Keeping Your Dog Cool in the Summer
The warmer weather has finally arrived in the UK and I am sure we all can’t wait to get outside and enjoy it. But we need to remember to take extra measures to ensure that our dogs stay healthy and happy in the heat.
Firstly, it is important to provide shade for your dogs if you are outside. Shade can come naturally from trees and bushes, but if this isn’t available to you then you can create your own shaded areas using items such as an umbrella or a sheet. Keeping your dog in the shade will help to keep his body temperature down.
Another super important tip for keeping your dog safe is to make sure they always have fresh drinking water available. Staying hydrated is vital for preventing heatstroke. Ensure that you are consistently checking and filling your dog’s water bowl and take a portable bowl on summer walks so that you are never caught out without water.
If you can, it is best to walk your dog at the cooler times of day - for example in the morning or evening. The sun is less intense at these times of day and so it will make the walk much more enjoyable for both you and your four-legged friend. Definitely avoid going out during the midday heat 11am-3pm as this is when the temperature will be the highest. A tip to know whether it is too hot to go out is to check the temperature of the floor using the back of your hand. If it feels too hot for you then it will definitely be too hot for your dog’s sensitive paw pads.
A fun way to cool your dog down is to freeze some blended food and water. Examples of some things you could freeze for your dog include; mashed banana, dog-friendly peanut butter, or tasty TurmerEase slices. Giving your dog these frozen treats will not only cool them down but will also occupy them for a little while, and you can be sure that they will go down well – dogs love treats!
You should NEVER ever leave your dog in a car during the summer. The temperature inside a car will quickly climb up much hotter than outside, and leaving your dog alone in this confined space may produce fatal effects.
If you learn to recognize the signs of heatstroke in dogs then you’ll be able to act more quickly which will significantly reduce the effects of heatstroke and might even save their life! The most common signs of heatstroke are;-
- Excessive panting
- Drooling
- Vomiting/diarrhoea
- Uncoordinated movements
- Loss of consciousness
If your dog shows any of these signs of heatstroke then immediately call your vet for advice. You can also place a wet towel on your dog’s back and remove them from the hot environment to bring their temperature down.
By following these tips, you and your dog can both enjoy all of the fun things that summer has to offer, whilst being protected from the potential harmful effects of the sun’s heat.
Not only in summer, but all year around, we need to care for our pet’s wellbeing. Check out the Turmeric Supplements formulated for dogs to find out more.
