TEN TIPS FOR KEEPING YOUR DOG COOL THIS SUMMER

The summer has finally arrived here in the UK and after weeks of complaining about the miserable weather you’d think I would be happy…

You’d be wrong, being the classic Brit that I am, my complaints have taken a complete 360° and I am now longing for the cooler days, even though the sunsets are gorgeous!

We are definitely not setup for these extreme temperatures here with the majority of households not being fitted with air-conditioning. Luckily for us, we can strip down to the bare minimum clothing in an attempt to cool down!

Unfortunately, for our doggos it’s a different story, with a thick coat of fur this heat can be unbearable. The risk of overheating is high, particularly in brachycephalic breeds such as Pugs and French Bulldogs.

Not taking the correct precautions can lead to your dog getting heatstroke, a potentially fatal illness. You can read the PDSA’s signs of heatstroke and what to do if you think your dog is suffering here.

Fortunately, heatstroke is avoidable if you take the right steps to ensure your dog is kept cool in the warmer weather. I have listed my top tips below:

STAY INDOORS

Keeping your dog indoors, in a well-ventilated room, is one of the easiest ways to avoid heatstroke during the summer months. Make sure you give your dog plenty of space – sadly, cuddles will have to wait for another, cooler day!

ACCESS TO WATER

Dogs should always have constant access to water, but it is especially important when the sun is out! Make sure their bowl is always full; add in some ice cubes to make it extra refreshing for them.

AVOID WALKING IN PEAK HEAT

Understandably, you may still wish to exercise your dog on hot days. If this is the case, avoid midday where temperatures will be at their highest and try to walk in shaded areas like woodland.

Instead, why not get up early and catch the sunrise or walk late evening and take the opportunity to grab some golden hour or sunset snaps whilst you’re out!

Always check the temperature of the pavement with your hand before walking your dog, if its too hot for you, it will be too hot for their little toe beans!

Remember, whilst it is important to exercise your dog, they will not mind missing one day of walking and there are plenty of other ways to occupy your dog on a hot day. If the temperatures are too high, it is simply not worth the risk of heatstroke.

DO NOT LEAVE YOUR DOG IN A CAR

‘Dogs die in hot cars’ is a phrase we’ve all been hearing for years and it still baffles me that people continue to leave their pets in cars on hot days.

Even with the windows cracked, cars can become extremely hot very quickly. Dogs are not able to regulate their temperature in the same ways that we can and ‘not long’ is still too long when it comes to leaving a dog in a car.

Remember, if you see a dog locked in a car on a hot day you can call the police, it will be treated as an emergency and they will provide you with advice on what to do.

ACCESS TO SHADE

If you do go outside, ensure that your dog always has access to a shaded area. We have a south-facing garden which is an all-day suntrap - I recently purchased a ‘dog sun-lounger with canopy’ for Chutney, and whilst my dad thought the idea was ludicrous, I think it’s brilliant.

It is raised off the ground which is perfect as we have artificial grass which can get hot on warm days and it comes with a canopy to provide shade for your dog.

Some dogs love to lay out in the sun – make sure you encourage these sun worshippers to take regular breaks in the shade.

COOLING MAT

Cooling mats are great for the hot weather, they are typically self-cooling and absorb your pets body heat. Place one in a shaded area outside or in a cool spot of the house to provide your pooch with extra relief from the heat.

FROZEN TREATS

I for one am partial to an ice lolly or two on a hot day. Unfortunately, most ice lollies are not safe for dogs and may contain harmful chemicals like xylitol, but that doesn’t mean we can’t provide them with safe, alternative frozen goodies!

Not only do frozen treats keep your pets cool, they’re also great enrichment for your dog. This is a useful way to keep them entertained if you aren’t able to walk them due to the heat.

I have listed my top 5 frozen treats on this blog post.

PADDLING POOL

Do you remember summer days as a child where you’d spend all day in the paddling pool and end the day shrivelled up like a prune?

Dogs can enjoy paddling pools too and they’re a great way to cool off their paws, although Chutney tends to use hers as a giant water bowl!

GROOMING

If you have a particularly hairy four-legged friend, it may be wise to book them in for a groom before the summer heatwave.

Regular brushing and maintaining the cleanliness of your dog’s coat helps with air circulation.

PUT AWAY THE TOYS

As much as we all love a game of tug or fetch in the garden with our pups, that can wait for a cooler day.

Avoiding any physical exertion is wise on hot days, it is better to stick to mental stimulation instead such as scent work or enrichment toys.

Stay cool friends and enjoy summer, it might not be around for very long!