The warmer weather is definitely a welcome change for us all particularly this summer 2021. And with the warmer weather and ease up to some restrictions comes more plans and days our we will want to have with our dogs. Keeping your dog cool and comfortable in hot weather requires some planning and preparation to ensure they are protected against anyway hot weather risks and are able to enjoy themselves too.
The most important thing to note is that, however much we want them with us and to bring them for drives and days out, that we are never putting our dogs at risk left alone in hot cars. Even just a few minutes in a hot car on a sunny day can be fatal to our pups or leave them very distressed so if you feel they will be need to be left at any stage, it might be a better idea to instead leave them cool and comfortable at home!
While our dogs need exercise daily, when the temps are higher it will be better to adjust their exercise times to when it’s cooler either earlier in the morning or later at night. Some breeds like bulldogs and pugs are at higher risk of suffering heat stroke or breathing problems in the heat so make sure these breeds are never over exerted in the sun.
Always ensure your dog has access to cooler or shadier areas in the garden and house. Encourage them to lie in cool areas by placing their bed or a cold towel in the shade and in cooler rooms away from direct sunlight. Ensure they have plenty of fresh water 24/7.
Other ways to help keep them fresh and cool is to fill a few hot water bottles with cold water, leave the hose on sprinkler for a little while or filling a paddling pool with cold water for them to splash about in.
Remember some dogs are at risk of sunburn. Particularly white dogs or dogs that have pink skin or ears. Be sure to top up sun cream on these areas to keep them from burning!
Help cool them down by introducing new games! Try throwing treats or toys in a paddling pool or even a water bucket for them to retrieve. You can also freeze special food and tastier treats in their toys or hollow chews in the freezer and encourage them to go sourcing them out and licking away at the ice. Use low sodium stock too to up the ante and keep them interested! You can also make “cool-pups” where you freeze natural yoghurt and some berries in containers and empty them out into the shade in the garden for you pup to lick away at and enjoy!
