Keeping your furry dog cool in hot weather is all about detailed preparation and forward planning. This will maintain your dog healthy and happy and will decrease the risk of your dog suffering from heatstroke. To support you stay on top of things, we’ve put together our top summer furry dog care suggestions, so you can enjoy the sun in safety with your furry friend.
There are many methods you can help your furry dog stay cool in hot weather, these suggestions also help to cool down a dog if they are too hot
- Motivate them to stay in shaded areas and away from direct sunlight
- Put down wet towels for them to lie on
- Fill a hot water bottle with cold water, but keep a watch out for any symptoms of chewing as the material could be harmful if eaten
- Put the garden sprinkler on
- Keep a paddling pool in the shadow for them to splash about in
Never Leave Your Dog In Car
Leaving a dog alone in a hot car can be deadly – even parked in the shadow with the windows open, dogs can become distressed and irritated very quickly. Make sure you always have a plan so your dog isn’t left alone in the car or any other encompassed areas.
Always Remember Water
It’s necessary to ensure your furry dog has access to plenty of clean drinking water all year rounded, but mainly in the summer. If you’re out and about with your furry dog, confirm you always have a bottle of water and a bowl for them.
Plan Your Walks
Try and avoid bringing your dog out in the noontime sun. Earlier morning or evening walks will be cooler and more satisfying for your furry friend.
Introduce New Games
Presenting new games that don’t apply too much running around is a good idea when the weather gets warmer.
- Hide toys or treats and let your furry dog sniff them out
- Use toys or treats to boost your dog into a shady paddling pool
- Freeze food or use certain food puzzles to keep your dog provoked without too much effort
Remember Regular Grooming
Routine grooming and/or clipping will keep your dog’s coat clean and free of knots. This is necessary as matting can trap warmth. See our range of dog grooming products here
Protect Your Dog’s Paws From Hot Surfaces
Hot surfaces can actually hurt your dog’s footpads, mainly sand or tarmac. If these surfaces feel too hot for you, then the probabilities are your dogs think the same.
Keep Your Dog Healthy
It’s critical to help your dog stay as fit and healthy as possible all year round, whatever that examines like for them. During warm weather, it’s quite important to help them keep a healthy weight. Your dog will likely be less active when it’s hot, and any walks or playtime should be moved to cooler parts of the day with lots of breaks and time in the shadow, so it can be a good idea to change the amount of food you give them to reflect how much power they are using up.
Use Dog Collar With Id Tag?
As a legal requirement, it’s important to make sure your dog is wearing a collar with an ID tag. In the summer you’re probably to be outside a lot more with your dog so they need to be identifiable should they go missing.
Symptoms Of Heatstroke In Dogs
Heatstroke grows when a dog can’t decrease their body temperature and it can be deadly. Signs of heatstroke contain:
- Heavy panting
- Glazed eyes
- A rapid pulse
- Excessive salivation
- Lack of coordination
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Loss of consciousness
How To Treat Heatstroke In Dogs
If you assume your dog has heatstroke, you need to act quickly. Take them to a cool, shaded place. Apply towels washed in cold water to their head, neck, and chest, and let them drink water or lick an ice cube. Never put them directly into ice-cold water or give them too much to drink as they may go into shock.
