Summer is a time of ease, relaxation, and socialization. There is a general exhale and life seems easier in the warmth of the sun. There are several ways to keep your pet healthy during the summer, which can be one of the most energetic seasons of the year!
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the summer season is connected with the Fire Element, which rules the emotional heart, mind, and spirit. It also relates to the physical heart, small intestines, the pericardium, and something called the ‘triple heater’ which all help to support the circulatory system and internal temperature regulation.
These fire elements can easily become unbalanced in the heat of summer. And if your pet already has a “fire constitution” (joyful, vibrant personality, outgoing, assertive, athletic, always ready for a challenge) they may be prone to be off-balance on hot days. The small intestine is paired with the heart and it helps to sort anything ingested into pure & un-pure while assimilating nutrients into the body. Hot foods should be avoided since there is already increased heat in animals with heart and small intestine imbalances. In Ayurvedic Medicine, summer is called the Pitta season where hot, pungent, lightness and intensity rules.
Late summer, sometimes described by ‘dog day afternoons,’ can be hotter and damper days rich with a lingering humidity heaviness in the air. This dampness is associated with the element earth signaling a change of season into fall. Ailments of excessive dampness can be exacerbated with exposure to humid climates, swimming or being caught in the rain or any exposure to water.
Tips for Pets in the Summer:
If you have a pet with an actual heart condition, the summer can cause stress & strain on their already compromised heart. Be cautious with exercise and over-doing it. Think about adding herbs that support the heart to your pet’s diet.
The tips below will help your pet navigate the summer comfortably and can help avoid the life-threatening condition of heatstroke. Be mindful of your pet’s age, breed, and medical condition when deciding whether to take them outside in the heat of summer. A wet, cool bandana placed loosely around their neck may help them cool off on hot days. Unless you have Dalmatian or other breeds that can tolerate it, jogging with dogs is not a good idea in general since they do not naturally run long distances. This applies especially during the heat of summer. A nice walk early or late in the day may be all that is needed. Also, be mindful of protecting your pet’s paw pads from hot pavement. For pet rabbits be aware that their body temperature is naturally higher (up to 103 deg. F) and they do not tolerate the heat well. Make sure they stay inside during mid-day or have a safe, cool, well-ventilated, covered area outdoors.
Symptoms you may see with a summer imbalance:
- excess body heat & increased panting
- parched mouth & throat, increased drinking
- diarrhea or constipation
- acid reflux, burping
- skin rashes or eruptions
- heart palpitations or shortness of breath
- shoulder, foreleg or neck issues
- lack of joy, depression or manic states
Symptoms you may see towards the end of summer:
- vomiting, diarrhea
- sluggishness, lethargy
- aching joints
- abdominal pains or spasms
- heaviness in the chest
- increased effort when breathing or deep breathing
How to keep your pet healthy in the heat:
- get up early in the day to benefit from the sun’s energy, rest at mid-day
- exercise early or late in the day
- add swimming or water activities
- don’t skip meals and make meals lighter
- add cooling cucumber or herbs such as mint or chamomile to foods and water
- add social time to your pet’s routine
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