Heatwave! - Carrie's Canines & FriendsCarrie's Canines & Friends

My tips on keeping your dog cool as it gets hot, hot, hot

This week we are going to get a mini heatwave – its nothing like the constant hot weather we had last year but we still need to be super carreful with our dogs, as they dont always make the best decisions!
With the temperatures rising, it’s important to take care of our dogs and I wanted to give you some tips and advice on how to keep your dog cool.
As I mentioned above, dog’s don’t always make the best choices for themselves – I have a sunbather in my house!
So moving him out of the direct sunlight into the house will keep him safe for those powerful rays.
Did you know that the hottest part of the day isn’t lunchtime, it is now closer to 4pm when temperatures hit their highest…I have noticed this over the years being a dog walker that the time of the day it peaks has changed.

Here are my top tips to enjoy the weather now summer is arriving

Walk your dog early, and yes I do mean early as possible but get up before it heats up
Miss your afternoon walk, and have a late eveing walk instead – the temperatures peak at 4pm these days not 12 noon.
Avoid walking in direct sunlight – go to woodlands as they tend to be cooler – drive there don’t walk on the pavement as they heat up and can burn your dog’s paws.
Keep your short nose dogs on super short or no walks – very early or very late
Do some training instead with your dog at home to tire our their brain – if they need it. As it will be super hot and the may just want to chill out
Scent games are a fab way to tire out your dog – 15 minutes of scent games is more tiring for your dog than a 1 hour walk.
Provide some enrichment, whether that be a stuffed frozen Kong, snuffle mat or a natural chew
Prepare your Kong’s today and get them in the freezer to provide a cold meal for your dog (and enrichment)
Make some dog ice pops from bone stock
Cool mats – some dogs love these and will take themselves onto them – a favourite in our house. Not got one? Just soak a towel in cold water and pop it on the floor for your dog to lay on
Don’t put a cold wet towel on your dog, this can actually make the heat stay in – better for them to lie on one
Have a little paddling pool for your dogs, just standing in cold water will help keep them cool as their paws are one of the few places that they sweat
Keep them inside if you can where it will be cooler and close the curtains
Keep an eye out for signs of heatstroke – red, purple or blue gums, staggering or collapsing, high body temperature, racing heart. Call you vets immediately if you spot any of them
Don’t leave your dog in the car – they act like mini ovens, just leave your dog at home.
Do you have any top tips on how you keep your dogs cool?

Let me know by popping below or put them on my Face book page to share with others.

Have a great week, keep cool
Carrie