With the arrival of summer this Friday (22), it is vital that we take special care of our four-legged friends. Veterinarian Talita Marsilio, in an exclusive interview with ND Mais, shared 6 tips to help ensure the well-being of your pets during the hottest days of the year.

A veterinarian gives advice on caring for pets in the summer – Photo: Freepik/Reproduction/ND

6 ways to care for pets in the summer:

1 – Sun exposure:

The doctor stressed that both dogs and cats can suffer from heatstroke, so it is crucial to avoid direct exposure to the sun during the hottest part of the day.

Brachycephalic breeds are more prone to problems in the summer. Photo: Freepik/Reproduction/ND.

Brachycephalic breeds with shorter muzzles, such as Pugs and Shihtzus, are more prone to problems in the summer due to difficulty breathing.

“Because of their anatomy, it is more difficult for them to change temperature, so they require special care,” warns Talitha.

It is important to keep animals in cool, ventilated areas, even with air conditioning for some breeds.

2 – Adequate hydration:

It is extremely important to ensure that pets have constant access to fresh water. Adding ice to water can be a beneficial practice to make it more refreshing.

It is extremely important to ensure that pets have constant access to fresh water. Photo: Freepik/Reproduction/ND.

In addition, there are accessories such as cold mats that help regulate the animals’ temperature, providing them with a more comfortable and cooler environment, the doctor says.

A cold mat is an option for keeping pets cool. Photo: Reproduction/ND

3 – Mindful walks:

Thalyta also warns against walking during the hottest part of the day as surfaces can become excessively hot, causing discomfort to pets’ paws.

“Although their paws are a little more stable, there is still a risk of burns,” he explains. Photo: Pexels/Reproduction/ND.

“Just as our feet burn on the asphalt, their situation is similar. Although their paws are a little more stable, there is still a risk of burns,” he explains.

“It is recommended to walk during the cooler parts of the day and pay attention to the surface the animal is walking on.”

It is recommended to walk during cooler times of the day. Photo: Pexels/Reproduction/ND.

4 – Control of parasites:

As temperatures rise, the spread of parasites such as fleas and ticks also increases. It is critical to remain vigilant against these arthropods and to ensure that universal vaccines are updated to prevent diseases transmitted by these parasites, especially in the summer.

To prevent diseases transmitted by these parasites, it is important to implement timely measures to combat fleas and ticks, as well as use multifunctional vaccines. Photo: Pexels/Reproduction/ND

“It is very important during this period to be very careful about the vaccination protocol and constantly update it to avoid problems. We saw a significant increase in the incidence of these diseases in the summer.”

The doctor also emphasizes the importance of keeping your pet under control with a leash during walks to ensure his safety. She notes that this precaution is especially important because we can never predict the appearance of stray or aggressive animals on the streets, which can lead to unexpected attacks.

5 – Grooming:

For dogs with long hair, clipping may be an option that provides greater thermal comfort. Otherwise, daily brushing is necessary to avoid tangles, damage and promote hair change.

Haircuts may be an option to provide greater thermal comfort. Photo: Freepik/Reproduction/ND.

“It is very important to brush it daily, preferably to facilitate hair changes and avoid tangling. This is very important, as sometimes the animal can develop knots in the fur, which leads to itching, which leads to saliva deposition and possible local injuries,” explains the doctor.

6 – Prevention of food poisoning:

Summer is also marked by end-of-year parties and celebrations, so be careful to prevent pets from consuming toxic products. Poor nutrition can lead to gastroenteritis and food poisoning.

It is extremely important to keep animals away from the holiday table and inform diners of the risks. Photo: Pexels/Reproduction/ND

“Our homes usually host events such as parties, barbecues and dinners during which small items may fall on the floor or family members end up offering leftovers. This situation can trigger allergy attacks due to the presence of certain foods,” emphasizes Talitha.

The doctor notes that it is extremely important to keep animals away from the holiday table and inform visitors about the risks.