Summer has officially begun, and temperatures keep rising. Although we humans love soaking up the sun’s rays, it is not such a wonderful time for our pups, in fact, it can be fatal if they get sunstroke.

Dogs cannot sweat through their skin, so they rely on panting and releasing heat through the pads on their paws and nose to help regulate their body temperature. So here are a few reminders and top tips to keep your pooch cool and happy all summer long!:

In the Garden/Outside Area

• 1. If your woofer is outside, make sure they have a shaded area to rest in.
• 2. Put a wet towel down in the shade for them to lie on, and refresh it every so often, or use a cooling mat from a pet supplier.
• 3. Provide them with a water-filled paddling pool for splashing about in, or just to stand in to keep their paws cool – but make sure they are supervised at all times!

Exercise

• 4. To avoid the heat, take walks early morning and later in the evening, and always make sure you take plenty of clean drinking water and a bowl for your pup. It is also best to avoid long walks or overexertion.
• 5. Protect paws from hot pavements, by doing the hand test – if it is too hot for your palm, it will definitely be too hot for your doggo!
• 6. Carry their ball after exercise, as they cannot pant with a ball in their mouth!

l If your woofer swims or paddles in the sea, make sure you wash the salt and sand off them with fresh water to avoid dry and irritated skin.

General

• 7. Offer ice cubes with their favourite treat inside! Or you could pop an ice cube into their water bowl to keep it cooler for longer. If you are leaving them home alone, make sure they have plenty of water.
• 8. Greenhouses and conservatories are real sun traps so keep them out of these areas.
• 9. Your doggo might prefer to stay indoors, lying down on a tiled or concrete floor which will be much cooler for them.
• 10. NEVER leave your doggy alone in a car, not even if it is just for a few minutes and you are parked in the shade with the window open. Temperatures can rise very quickly, causing distress and ultimately heat stroke.
• 11. Make sure your pup is well-groomed as matted hair makes them feel hotter, and it also makes a great nest for flies to lay their eggs!
• 12. Some of the symptoms of heatstroke are heavy panting, drooling, vomiting or diarrhoea, and loss of consciousness. Older, overweight, and short-nosed dogs are more likely to get heatstroke, but any dog can suffer from it, so if you suspect your pooch is suffering this, move them into a cool area and call your vet immediately for advice.

Here’s wishing you and your pup a happy and healthy Summer!