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As the summer season brings warmer weather and increased sunshine, it’s crucial for us, as responsible pet owners, to prioritise the safety and health of our beloved pets. With rising temperatures expected in the UK this week, it’s up to us to take proactive steps to protect our furry companions. Here are some tips to ensure their comfort and safety during this time.
How to keep your dog cool:
- Use cool mats or place your dog on a cool, wet towel.
- Place fans around your home so your dog can lie nearby, or encourage them to sit or lie in a spot with a draft.
- Paddling pools are great for your dog to cool off in. Ensure it is placed in a shaded area.
- Keep on top of grooming, especially for long-haired breeds, as matted fur can prevent dogs from regulating their own temperature. If you have a dog whose hair grows long, such as a Poodle, Shih Tzu, Maltese or Lhasa Apso and mixed breeds like Cockapoos, Cavapoos, etc, it is a good idea to ask your groomer to give your dog a short haircut, during the summer months.
Never leave your dog in your car.
Avoid taking your dog in the car during the hottest part of the day, and do not leave them in the car, even when running quick errands. During warm weather, even with the windows slightly open, your car is not a safe place for your pets. If you see a dog left in a car and showing any signs of heatstroke, call 999 immediately. Dogs can die in hot cars. When the temperature outside is 22°C (70°F) the car can reach as high as 30°C in just 10 minutes and 40°C within 30 minutes!
What is heatstroke in dogs?
Heatstroke is when a dog becomes too hot and cannot regulate its temperature. Dogs do not sweat like humans; they can only sweat through their paws, and their primary method of regulating their temperature is through panting. Flat-faced breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs, Shih Tzu, and Boxers are more susceptible to heatstroke due to their shortened airways restricting airflow, so owners of these breeds should be extra vigilant in the summer months.
Warning signs of heatstroke include:
– Heavy panting and difficulty breathing
– Excessive drooling
– Lethargy, drowsiness, or uncoordinated movements
– Vomiting or collapsing.
How to keep your dog hydrated:
1. Ensure your dog has access to clean, fresh water at all times.
2. Place ice cubes in their water bowl and offer frozen treats such as fruit or frozen stuffed Kongs.
3. Feed a meal of juicy, watery fruits such as watermelons and cucumbers. Can Dogs Eat Watermelon? – Canine Wellness Specialist (canine-wellness-specialist.uk)
Tips for walking your dog in hot weather:
– Plan your walks for early morning or late evening when temperatures are lower
– Avoid walking during the hottest part of the day, which is from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., although this can sometimes be later in the evening during a heatwave
– The safest temperature range for dog walking is up to 19°C (68°F), with the ideal range from 12°C to 15°C
– Always remember to take water with you and offer hydrating treats such as cucumbers
– If your dog misses a walk for one day, it won’t cause harm
– Dogs can overheat and potentially die from hot walks, so it’s important to keep them at home in the cool
The five-second-hand rule
– Before considering a walk, do the 5-second hand test: place the back of your hand on the pavement, and if you cannot hold it for five seconds, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws
– Hot pavements can burn your dog’s paws, so if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog!
Thank you for reading
Teresa
Canine Wellness Specialist 