Tips for keeping your dog cool and safe in summer

It seems like summer has FINALLY decided to show up, so we thought we’d share some top tips from our team for helping keep your dog cool and safe. 

Why is it important to keep your dog cool?

Dogs often struggle to cope with hot weather and are more susceptible to heatstroke than humans. Heatstroke is a serious condition; as a dog's internal temperature rises, it can lead to organ failure. Heatstroke can be fatal, with 1 in 7 dogs taken to the vet for heatstroke not surviving.

What are the symptoms of heatstroke in dogs?

If you spot any of these symptoms, move your dog in a shady spot and keep them still. Offer them plenty of water and dampen their coat with tepid water. Contact your vet immediately:

• Collapse
• Lethargy
• Excessive panting
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Purple gums and redness of the skin

Are some dogs more at risk?

All dogs are susceptible to heatstroke, but some are at a higher risk than others. Studies have shown that dogs more likely to experience heatstroke include those that are:

• Overweight
• Highly energetic
• Flat-faced
• Older
• Have longer or thicker fur
• Have underlying health issues
• Larger dogs, especially those over 50kg

Breeds frequently seen by vets for heatstroke include Pugs, French Bulldogs, Bulldogs, Boxers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Greyhounds, Chow Chows, English Springer Spaniels, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Dogue de Bordeaux and Golden Retrievers.

Our 5 top tips for keep your dog cool and safe this summer: 

1) Let Your Dog Rest

When temperatures surpass 20 degrees Celsius, it's important to limit your dog's physical activity. Even slightly lower temperatures can impact breeds that are overweight or have flat noses (brachycephalic breeds). Ensure your dog has plenty of space to rest and avoid activities that may cause over-excitement. To keep a bored or restless dog occupied, consider using treat puzzles, brain games, or revisiting their basic training exercises. These activities can keep their mind active without increasing their body temperature.

2) Walk them at cooler times of day

Dogs do still need exercising, even when it’s hot. We recommend walking your dog in the morning or evening when it’s cooler to reduce the risk of heatstroke and burning their paws on the pavement. If possible, opt for shaded areas like woodlands or forests, which are often cooler than open parks. Alternatively, walk near a stream or swimming spot to allow your dog to cool off.

 You can do the 5 second test to check if the pavement is too hot for your dog’s pads. It’s simple, it it’s too hot for you to keep your hand on the pavement for 5 seconds then it’s too hot for paws!

3) Keep them hydrated

Ensuring your dog stays hydrated during a heatwave is crucial. Provide ample opportunities for your dog to drink cool, fresh water by placing multiple bowls around the house and garden. Adding ice cubes to their water can also help keep it cool.

4) You can Try different ways of cooling them down 

There are loads of different ways you can help your dog stay cool when it gets scorching hot. It’s worth experimenting and seeing what they enjoy the most. Here are some of the things you can try:

• A paddling pool – not every dog likes to go in a paddling pool but those that do absolutely love it. For the ones that do watch that they don’t become over excited which can lead to them over heating.
• Cooling toys - for dogs that love their toys you can freeze their favourites to provide a quick cool-down.
• A fan – position it near your dog’s usual resting spot and enhance the cooling effect by placing frozen water bottles in front of it. Ensure your dog can move away from the breeze if they choose.
• Wet towels - draping a towel soaked in tepid water over your dog can help reduce their body temperature, especially in cases of heatstroke. Leave the towel on for short periods and remove it once it dries.
• Water mists and garden sprinklers - if your dog is comfortable with water, you can mist their body with a spray bottle (avoiding the face) or set up a garden sprinkler but watch that they don’t become over excited.

5) Be careful of hot cars

Cars can heat up to dangerous levels very quickly. Never leave your dog unattended in a car, even for a short duration. If you must travel with your dog, always bring water and a bowl, keep the windows slightly open or use the air conditioning, and plan frequent stops to allow your dog to cool down and stay hydrated.