Preventing your chihuahua from overheating is important on those hot summer days!
Chihuahuas are small animals that love the sunshine and come from a hot environment, but they are still prone to overheating and temperature sensitivity.
Here are some safety tips for keeping your chihuahua cool during these seriously hot summer days!
Vehicles
Many chihuahua owners take their chihuahuas everywhere. If you do this, make sure your chihauhua can go with you wherever you take it. In the summer heat, a chihuahua can develop health problems in a matter of minutes. Never leave your chihuahua unattended in your vehicle. If you can’t take your chihuahua inside where you have to go, then leave them at home.
Water
Always bring water with you and a way for your chihuahua to drink it. Try teaching your chihuahua how to drink from a bottle of water. You can also purchase a collapsible water bowl. Offer your chihuahua water regularly on those hot days. Ice cubes are a great way to keep them hydrated if they prefer to lick them.
You can also try feeding your chihuahua large crisp romaine lettuce leaves or other crisp and water filled vegetables that will quench their thirst.
Panting
Chihuahuas don’t sweat to cool themselves like humans do – they pant. Like all dogs, when chihuahuas are hot, they pant. If your chihuahua is panting excessively with labored breath, it could be in trouble. Pay attention to their behavior.
Offer them water immediately and get them into a cooler environment. If they foam at the mouth, this is a sure indication that it’s just too hot for your chihuahua.
Exercise
It’s easy to exercise chihuahuas indoors, and this is definitely something to consider on those super hot days. When heat warnings are in effect, you and your chihuahua should spend most of your time indoors.
Try a light game of fetch inside with your chihuahua’s favorite toy or run them in the hallways of your home or apartment building.
Heatstroke
Like other chihuahua health issues, knowing the signs of heatstroke in a chihuahua is critical. Here are a few indicators that your chihuahua might be having a heatstroke:
- excessive panting
- glazed eyes
- uncoordinated movement
- difficulty breathing
Heatstroke is a medical emergency, so don’t delay, get your chihuahua to the veterinarian immediately. Quick action on your part is necessary if your chihuahua’s life is possibly at stake.
It’s up to you to keep your chihuahua comfortable, healthy and safe in the summer heat!
Picture credit: hile (Helen Penjam) [Flickr]
