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Summer is here, which is great news for you and your dog!
Longer daylight hours allow for extended walks, extra ball-chasing, picnics and new adventures for you and your best friend.
However, summer's rising temperatures can be problematic for your dog, so it's important to ensure that when it comes around, you're fully prepared for any heat-related problems.
Read on for essential summer dog care tips to keep your dog safe in the sun and heat. With everything from spotting the signs of heatstroke to changing their walk times to beat the heat, it's time to get summer-savvy for your favourite companion.
Contents:
- Keep your dog hydrated in summer
- Choose a different walk time on hot days
- Know heatstroke signs to look for in your dog
- Let your dog go for a swim, but be careful!
- NEVER leave your dog in a car on a hot day
- Save your dog from sunburn
- Your dog should have a summer grooming routine to keep them cool
1 - Keep your dog hydrated in summer
Dogs rely on staying properly hydrated to regulate their body temperature, especially as they pant to cool down and water evaporates from their bodies.
Ensuring your dog drinks enough water is arguably the single most important aspect of caring for your dog in summer and a key way to keep them cool.
Here's how to ensure they're drinking enough in the hot weather;
- Make sure they always have access to a water bowl. If your dog is outside, make sure they can still access their water bowl, or place a second bowl outside in a shaded area and keep it filled to the brim. Top up their bowls regularly.
- Always carry water on walks and offer it frequently. Carry a bottle of water and a collapsible water bowl and offer it to your dog every ten minutes or so on warm days, especially if they are active. Avoid letting your dog drink from ponds or streams, as the water may not always be clean or safe.
- Keep their water cool. Keep their water bowl in a cool, shaded spot. Add a few ice cubes to keep the water cool. While cooling the water is good, avoid giving your dog icy cold water directly, as it can be a shock to their system and counterintuitively kick their body's thermostat up. Placing the bowl on a cooling mat can help it retain its cool temperature.
- Switch to wet food, or add water to dry. Dogs eating dry kibble need more water. If you're concerned about their hydration, consider switching to wet food or mixing water with dry kibble.
- Try feeding frozen treats. A great way to boost your dog's hydration, make ice-lollies from low-sodium, onion and garlic-free gravy, or freeze dog-safe broth.
- Take water to your dog. If your dog is too lazy or hot to seek out their water bowl, take it to them. Some dogs will simply laze until they start dehydrating, so proactively offering is key.
- Shaded areas are key for your dog and their water bowl. Ensure your dog has constant access to shade to prevent overheating or sunburn. Shade also helps slow water evaporation from their body and bowls.
2 - Choose a different walk time on hot days
When the days get really hot, avoid walking your dog during the hottest parts of the day; in the UK, that's usually between midday and 3 pm, and take them earlier or later if possible. If your dog is active, even a warm day could be difficult if exposed to too much heat.
Walking first thing in the morning or later in the evening when the temperature drops is your safest bet for keeping your dog cool.
If walking at the hottest time of day is unavoidable, take water with you and plenty of breaks where they can spend time in the shade.
Top Tip: Preventing burnt paw pads and spotting the signs
Pavements can become really hot in summer weather. Here are some telltale signs of what to look out for to protect your dog's paws in summer;
1 - The five-second rule, a vital test
Place the back of your hand directly onto a hot pavement. If you can't keep it there for five to seven seconds, the pavement is too hot for your dog's paws, and you should consider walking them when it's cooler to prevent them from burning.
2 - Surface awareness
If the pavements are too hot, walk on grassy areas or shaded pathways. Or, if the heat is blistering, consider indoor activities with your dog during peak temperatures.
3 - Post-walk paw pad checks
Check your dog's paw pads post-exercise for signs of burns or blisters. It's also good practice to do this in case of embedded debris such as thorns or grit. Signs to look out for;
- Blisters or redness
- Part of a pad is missing
- Licking or chewing of the feet
- Pads are darker in colour
- Your dog is limping or refusing to walk
If you spot any warning signs, consult your vet on the proper treatment for your dog's feet.
4 - Protection aids prevention
Although avoiding the hot pavements is your best course of action, dog booties or a good paw balm can be great ways to protect your dog's paws in summer.
Recommended products:
3 - Know heatstroke signs to look for in your dog
Dogs can suffer from heatstroke if they overheat. Dogs develop heatstroke when they can't cool themselves down or regulate their body temperature; if left to develop, it can be fatal.
Heatstroke can occur even in moderate to warm temperatures, and it's important to know how to avoid it and recognise the signs because if your dog gets it, it requires immediate veterinary attention.
