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When temperatures rise, we all have ways to cool down. We might take off a layer of clothing, sit in an air conditioned room, or enjoy a glass of cold water.
For dogs, it is a bit more complicated.
Unlike us, dogs sweat very little. They mainly cool down by panting, which works well, but only up to a point.
Puppies, older dogs, flat faced breeds, and dogs with certain health conditions are often more sensitive to heat. But in truth, when temperatures soar, every dog is at risk.
One of the biggest challenges is that dogs often do not realise they are getting too hot.
The good news is that a few simple actions can make a real difference.
💧 Fresh water, always. Always make sure fresh water is available and don’t hesitate to change it several times a day.
🌳 Go for walks at the right times. Aim for walks early in the morning or in the evening. In the middle of the day, the tarmac can become scorching hot for their paws. A good tip? Place your hand on the ground for 7 seconds: if it’s too hot for you, it’s probably too hot for your dog as well.
🏡 A cool, shaded spot. Set up a cool, shaded spot for them to rest. Some dogs love basking in the sun, but that doesn’t mean they can stay there for long without risk. Cooling mats, damp towels or even a small paddling pool can help them cope better on sweltering days.
🎾 Activities tailored to the weather. Finally, adapt your activities to the weather. On the hottest days, swap long play sessions for quieter activities: a lick mat filled with delicious wet food and chilled in the fridge can offer your dog a refreshing and VERY much appreciated pastime. What’s more, wet food is generally excellent for improving your dog’s hydration when it’s hot!
Once you’ve learnt these little tips, the most important thing is still to keep an eye on your dog and learn to recognise when they need to slow down, have a drink or simply have a nap in the shade. So you can enjoy the summer together to the full!
An important reminder
Never leave your dog alone in the car, not even for a few minutes with the window slightly open. When it’s hot, the inside of a car can turn into an oven in no time at all: a real danger to your dog..
