Keeping dogs cool and safe in the warm weather

Summer is coming, so you can enjoy sunny days with your beloved pooch. As the weather gets warmer, walking your dog at cooler times of day and avoiding leaving them in the car can protect them from heatstroke and damage to their paws from hot pavements.

If you are staying at home for the day, here are some simple steps to keep your dogs cool and safe in the warm weather.

Find a shady spot

Spending time in the sun can be fun, but too much can cause your doggo to overheat. Some dogs know when they are getting too hot and instinctively seek shade. However, others will not and may need some encouragement. You can take your doggo to a shady spot if you are out in the garden. Leaving doors open so your dog can head inside is also a good idea. You can also create shaded areas with a pop-up tent or by hanging a sheet over a pergola if you have one.

Groom your dog regularly

Your dog’s coat provides built-in climate control. In warmer weather, the hairs stand upright to increase airflow to their skin and help them cool down. Brushing and grooming your dog can help the process by getting rid of excess hair. Some breeds have double coats where the base layer traps cool air close to the skin.

You might be tempted to give your dog a haircut to help them cool down, but this can affect how their coat works and make them feel hotter. If your doggo does not shed and you usually take them to a groomer, stick to your usual schedule.

Find ways to cool down

When temperatures soar, your pooch might need some extra help to stay cool. A cooling mat or wet towel can help. They can trap heat if you drape them over your dog. Instead, lay them on the floor and encourage your dog to lie down. A paddling pool in a shady area can be brilliant, as dogs can release heat through their paws. Make sure the water is cold rather than freezing. Keep an eye on your pooch to ensure they do not get too excited by their game and end up overheating!

If you stay inside, keep the windows open and use a fan to help cool air circulate.

Keep your dog hydrated

As humans, we know how important it is to drink plenty of water in hot weather. The same applies to your dog. Ensure they can always access fresh water and encourage them to drink. You can put ice cubes in the water or freeze a Kong toy if you have one. You can feed your dog ice cubes, but be careful. Make sure they are reasonably small and not too hard, as this can cause tooth damage. Ask your vet if you have any concerns.

Understand heatstroke and flystrike symptoms

Heatstroke and flystrike can be fatal to dogs, so it is vital you know the signs. Heatstroke can cause breathing problems, so act quickly if your dog is panting heavily, drooling more than usual, or seems tired and disoriented. They might even collapse or be sick. Move them to a shady spot and pour water over them, encouraging them to drink if they can. Then, take them to the vet straight away.

Flystrike can happen when flies lay their eggs in your dog’s fur. These hatch into maggots, which feed on your pup, so do a daily check for signs of eggs or maggots in their fur.

We at PetStay hope this helped! Our dog carers look after every aspect of your dog’s care so that you can go away for a summer holiday or a day out without worry. Check here to see why we are your best choice for quality dog boarding!