As temperatures rise around the country, keeping our pets cool, healthy, and happy during the summer months becomes a top priority for all pet parents. Summer can be a stressful time of year for dogs in warmer climates. Chihuahuas, with their short coats and petite bodies, are more suited to it. Others, such as the Siberian Husky and English Boxer, have a significantly lower tolerance.
Proteins
Lamb: Foods such as red meat, lamb, mutton, generate excessive body heat and are best avoided during summer. Also, meat gets contaminated easily in summer if it is not properly frozen and so it is a common cause of food poisoning in the summer season.
Chicken: Because chicken has white flesh, many people believe it is a cooling food. However, it is a heat-producing meat. Dogs on a chicken diet frequently stop eating in the summer, leading humans to believe that something is wrong, but this is not the case. The dog wants to eat, but what's in the bowl isn't right. Changes in diet are required.
Fatty Fish: Oily fish such as tuna are not good for your pets.
Carb
Carbs to avoid during hot months include oats, sweet potatoes, and sticky rice. In terms of grains, wheat, oats, ragi, as they produce heat.
Veggies:
Try to avoid food with sources that involve dense carbs, like root vegetables and potatoes.
Good Foods For Dogs In Summer
Watermelons
Because watermelons are 90% water, they are an excellent summer food for all pets. They are extremely hydrating and high in potassium as well as vitamins B6, A, and C. However, remember to remove all of the seeds from the watermelon before feeding it to your pet. Watermelon seeds, and indeed any seeds in fruits, can induce intestinal blockage and so be dangerous to dogs.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers are high in vitamins B1, B7, C, and K, as well as copper, magnesium, and potassium. This is the ideal summer snack for your pet, especially if they need to shed a few pounds. Cucumbers have a low carbohydrate and sugar content, making them a guilt-free and healthful snack.
Coconut Water
It's common knowledge that coconut water is the most refreshing drink for the summer, but did you realise that your pet may also enjoy it? Coconut water is perfectly safe for your pets; it contains electrolytes, calcium, potassium, and Vitamin C, and it has a cooling impact on your pet as well as being an excellent source of hydration! If your pet is sick, dilute the coconut water with 25% water to make it easier for your pet to consume.
Buttermilk
Summertime necessitates the consumption of buttermilk and yoghurt. The cool microorganisms (metaphorically and physically) alleviate several heat-related concerns. Lactic acid bacteria found in yoghurt and buttermilk are healthy to your pet's digestive tract.
Blanched mint leaves
Because mint has fantastic cooling characteristics, it can be a great addition to drinks or treats for your pets. However, use them sparingly; one leaf in 200 ml of water is the recommended dosage.
Conclusion
A well-balanced diet is essential for a dog's health. Additionally, it is critical to keep your dog hydrated throughout the day. To keep your dog cool, avoid taking them out for walks during the hottest hours of the day. In addition, because dogs sleep for long periods of time throughout the day, they would benefit from a cool, dark nook in your home to rest in. Keeping a couple of these suggestions in mind can go a long way toward ensuring that your closest friend is prepared to fight the heat.
A word of warning to pet parents: don't overdo it when it comes to offering meats, fruits and veggies to their dogs. To begin with, fruits are high in sugar, and too much sugar is a no-no for canines. Second, an excess of veggies or fruits might cause stomach upset. Always consult your veterinarian before changing your pet's diet, especially if it has a history of food allergies.