Any dog can get heatstroke, but flat-faced dogs, giant breeds, and young and elderly dogs are the most susceptible to it, even if they've just been sitting out in hot weather. Here's what to look out for;
The 8 most common signs of heatstroke in your dog;
- Heavy panting
- A change in colour to their gums or tongue (bright red or bluish)
- Lethargy
- Drooling or foaming from the mouth
- Loss of coordination or confusion
- Shaking or sudden weakness
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Seizures
If you spot any of these signs in your dog, you must contact your vet immediately for an emergency appointment.
Keeping your dog safe whilst you take them to the vet
If your dog has heatstroke, here are some tips to help you keep them safe before and on their way to the vet:
- Move your dog to a shaded area and keep them calm and still.
- Position them on a cooling mat, cold towel, or in the breeze of a fan, and allow them to drink small amounts of cold water.
- Pour cool water over your dog's ears, head and feet to cool them down. Avoid cold water, which can cause shock.
- Gradually pour cool water over their body, but not so much it causes them to shiver. If possible, continue to cool your dog down on the way to the vet.
4 - Let your dog go for a swim, but be careful!
Some dogs absolutely love water, and open-water swimming can be a lovely treat for your dog in summer.
However, it's good to remember that some places might not be safe for your dog to swim due to strong currents, bacteria or algae that could make them sick.
If your dog loves water, look for clean, clear streams where they can paddle briefly to cool off. To be extra safe, encourage your dog to drink from your bottled water instead of a stream to prevent any potential sickness.
Before allowing your dog to swim, here are some quick tips to ensure their safety;
- Make sure your dog has a safe place to exit the water.
- Rinse them down after swimming to remove dirt or bacteria and prevent infection.
- Check and clean their ears regularly to prevent an ear infection.
Top Tip: Keep your dog cool with a paddling pool
An outdoor paddling pool can be a good investment for water-loving dogs, allowing them to play outside on a hot day. Keep the pool in the shade, and never leave it unattended for safety.
A solid paddling pool that their nails can't damage is the most suitable choice instead of an inflatable option.
Fill the pool with cool water, not freezing, to prevent your dog from going into shock and don't overfill it, as this could make it difficult to get in and out.
Remember never to force your dog into the paddling pool; take your time, encourage your dog with treats and reassure them, but if they don't like it, don't force it.
5 - NEVER leave your dog in the car on a hot day
You shouldn't ever leave your dog alone in a car; the consequences could be fatal. If you spot a dog left alone in a car on a hot day, call 999 immediately.
Dogs left alone in cars become distressed and uncomfortable and can develop heatstroke quickly, as the small, enclosed space doesn't allow them to regulate their body temperature correctly.
ALWAYS have a plan so your dog doesn't need to be left alone in a car or enclosed space.
Top Tip: Keeping your car safe if you have to travel with your dog in the heat
Avoid travelling with your dog in your car on a hot day, but if you need to travel, here’s how to keep your dog safe:
- Use shade covers to remove their contact with direct sunlight.
- Cool your car down with air conditioning before your dog gets in.
- Avoid travelling at the hotter times of the day and consider travelling when there’s less traffic to avoid being stuck for long periods.
- While travelling, ensure your dog has access to water for the whole journey.
6 - Save your dog from sunburn
Some dogs just love to lie in the sunshine!
However, for dogs with thin or white fur or pink noses or ears, a love of the sun could easily turn to sunburn!
Make sure your dog isn't left out in the sunshine during peak hours, and consider using a dog-specific sunscreen on vulnerable areas if your dog has lighter fur or skin.
Remember to keep your dog hydrated in the heat and look out for signs of heatstroke!
7. Your dog should have a summer grooming routine to keep it cool
One of the best ways to keep your dog cool is to stay on top of their summer grooming routine.
Keeping up their regular grooming appointments with their regular professional groomer will keep their coat clean and free from knots and tangles, which helps to keep them cool.
Between appointments, brush your dog regularly to remove any dead or loose fur and stimulate their skin’s surface, allowing it to breathe. Regular brushing also allows you to check them for abnormalities or parasites, such as fleas and ticks that thrive in summer.
Keep on top of your dog’s grooming needs this summer with Groomers!
Enjoy summer with your dog whilst staying on top of their needs with our grooming essentials at Groomers. From brushes to keep their coat under control during shedding season to skincare and parasite control to keep those pesky critters at bay, it’s never been easier to keep your dog happy and healthy during the sunniest season! Or, if you want to freshen up their coat after a dusty summer walk, why not explore our dog shampoo and conditioner?
