Stay Hydrated
It's important to drink plenty of fluids, make sure that your dog has access to a supply of fresh water throughout the day.
Protect Against the Sun
Try to stay indoors or stick to the shade at the hottest times of the day. If you're out and about, apply pet-safe sunscreen to exposed parts of your dog’s skin (like ears and nose) to prevent sunburn.
Walkies
Avoid excessively exercising your dog in hot weather. Take advantage of the cooler temperatures on offer in the early morning and late evening to reduce the risk of heatstroke... A gentle evening stroll through a shady woodland would be ideal.
You will need to take extra care if your dog is old, unfit, overweight, or suffers from breathing difficulties.
The 7 Second Test
Pavements and paths - especially dark coloured surfaces like tarmac - can get really hot in the sun and could burn your dog's paws. Astroturf can also get incredibly hot. Before letting your dog walk on it, hold your hand on the floor for 7 seconds; if it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for your dog's paws.
Indoor Fun
If it's too hot to go for a walk outside, or to play in the garden, try some mental stimulation indoors. Playing a game with your pup or working on some training indoors can be fun and a great way to bond.
Cool Treats
Who doesn't love an ice cream or lolly? There's some great dog-friendly ice cream on the market and a selection of products, like Kongs and lickable textured mats, designed to be filled or covered with tasty ingredients before popping them in the freezer to set.
We love to use low fat Greek yogurt, doggy peanut butter, ripe banana or veg puree as a base with small chunks of fruit, veg, meat or cheese sprinkled in. It's cool, refreshing, tasty and relaxing - and can keep a dog busy for up to 30 minutes. With the right ingredients, it can also be really good for their gut health.
Keeping Comfy
You could try using a fan, gentle air conditioning or a doggy "cool mat" to help reduce your pooch's body temperature. A little paddle in a cool and shallow stream or a paddling pool can also be effective if your dog likes water, or you could just try damping their fur a little (e.g. on their head or belly).
Never Leave Your Dog in a Hot Car
Dogs can easily overheat - and it can happen scarily fast in a hot car. Winding a window down is notenough, so never leave your dog in a hot car.
Check Dogs Are Welcome
If you're planning a day out, check whether dogs are welcome at the visitor attractions you plan to visit before travelling.
The Early Bird...
Getting out and about early in the morning can be a great way to miss the traffic, beat the crowds and avoid the heat. And it's a pretty amazing feeling if you're lucky enough to have the beach all to yourself!
Please speak to your vet for further advice about keeping your pet safe in hot weather.
Ready for Your Summer Holiday?
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