It’s beem a scorcher of a week , and as well as dealing with sunburn and a lack home-ventilation, owners should spare a thought for their dogs in hot weather – especially ones with thick coats.
Given our past year of being cooped up indoors, spending time outside this summer was a certainty for many of us. However, our dogs may not be able to cope as well in the sun, so here is our best advice to help keep your dog cool in hot weather
REMEMBER WATER
Always keep a full bottle of clean water handy and provide cool/ damp towels for sitting. Play near a pool or sprinkler, and take walks near an accessible pond or river.
DIVIDE AND WANDER
To prevent injured paws, opt for a path less travelled – of grassy, cool areas over pavement. We also recommend swapping one long walk for two or three short bursts throughout the day – such as in the morning or late evening when the sun is weaker – to preserve temperature and energy.
GET GROOMING
We laughed at our own lockdown haircuts, but a trim could be the most effective means of cooling out dogs in hot weather off. Invest time in regular grooming to remove knots and fluff. Also, try a dog-formulated sun cream for protecting sensitive skin.
WATCH OUT FOR SIGNS OF HEATSTROKE
The key flags to look out for when the temperature gets too much are:
Heavy Panting
Excessive Salivation/ Dribbling
Wobbling and trouble standing up
Bright Red Gums
Glazed Eyes
Rapid Pulse
Lack of Coordination
Vomiting and/or diarrhoea
Loss of consciousness
HOW TO TREAT HEATSTROKE
Immediately take your dog to a shaded area
Contact your vet straight away
Keep your dog cool by applying towels soaked in cold water to it’s head, neck, and chest
Let them lick something cool, like water or an ice cube (but avoid giving too much).
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