Seeing hot weather on the forecast is exciting for us all, especially when we’ve been in lockdown for so long. We still need to make sure we’re taking care of our four-legged friends as they can’t regulate their body temperature as well as we can. To help you stay on top of things, we've put together our top summer dog care tips, so you can enjoy the sun in safety with your best friend.
Alternatives to your daily walks
The best prevention is to keep your pet indoors when the sun is strongest, between 11.00am and 3.00pm. Alternatively, you can pop a T-shirt on your dog and cover vulnerable areas to protect them. You can also apply a non-toxic waterproof human sunblock, or one specifically made for pets (seek veterinary advice if unsure).
You know what it's like when you step in bare feet on the pavements or asphalt in the middle of a sunny day? Scorching. Keep their paws protected from painful burns by walking on grass or shaded sidewalks and keeping strolls short when it's hot out. Try to go out for a walk with your pooch at the start of the day or end when the weather is cooler. As a general rule, if it’s too hot for your hand it’s too hot for their paws so remember to check before walking to prevent any injuries to their paws. If it’s too hot for you, then it’s also too hot for your dog.
Grooming
Grooming your dog is important in the summer months, especially for longhaired breeds, to get rid of matts and tangles as matted hair can trap heat. A tangle-free coat will protect your pet’s delicate skin and help to keep them cool. Some breeds may need their coats trimming to keep them comfortable. Ask a professional groomer for advice.
Take a dip
Most dog’s love a nice swim in the sea or a paddle in the pool. Keep a shallow paddling pool in the garden so that if they become too hot, they can have the chance to cool down. Keep a close eye on them around water to make sure they’re safe.
Cool tricks
There are lots of fun things you can do to help your dog cool down on hot summer days.
Keep hydrated. It’s important that your dog drinks enough in hot weather so they don’t get dehydrated. Remember to always bring water with you if you are heading out.
Create a cool room. Some dogs will seek out a tiled floor on hot days as they’re nice and cool to lie down on. You could also set up a fan for them or an area with some cool, damp towels for your dog to lie on.
Set Up Outdoor Shade. Some dogs (and people) don’t like to be trapped indoors or being outside in the heat just isn’t avoidable. So, if either of these situations exists, find some shade, or create your own. Sometimes, depending on the heat, something as simple as a tree is great. But not all gardens have trees so if you don’t, you can use a patio umbrella or portable sunshades etc.
Use a wet blanket. Using a hand towel or a bath towel that has been dampened and kept in the freezer is a great aid for cooling.
Ice packs and cool pads. You may be able to buy cooling beds and mats from your local pet shop for your dog to lie on. If you can’t find them, an easy alternative you can do at home, is to wrap ice packs in a towel and pop that in your dog’s bed to help cool them down quickly
The dog days of summer are here! We know you're probably excited to get out the house and start your summer adventures with your furry friends but please be sure to watch your dog for signs of overheating during the hot weather.
Sign of Overheating can include the following:
- Weakness and Confusion
- Increased Salvation
- Excessive Panting
- Dry, Pale Gums
- Rapid Pulse.
Share this with your dog-friends via social media, email and message to let them know and have a great summer and be safe!