Hot dogs and keeping cool

In the UK we’re currently experiencing a heat wave not usually found at this time of year. As the summer months approach fast it’s good to remember the furry ones and how this time isn’t always the best of the year for them. Dillon and Barley both have different reaction to the heat. Dillon being black haired and male seems to suffer far more than Barley. Dillon simply can’t stand much heat before he’s a panting mess and it would be very easy for him to over heat. Barley however likes to sun bathe and adopts the not moving state for most of the summer.

Whilst how to deal with the heat and dogs is fairly common sense it’s always good to remember some basic points.

• Water: Be it in the house or on a walk just like we do in heat, dogs need to drink more. It’s always good to even plan a walk near some water they can swim in. Dillon likes to when he gets to hot just stand chest deep in water to cool down.
• Shade: Make sure dogs are never left out or somewhere that they can’t escape the sun in. Heat stroke is common in dogs (male dogs and dark haired dogs in particular) and just like us they need to be able to make the choice of sun or shade.
• Earlier and later walks: Change your dog walking times to earlier and later times of the day - there is nothing like a dog walk in a summer’s evening and being out of the heat of the day for a walk will mean your dog is less likely to have a bad effect with the heat
• Provide fans: If your house gets warm bare perhaps having a room at least where there is a fan is a good idea - you will probably benefit from it also.
• Be aware: Make a point of knowing the signs of overheating in dogs. A dog overheating will be less responsive, pant almost to the point of fitting - you know your dog and be aware of changes in their nature as they over heat so you can do something about it.
• Don’t leave in cars: Most advise says leave the window open a little, my advice is you should never leave a dog in a car during heat. If you don’t ever do it you will never enter the grey area of is it cool enough. If you do have to transport your dog in heat make sure you are in the car driving with fans / air conditioning on and windows open to allow air to circulate. Would you like to be left in a car in heat?