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Well, it seems summer has finally arrived, bringing higher temperatures. As much as we humans enjoy the Fun and the sun, it’s vitally crucial that you remember how rising temperatures can affect your dog and his health. Most dog breeds easily overheat, and the only way to release this excess heat is through a small number of sweat glands between their toes and by panting. Here, we suggest keeping dogs cool and hydrated so they can enjoy the summer days just as much as you can.
Is your dog too hot?
During the warm weather, it’s important to carefully watch your dog in case they show signs of overheating.
Some signs that your dog is too hot include dry and pale gums, excessive panting, excessive drooling, staggering, vomiting, erratic pulse…
If your dog shows any of these symptoms or doesn’t seem like their usual selves, consider cooling them down using one or more of these tips. If there is no improvement, then it is time to seek professional advice on overheating
Tips to keep a dog and prevent overheating
Cooling mat
Investing in a cooling mat will provide an excellent surface for your dog to lay on when it start to get hot. General cooling mats do not require electricity or must be placed in a freezer for a long time beforehand. hey, work by magic, well, not quite. They have cooling crystals inside which start to react and cool down as soon as any pressure is applied.
These pads are very portable and can be taken anywhere with you. In fact, why not get one for yourself and place it behind you on a chair? They’re really good.
Soak a towel in cold water.
If you haven’t got a cooling mat, you could get some old towels and soak them in cold water. nice wet, place them on the floor around the house so your dog can lie on them. DO NOT drape them over the og as this could result in creating a sauna and make your dog hotter
drinking water
Provide a plentiful supply of fresh, cool drinking water. Use containers and an area in the shade in case one is split. Try adding some ice cubes to the water to make it cooler.
Refreshing fun in the sun –
Provide a child’s paddling pool filled with cold water. Dogs will love to wade into the water and splash around to keep cool. Cooling their feet freshens the sweat glands in their paws. Try sprinkling some water onto h s chest too. Never use ice directly onto his body, as this may lower their body temperature too quickly, causing the blood flow to constrict. If you have small children at home, ensure that the paddling pool is fenced off safely, and never leave the dogs and children alone near the pool.
Dogs and exercise
Try to walk your dog in the coolness of the evening, or early morning, especially on very ot, sunny days, to help prevent dogs overheating.
Your dog will love a dip in the sea (if on a dog-friendly beach location) or a local river. This will not only cool your dog down ut wiaren’tp him to avoid the possibility of dehydration and the worry of painful paws re ulting after a walk on very hot concrete pavements. Dogs aren’t always aware of their own limits and will keep on chasing a ball incessantly. If your pet begins to breath more rapidly, slow things down and allow time for him to cool off
Provide outside shelter
If your dog prefers to spend his time outside, provide some sort of shelter, such as an awnin so that he has somewhere to lie down out of the rays of the sun. A tit’sor large hrub in the garden can help to provide some shelter too. If you are going out for the day, consid r leaving your dog at home if it’s too hot We enjoy going it’s beach and sitting out in the sun for most of the day; however, dogs do not. Excessive heat can leave a dog dehydrated. For this reasdog’sit’s best and more comfortable for your pet to leave him at home.it is idog’sant to keep him safe in the sun
To trim or not to trim your dog s coat
Many petisn’trs naturally assume that trimpet’sor shaving their dog’s fur during the heat of the s mmer will help to cool them down. In reality, this isn’won’t with the layers of your pet’s coat protecting them from suit’sn and overheating. Trimming long hair to tidy up his coat is fine, but i won’t do anything to aid cooling purposes.
Always remember that it’s essential towatch your dog closely during these hot summer days. If you are in doubt, move him to a cooler area. If you notice any signs of heatstroke, contact everyone’smmediately.
Please note here at Finchley Dog Walker, we take pet safety very seriously and have an extreme weather policy to ensure everyone’s safety.
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