With summer upon us, it’s natural for us to all want to get out and enjoy the sunshine. However, if you’re a dog owner, extra care and consideration need to be taken during the warmer months.
Sun and excessive heat are not only uncomfortable for dogs – they can lead to heatstroke and even be fatal. To ensure both you and your pup can enjoy the sun safely, here at Groomers we’re answering all your warm-weather FAQs, detailing how to keep your dog cool and comfortable in the summer months.
How to keep dogs cool in summer
There are a number of things to consider in summer to ensure your dog is cool and comfortable at all times. In summer, always remember to:
Keep your dog hydrated
Just like a human, dogs also need more water during hot spells in order to keep them cool and hydrated. Make sure your dog has a constant supply of fresh, clean, cool water in the house – this will need topping up much more regularly than usual, to ensure the water is consistently cool. If you’re planning on taking your dog out, be sure to take a portable dog bowl and water bottle so they can hydrate on the go.
Keep up with regular grooming
It goes without saying that a dogs coat is going to factor into their temperature. Dogs with especially thick or long coats will naturally insulate much more heat, meaning they may find it much more difficult to cool down in the summer months. Make sure your dog is having regular grooming, and considering clipping back long or thick coats for summer in order to keep your pooch as cool and comfortable as possible.
Avoid the car
Avoid where possible traveling with your dog in the car at all. If you do need to travel with your dog, keep windows open and the AC on, and make sure your dog has had plenty of water. Cooling pads and cooling coats are also a great option when traveling.
Never leave your pet unattended in a car in summer. Even with a window open, temperatures inside a stationary car can quickly become extremely dangerous for your dog. Your dog won’t simply be uncomfortable when left in a hot car – it can actually be fatal. It is not worth the risk, even “just for a couple of minutes”.
Time your walks
In very hot temperatures, you should avoid walking your dog in the middle of the day – both the air temperature and the pavements will be uncomfortable and dangerous for your pooch. Instead, take them out early morning, before temperatures have reached their hottest, or in the evening once the sun has gone down.
When is it too hot to walk a dog?
When is it actually too hot to walk your dog? It is vital to remember that what may feel like pleasant temperatures to you could actually be very uncomfortable and dangerous for your pet.
As a general rule, it is safe to walk dogs in temperatures of up to 19℃. Above this, and your pet is at risk of potential heatstroke if they overdo it on their walk.
Once the temperature rises above 24℃, extreme caution should be taken when walking dogs – try to stick to mornings or evenings.
Anything above 28℃ presents a serious threat of heatstroke for all dogs, and can even be life-threatening for larger, obese or flat-faced breeds. Keep pets out of the sun, and take extra precautions to keep them cool.
How to protect dogs paws from hot pavement
Pavements in summer can actually get hot enough to cook an egg – yes, really! – so it is vital that your pup’s paws are protected. In summer, you should always check the temperature of pavements before you walk your dog. Place your hand on the ground, and ensure that you can leave it there comfortably for a minimum of 10 seconds. If this feels uncomfortable for you, it will definitely feel uncomfortable for your dog.
If you’re looking for extra ways you can protect your dog’s paws during summer, you should:
Walk your dog in the morning or late evening, when the pavements will be much cooler.
Stick to shaded areas or walk your dog on a grassy route, rather than on cement or asphalt pavements.
Clean and check your dog’s paws regularly.
Treat your dog’s paws with a paw protector such as the Natural Dog Company PawTector. This nourishing balm is a blend of oil and protective wax which creates a barrier on your pet’s paws, helping protect the delicate pads from warm pavements.
How to keep a dog cool inside the house
So, it’s hot outside – and you’re keeping your dog indoors. How do you ensure they’re cool and comfortable inside the house?
Invest in a fan. Basic fans are very affordable and can make a huge difference to your pooch on a hot day.
Leave your dog in shaded rooms. If the room they’re in is in direct sunlight, draw the blinds or curtains so they aren’t trapped in the sun.
Make sure your dog has a steady supply of fresh, cool water.
Open the windows and doors to ensure rooms are well ventilated.
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