The weather in Britain is unpredictable, at best, but in the event that we have a hot summer it is important to keep your dogs safe.
Heatstroke
Before I share some tips about keeping your pups sun safe, let's get serious for abit and talk about heatstroke. Dogs are more susceptible to getting heatstroke than humans because they can’t sweat. Instead they rely on panting and releasing heat through their paws. Any environment that is hot or humid can lead to heatstroke especially if they are running around.
Take particular care if your dog is obese; has a short, flat nose; has lung or heart problems or has a thick coat as they are the most at risk.
Symptoms of heatstroke include: increased panting; increased drooling; very red or pale gums; red tongue; vomiting or diarrhoea; dizziness and lethargy.
If you think your dog may have heatstroke then please remove them from the sun and contact your vet.
Walkies
Walkies is always an exciting time for your dog and it’s very tempting to want to take your dogs out when the sun is at its hottest. Changing your walk to morning or late in the evening is a lot safer for your dog as it helps protect them from heatstroke and their little paws from burning on the pavement.
Always have out water!
It might seem obvious but it is especially important to have out fresh drinking water for your dogs in hot weather whether they’re sunbathing in the garden or out on a walk. I, sometimes, put ice cubes in their water for a treat because they love to play with them.
Cooler options
My boys, especially Winston, love to sunbathe as I’m sure a lot of your dogs do. I like to get their beds out and put them in the shade, this gives them some options and encourages them to get out of the sun. I know I’d much rather sleep in a bed in the shade than on the floor in the heat! A cooling mat can also be put out for them or a cooling towel placed on them to bring down their temperature. I have a small dog paddling pool which I leave out for them to take a dip in. It may not seem like the most obvious place but B&M have a great range of cooling products for your dog to keep them comfortable for a reasonable price.
Sun Cream
It might sound silly but dog sun cream is a thing and is great to protect your dogs skin especially for smooth and light coloured breeds. I like to use Petkin ‘doggy sunmist’, which protects from ultraviolet rays and smells lush! I like to put it on my boys bellies, ears and noses.
Hot Cars
Whatever you do please don’t leave your dog in a hot car! Even if you're just popping into Tesco for a pint of milk that 10 minutes could be fatal for your dog. If you see a dog suffering in a hot car then you should ring the police and if you feel like the best thing to do is to break the window, to get the dog out, then you should tell them what you intend to do and take before and after photos.
So enjoy the summer if we’re blessed with warm weather but just remember to keep your fur babies cool and safe.
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