Tracie's Tips - Helping your dog during the hot weather

We all love it when the sun shines giving us perfect dog walking opportunities. Dogs will self-regulate their body temperature by panting and sweating through the pads on their paws, but in very hot weather, their body temperature rises dramatically and they are no longer able to do this. Heatstroke is a very serious issue for dogs and can be avoided by following a few simple tips.

 

• Do not go out walking if the ground feels hot to your touch, wait until it is cooler.

• Always carry water and stop frequently to offer this to your dog

• Stay in shaded spots and watch carefully for signs that your dog is doing ok

• Keep your dog’s coat well trimmed in the Summer to prevent any flies from laying eggs in the fur and to help with keeping your dog cooler

• Give access to damp towels to lay on, cooling mats and a paddling pool for those that are inclined to use them

• Use cooling scarves on dogs who particularly struggle to breath

• Put ice in water bowls or give frozen dog treats for them to enjoy in shaded spots

• Do not over exercise, keep play calm with games that don’t involve running or chasing

 

Signs of heatstroke to look out for

 

Heavy panting

Drooling

Vomiting or diarrhoea

Lethargy/ glassy eyes

Wobbly legs/Collapsing

Skin feeling hot to touch

Racing heartbeat

Seizures

 

If your dog exhibits any of the above, visit your vet.