Hot Diggity Dog? Taking care of your dog in hot weather.

Written By Graham Coles

The days are drier and warmer, the evenings are lighter, and what’s better than a lovely stroll with the dog? But the heat can be a real danger for dogs - even more so for short/flat-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds, older dogs, or dogs with additional health problems - so take a read and take precautions to keep your dog safe this summer.

Hydration.

Keeping your dog hydrated during hot weather is vital. Place multiple bowls of cool fresh water around the house and garden to encourage your dog to drink frequently. You can add ice cubes to the water to keep it cold.

Avoid the midday sun.

Walking and other energetic activities during the midday sun can be dangerous and put your dog at risk of heatstroke. Walk earlier and later in the day to avoid the hottest times or take a gentle stroll in shaded woodland or at a local stream where there is opportunity to cool off. A paddling pool in the garden can provide a great way to refresh and cool down, as your dog releases heat through their paws, but be careful they don’t get over-excited and overheat as a result of this play. And always ensure your dog has access to areas indoors that are out of direct sunlight.

Remember as well that pavements can get extremely hot and may cause burns on your dog’s paws. If you can’t keep your hand on the ground for more than a few seconds, then it’s too hot for your dog to walk on.

Ice ice baby..!

Keep your dog cool by providing cooling mats, or placing freezer blocks or a frozen bottle of water wrapped in a towel into your dog’s bed.

Frozen treats and ice-licks can also be a good way to keep your dog both cool and entertained.

Heatstroke - know the signs.

Heatstroke is a real risk for dogs that are exercising in hot weather. It can be fatal and requires urgent veterinary care. Signs of heatstroke include;

  • Collapse

  • Lethargy

  • Excessive panting

  • Vomiting or diarrhoea

  • Purple gums and redness of the skin

If your dog shows signs of heatstroke, move them out of direct sunlight to somewhere cool and with a draught. Wet their coat with cool tap water and offer them small amounts of water to drink. Get them to the vet straight away. 

Graham Coles