Why Summers Are Tricky for German Shepherds
First things first, let’s talk about German Shepherd Dogs in Summer and why summer can be a bit of a challenge for our German Shepherd pals. These amazing dogs are like winter warriors, ready to frolic in the snow. Their double coat, designed for insulation, can make them feel like they’re wearing a cozy sweater in the middle of a heatwave. Plus, their tough paws might not be too thrilled about hot pavement.
So, why are we talking about summer and German Shepherds? Because we want to make sure these incredible canines stay safe and happy when the sun’s blazing.
How do I keep my German Shepherd cool in the summer?
German Shepherd Dogs in Summer time means playing in the sun, on the beach, and outdoors with your German Shepherd dog care or cat care (did you know that adventurous cats are a growing trend?).
Summer is a great time to bond with your pet. But higher temperatures mean more hazards to our furry companions – more injuries, more skin and ear infections, and the possibility of heat stroke.
Pets do not sweat and warm up as easily as humans do. To avoid these problems and enjoy the summer with your pet, here are some tips to keep in mind.
1. Provide plenty of water and shade
Dehydration in dogs and cats is a real possibility in the summer. When our dogs warm up they come in a lot more than we do. Signs of dehydration include dry gums and excessive dropping.
Make sure your pet always has access to clean, clean water inside the house and bring a bottle for your German Shepherd dog when you go out, just like you did for yourself. You can switch to wet dog food during the hot months to increase fluid intake.
Keep your pet in the shade as much time as possible. Dogs and cats love sunlight, as direct sunlight can give excess heat to them (especially dogs) and lead to Sun stroke.
2. Know the signs
The normal temperature of a dog is between 100 and 103 F, while the normal temperature in cats is 100.4º to 102.5ºF. Anything more than that means your pet is in danger. Dogs and cats will not sweat like we humans do. They drink water and pant to lower their body temperature.
Look for these symptoms of overheating:
- Heavy Panting (breathing with short, quick breaths; out of breath.)
- Dry or bright red gums
- Thick Pee
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- shaky legs
If your pet shows signs of heat exhaustion, move them to a cool place, give them water to drink, put a damp towel over their body, and take them into the wet asparagus. Do not put your pet in cold water as it will shock them.
Also Read: Shaved Australian Shepherd: Is It Okay To Shave An Australian Shepherd?
3. Do not leave your pet in the car
Most pets like to travel in cars. They do not enjoy getting stuck somewhere in the parking lot when it warms up more than 100 degrees.
Leaving your pet in the car for a few minutes may not be a big deal. However, it takes less than 10 minutes for heat stroke to develop in dogs and cats inside a hot vehicle.
Leaving your pets in cars is not only dangerous for your pet, it is also illegal in 16 states that have specific “hot car” laws. So, take your pet with you or keep it at home.
If you see a pet left alone in a car in a dangerous condition, take immediate action – try to search for the owner or call the police.
4. Apply sunscreen lotion
Pets get sunburned, especially those with short or light hair. And compared to people, it hurts and can even lead to skin cancer.
If you plan to spend a day in the sun with your furry companion, apply sunscreen every 3-4 hours to hair-covered spots: belly, ears and nose. Use only sunscreens made specifically for pets. Your vet can advise on a product that is suitable for your pet fur.
5. Do not shave your German Shepherd
You may think that shaving a cat for your dog in the summer is the best solution to keep warm. But the pet coat is naturally designed to stay cool in summer and warm in winter. Feel free to trim your pet’s fur in the summer, but never shave.
Leave at least a full inch of hair to protect your pet’s skin from sunburn. Don’t forget about your pet’s general dressing schedule any season.
6. Keep track of your walk time
If you have a dog, walk and exercise your puppy only in the morning and evening. Never take your dog out in the middle of the day. When outside, take a break in the shade and water will be available.
7. Keep your dog’s paws cool
Pets are hot and cool from the bottom up. If you are in the sun together, try to keep your pet away from hot surfaces such as cement and asphalt. It not only burns the feet, but also raises body temperature and leads to overheating.
Driving with your dog in the back of a truck is also not a good idea – hot metal can give a burning sensation to him quickly.
When spraying your dog with water, be sure to spray it to cool the feet and abdomen quickly. If you are using a wet towel, it is better to massage their feet and abdomen than the top coat.
If you can’t walk your dog in the early hours of the day and later, doggy boots are a great way to protect their feet.
8. Keep the parasite away
In summer, flies, ticks, mosquitoes and other parasites are practically everywhere. They include tapeworms, heartworms, and diseases such as Lyme or Bartonella that can put your pet at risk.
