## Why Summer Heat is Dangerous for Shiba Inus
Shiba Inus are particularly susceptible to heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses during the summer months. This is because they have a thick double coat that can make it difficult for them to regulate their body temperature.
When a Shiba Inu becomes overheated, they may pant excessively, drool, and become lethargic. In severe cases, they may collapse or experience seizures. Heat stroke can be life-threatening and requires immediate veterinary attention.
It’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of heat stroke in dogs and to take steps to prevent it from occurring in the first place. By following the tips and advice in this blog, you can help keep your Shiba Inu cool and comfortable during the hot summer months.
Tips for Keeping Your Shiba Inu Cool
During the summer months, it’s important to take steps to keep your Shiba Inu cool and comfortable. Here are some tips to help:
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Provide plenty of fresh water: Make sure your Shiba Inu always has access to plenty of fresh, cool water. Consider adding ice cubes to their water bowl to help keep it cool.
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Use cooling mats or towels: Cooling mats or towels can provide a cool place for your Shiba Inu to rest. You can also place a damp towel in the freezer for a few minutes and then lay it over your Shiba Inu to help them cool down.
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Avoid exercise during the hottest part of the day: Try to exercise your Shiba Inu during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening. Avoid exercising them during the hottest part of the day, when temperatures are at their highest.
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Provide shade: Make sure your Shiba Inu has access to shade, whether it’s under a tree or in a covered patio area. If you’re out and about, bring a portable shade shelter.
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Avoid hot pavement: Hot pavement can burn your Shiba Inu’s paws. Try to walk them on grass or in shaded areas, and avoid walking them during the hottest part of the day.
By following these tips, you can help keep your Shiba Inu cool and comfortable during the summer months.
Grooming Tips for Summer
Grooming your Shiba Inu during the summer months can help keep them cool and comfortable. Here are some tips to help:
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Trim their fur: Consider trimming your Shiba Inu’s fur to help keep them cool. However, be careful not to shave them completely, as their double coat provides insulation from both heat and cold.
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Brush them regularly: Brushing your Shiba Inu regularly can help remove loose fur and prevent matting, which can make them feel hotter.
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Keep their paws clean: Keep your Shiba Inu’s paws clean and free of debris. This can help prevent irritation and discomfort during walks.
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Use a cooling spray: Consider using a cooling spray specifically designed for dogs. These sprays can help cool your Shiba Inu down and make them feel more comfortable.
By following these grooming tips, you can help keep your Shiba Inu cool and comfortable during the summer months.
Indoor Activities for Hot Days
On particularly hot days, it’s important to keep your Shiba Inu indoors and out of the heat. Here are some indoor activities you can do with them to help keep them entertained:
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Puzzle toys: Puzzle toys can provide mental stimulation for your Shiba Inu and keep them occupied for hours. Consider toys that dispense treats, or puzzles that require them to solve a problem to access a reward.
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Indoor fetch: If you have a larger indoor space, you can play fetch with your Shiba Inu indoors. Consider using soft toys or balls to avoid damaging your furniture.
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Obedience training: Use hot days as an opportunity to work on obedience training with your Shiba Inu. This can help improve their behavior and provide mental stimulation.
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Interactive games: Interactive games such as hide-and-seek or tug-of-war can provide physical and mental stimulation for your Shiba Inu.
By providing indoor activities for your Shiba Inu on hot days, you can help keep them cool and entertained while avoiding the dangers of the summer heat.
Traveling with Your Shiba Inu in Summer
If you’re planning on traveling with your Shiba Inu during the summer months, it’s important to take steps to keep them cool and comfortable while on the road. Here are some tips to help:
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Keep them cool in the car: Make sure your car’s air conditioning is working properly and keep the temperature cool during the trip. You can also use a cooling mat or towel in their crate or seat to help them stay cool.
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Pack plenty of water: Bring plenty of fresh water for your Shiba Inu, as well as a portable water bowl. Offer them water frequently during rest stops.
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Plan rest stops: Plan your trip so that you can take frequent rest stops to allow your Shiba Inu to stretch their legs and go to the bathroom. Look for shaded areas where they can rest and cool down.
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Avoid leaving them in the car: Never leave your Shiba Inu in the car, even with the windows cracked. Cars can quickly become dangerously hot, even on relatively mild days.
By following these tips, you can help keep your Shiba Inu comfortable and safe while traveling during the summer months.
What to Do If Your Shiba Inu Shows Signs of Heat Stroke
If your Shiba Inu shows signs of heat stroke, it’s important to act quickly. Here’s what you should do:
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Move them to a cool place: Move your Shiba Inu to a cooler area, preferably with air conditioning or a fan.
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Cool them down: Use cool (not cold) water to wet their fur and skin. You can also place cool, wet towels on their body to help lower their body temperature.
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Offer water: Offer your Shiba Inu small amounts of water to drink, but don’t force them to drink too much too quickly.
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Seek veterinary care: Heat stroke can be life-threatening, so it’s important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible. Call your vet and let them know you’re on your way.
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Prevent heat stroke in the future: Take steps to prevent heat stroke from occurring in the future, such as providing plenty of water, avoiding exercise during the hottest parts of the day, and using cooling mats or towels.
By knowing the signs of heat stroke and taking quick action, you can help keep your Shiba Inu safe during the summer months.
Myths About Keeping Dogs Cool
There are many myths surrounding how to keep dogs cool during the summer months. Here are some common myths and the truth behind them:
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Myth: Shaving a dog’s fur will keep them cool. Truth: Shaving a dog’s fur can actually make them more susceptible to sunburn and heat stroke. A dog’s fur provides insulation from both heat and cold, so it’s important not to shave them completely.
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Myth: Giving a dog ice water will cool them down faster. Truth: Giving a dog ice water can actually cause their blood vessels to constrict, making it harder for them to cool down. It’s best to provide cool (not cold) water for your Shiba Inu.
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Myth: Leaving a dog in the car with the windows cracked is safe. Truth: Leaving a dog in the car, even with the windows cracked, can be extremely dangerous. Cars can quickly become dangerously hot, even on relatively mild days.
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Myth: Dogs don’t need sunscreen. Truth: Dogs with light-colored fur or exposed skin (such as on their nose or ears) can be susceptible to sunburn. Consider using a pet-specific sunscreen to protect them.
By knowing the truth behind these common myths, you can help keep your Shiba Inu safe and cool during the summer months.
Summer can be a challenging time for Shiba Inus, but by following these tips and advice, you can help keep them cool and comfortable during the hot months. Remember to provide plenty of fresh water, use cooling mats or towels, avoid exercise during the hottest parts of the day, and groom your Shiba Inu regularly.
If your Shiba Inu shows signs of heat stroke, act quickly by moving them to a cooler place, cooling them down with cool water, and seeking veterinary care. And remember, there are many myths surrounding how to keep dogs cool during the summer months, so make sure you know the truth behind them.
By taking these steps and being aware of the dangers of summer heat, you can help keep your Shiba Inu safe and happy all summer long.
