Dogs vs Hot Weather...

The sun has finally returned to us here in the UK! But it's not all sunshine and rainbows... Making sure you are properly prepared to help your dogs through the summer heat is super important right now. Unlike us humans, dog's cant sweat and are therefore much more prone to heat stroke. So how can you make sure that doesn't happen? And what are the signs of heat stroke in dogs? Keep reading to see our top tips for the summer sun!

1. Avoid walking in the middle of the day! I know how tempting it can be to get out and enjoy the sunshine but this is when your dogs need to be staying home in the cool and the shade. Try to take them out earlier in the morning or late evening when temperatures have dropped. 
2. Always seek to prevent rather than cure when it comes to heat stroke. Using cooling coats when you need to be out or your dog is exposed to the heat. Avoid walks and excessive exercise, provide frozen enrichment and keep an eye out for any signs of overheating.
3. Make sure any muzzled dogs have adequate pant room.. As dogs cant sweat, panting is how to regulate and lower body heat. Making sure muzzles have the room for a dog to fully pant is important.
4. Provide static enrichment to calm and lower energy levels. This can be chews, snuffle mats, frozen enrichment etc. It allows a dog to get mental enrichment and tire themselves without physical exertion.
5. Keep an eye on your dogs behaviour. Excessive panting, raised heart rate, unusual lethargy, confusion etc can all be signs of heat stroke.

So what can you do if you do think your dog is overheating or has heat stroke? 

Firstly, take your dog out the sun, put them in a cool dark place and keep them calm. Then begin to cool them down. DO NOT use freezing water! This puts your dog at risk of shock and can be fatal. Use room temperate/cool water and apply it to their paws, armpits and inside of the rear legs. This is where their arteries are and will cool them quickly. Offer them a drink and monitor. For mild overheating, just monitor and keep them cool. If your dog is still struggling or is extremely lethargic, with heavy panting or has collapsed, contact a vet and get them seen immediately. Heat stroke can be fatal if left untreated so it is important to get your dog treated as soon as possible.

Cooling coats like this one can be an effective way to prevent dogs from overheating on hotter days. You can purchase this one here on our website.

It doesn't have to be all doom and gloom though! For those water loving pooches, having fun in the garden with a paddling pool or making doggie ice lollies can be a great way for you to enjoy the sunshine together! 

For more top tips or to share your own, head on over to our instagram and leave your top tips in the comments!