9. Consider a life jacket
Like us, dogs can cool off in water, pool, lake or ocean. But be very careful where you allow them.
Not all dogs swim well. And even those who do may not know how to get out of the pool. Also, strong currents and riptides can sweep a dog into the sea.
If you decide to take your doggie sailing or boating, make sure it wears a life jacket in a bright color to make it visible and floatable in the event of an accident.
Always keep an eye on your furry companion when near water.
10. Keep your German Shepherd dog away from fireworks
The perfect time for summer barbecues, picnics and the whole outdoor celebration, July 4th is the biggest, most anticipated part of the fireworks.
While we all enjoy the big bright bada boom, our pets run away in fear. In addition, fireworks are made with chemicals such as potassium nitrate, which can cause poisoning to feed your curious pet.
If you put on your own fireworks display, keep your pet indoors and clear the fireworks debris yard before letting your puppy or kitty out.
11. If there is no fence, put your dog on the leash
Summertime means all kinds of exciting scenery, scents, critters running around and new and exciting places to explore.
You should never lose your dog because he is distracted in an unfamiliar environment. And remember, not every dog is off-leash;
Some dogs are completely unreliable to come when called.
Make sure you understand your dog’s tendencies and not be overly cautious.
12. Monitor your German Shepherd dog weight
After a long winter, most dogs shed a few extra pounds. Summer is the perfect time to raise his workout level and get into tip-top shape.
A pet that maintains a healthy weight for the rest of its life will live an average of 2-3 years longer than an overweight pet! Take care not to overuse your dog.
Talk to your veterinarian, give him adequate rest and if your dog is particularly overweight, make sure you relieve him of physical activity.
Can German Shepherds Survive in Hot Weather?
German Shepherds are renowned for their striking appearance, marked by a sturdy build and a dense double coat. This breed is adaptable and excels in various climates. Their coat, though well-suited for colder temperatures, can become a potential issue in hot weather. With a thick undercoat designed to retain warmth in cold conditions, German Shepherds may struggle to regulate their body temperature when exposed to high heat.
Effects of Hot Weather on Dogs
Hot weather can affect dogs in several ways, regardless of breed. Dogs primarily regulate their body temperature through panting, a mechanism less efficient than sweating in humans. When exposed to excessive heat, dogs are at risk of overheating, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. These conditions can lead to severe health issues, including organ damage and, in extreme cases, death.
German Shepherds, with their dense coats, are particularly susceptible to overheating. Their thick fur inhibits effective cooling through panting, making them more vulnerable in hot weather. Additionally, their dark-colored coats can absorb and retain heat, further exacerbating the problem.
Do German Shepherds Need AC? The Case for Canine Comfort
In the ongoing debate over whether German Shepherds need air conditioning (AC), I stand firmly in favor of providing this breed, and indeed all dogs, with the cooling comfort of AC during hot weather. The well-being and health of our furry companions should always be our top priority, and AC plays a vital role in ensuring their safety, comfort, and overall quality of life.
The Importance of AC for German Shepherds
German Shepherds, renowned for their intelligence, loyalty, and versatility, are a breed with specific needs, particularly when it comes to temperature regulation. Here’s why AC is essential for their well-being:
- Heat Sensitivity: German Shepherds, like many other breeds, are sensitive to high temperatures. Their thick double coat, originally designed for colder climates, makes them prone to overheating and heat-related issues in hot weather.
- Preventing Heatstroke: German Shepherds are at risk of heat stroke, a potentially life-threatening condition. AC helps maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, reducing the chances of heatstroke during scorching summers.
- Respiratory Comfort: Dogs primarily cool down through panting, and AC helps maintain proper airflow and humidity levels in your home. This can significantly improve their respiratory comfort during hot spells.
- Protecting Paws: AC allows you to avoid taking your dog for walks on hot pavement. High temperatures can scorch their paw pads, causing pain and injury.
Addressing Potential Counterarguments
While some may argue against providing AC for German Shepherds, often citing concerns about energy consumption or cost, these counterarguments do not outweigh the importance of their comfort and safety.
- Energy Efficiency: Modern AC units are designed to be energy-efficient. You can regulate the temperature to keep your home cool without running the AC at maximum capacity constantly. Moreover, the comfort and health of your dog should be a top priority, and energy costs are a manageable expense compared to potential vet bills for heat-related illnesses.
- Cost Considerations: AC costs can be managed through strategic usage. You can use programmable thermostats to control when the AC is running and at what temperature. Additionally, consider the long-term savings on veterinary bills and the peace of mind that comes with knowing your dog is safe and comfortable.
