Advice: Keeping Dogs Safe In Summer

As the weather heats up take a look at our top tips to ensure your dog is safe and happy during warm temperatures:

• Always provide shade and fresh water at all times. Keep an eye on your dog’s whereabouts in your garden or home as they do not always have the sense to move in to cooler areas themselves.
• Groom longer haired dogs regularly to remove excess hair.
• dogs can suffer from sunburn so apply a pet friendly sun cream to sensitive areas or areas with sparse/ fine fur such as noses and the tips of the ears. Dogs with areas of white fur are more susceptible to sun damage.

• Frozen treats, such as flavoured ice cubes or Kongs filled with frozen food are a great way to keep dogs cool while keeping their minds busy.
• Unlike humans, dogs lose heat through their pads and by panting so providing a paddling pool is an effective way to let them cool off.
• Never leave your dog in a car in warm weather. Even if it is a relatively cool 22°c outside, the internal temperature of a car can reach 47°c within one hour.
• Avoid exercising your dog during the warmest parts of the day, ensure you have a supply of water with you and where possible, exercise them in cooler areas such as woodland. Tarmac pavements can become extremely hot on your dog’s pads.

Be aware of heatstroke

Dogs can suffer from heatstroke and in severe cases the results can be fatal. Some dogs are less able to regulate their own body temperature such as older or younger dogs, dogs with thick, heavy coats and short, flat faces such as Bulldogs. Some medications can also make dogs more prone to heatstroke.

Signs that your dog may be suffering from heat stroke include:

• Excessive panting or drooling
• Dark red gums and tongue and ‘glassy’ eyes
• Lethargy, drowsiness or uncoordinated movements
• Collapsing, vomiting and diarrhoea

If you suspect your dog may be suffering from heatstroke, move them in to a shaded area, apply room temperature (not cold) water to their skin, encourage them to drink slowly and contact your vet immediately.