Beat the Heat! How to Keep Your Dog Cool in Hot Weather

How to Keep Your Dog Cool and Safe in Hot Weather

As temperatures rise, it’s important to consider how the heat affects our canine companions. Dogs are highly susceptible to heatstroke, a serious and potentially fatal condition – recognising the signs early and knowing how to respond can make all the difference. Here are some things to consider and help your dog beat the heat!

Signs of Heatstroke in Dogs

Look out for the following symptoms:

• Excessive panting
• Dark red or bright red gums and tongue
• Sticky or dry gums and tongue
• Staggering, seizures, or severe lethargy
• Bloody diarrhoea or vomiting
• Rapid heart rate

Certain dogs are more vulnerable, particularly flat-nosed breeds (such as Bulldogs and Pugs), large breeds, heavy-coated dogs, senior dogs, and those with respiratory issues.

How to Help Your Dog Beat the Heat

• Always provide fresh, cool water at home and when out and about. Carry a bottle for both you and your dog, don’t forget to take a Natural Dog Food Collapsible bow – click here!
• Cool, not cold, water is best for cooling dogs down. Very cold water can cause blood vessels to constrict, making it harder for them to lose heat.
• Create shaded outdoor spaces and offer cool resting spots indoors, such as tiled floors or near a fan.
• Offer frozen dog-friendly treats to keep them stimulated and cool.
• Opt for mental stimulation games instead of physical activity during the hottest parts of the day.
• Limit walks to cooler times such as early morning or late evening. If the pavement is too hot for your bare feet, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws!
• Never leave your dog in a car, even for a short time. The temperature inside a car can climb dangerously high within minutes, even with the windows open.

Encouraging your dog to drink frequently helps maintain hydration and reduces the risk of heat-related illnesses – click here to visit the full blog post for tips!

Click here for tips on dealing with storm phobia!

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