Hot Weather Tips: How To Keep Your Dog Safe and Cool This Summer
It’s scorchio in many parts of the UK right now, so it's important to take extra steps to keep your furry friends safe from the heat. Dogs are in danger of heatstroke and other heat-related problems and rely on us to help them stay cool and safe.
Today we want to highlight the risks and dangers of the hot weather for dogs, and give you a few tips for walking them safely, and keeping them cool throughout the summer.
The risks and dangers:
- Heatstroke: Dogs can overheat quickly, leading to heatstroke, which can be fatal if not treated promptly. Symptoms include excessive panting, drooling, red gums, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
- Paw Pads Burns: Hot tarmac and concrete can burn your dog's paw pads. Make sure you check the ground temperature before heading out for a walk.
- Dehydration: Dogs can become dehydrated very quickly in hot weather so make sure they have access to fresh water at all times.
Tips for walking dogs safely in the heat:
- Walk Early or Late: Schedule walks during the cooler parts of the day, either early in the morning or late in the evening when the sun isn't as strong.
- Stay in the Shade: Choose shaded paths for your walks to avoid direct sunlight.
- Shorter Walks: Keep walks shorter to prevent your dog from overheating. Opt for multiple short walks instead of one long one.
- Bring Water: Carry a portable water bottle and a collapsible bowl to keep your dog hydrated during the walk.
- Paw Protection: Consider using dog booties to protect their paw pads from hot pavement. Although, if it’s that hot maybe take tip number 1.
When to avoid walking your dog:
- Extreme Heat: Avoid walking your dog during the hottest part of the day (typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.).
- Humid Conditions: High humidity can make it harder for dogs to cool down. Skip walks when the humidity is high.
Tips for keeping your dog cool:
- Provide Shade: Ensure your dog has access to shaded areas in the yard or house.
- Hydrate: Always have fresh, cool water available for your dog to drink.
- Cooling Mats and Vests: Invest in cooling mats or vests to help your dog stay cool.
- Indoor Activities: On very hot days, engage your dog with indoor games and activities instead of outdoor exercise.
- Frozen Treats: Offer frozen treats like ice cubes or dog-friendly popsicles to help cool them down.
We know that most of you will already know this but if any of this helps just one person and their furry buddy, we’re happy!
Products that might help keep your dogs cool:
Here are just a couple of our favourite dog cooling products.
#1 Pet Drying/Cooling Super Towel
This Super Pet Towel doubles up as both a cooling towel when soaked, and a super absorbent towel to dry your furry friend. So you get use out of it year-round.
This was a life save for our boy Marty last summer while we were camping. He is a Mini American Shepheard so has a thick double coat. He loved his cooling jacket!
Now we’ve included this because lots of people I speak to swear by them. But it didn’t work for our boy as he doesn’t sit still! 🤣
We hope this helps. Feel free to share any tips or photos you might have on our Facebook page.
Enjoy the sunshine!
