Surviving Summer:
We have got together with Kathy Hobson, Dog First Aid Sussex to devise some helpful advice on keeping your dog healthy during hot weathere.
Tips for keeping your dog cool during the summer months
Now that the weather is warming up your dogs will probably be panting and trying their best to keep cool, even on cloudy days. Dogs are a bit like people, there are some who embrace the heat and there are those that spend their whole time looking for a cool spot. Regardless of which group your own dog sits in, it is vital that you make sure that they do not overheat, including not allowing them to sunbathe.
Kathy from Dog First Aid Sussex understands this only too well: “My dog Freddie is from Greece so you’d think he’d be well equipped to cope in the heat. He isn’t though! He likes to sunbathe but also gets uncomfortable in the heat very quickly, so I only let him have a few minutes.”
Dogs do not sweat like we do so they can overheat very quickly. Even in temperatures that we would consider to be quite comfortable like the low to mid twenties, it is certainly possible for a dog to suffer from heat stroke. It is also possible for a dog to get sunburned, so it is advisable to invest in some dog friendly sun cream, especially if you have a short haired breed or your dog has pink pigmentation.
With this in mind, Kathy provides some tips for keeping your dog cool this summer:
- Avoid long car journeys – Leaving your dog in a stationary hot car can be fatal. Despite this being well publicised we still see reports every year about people breaking into cars to get dogs out and sometimes the end result is tragic. It is easy to underestimate how quickly this can occur. Even a car journey with the windows down or the aircon blaring can be too much, so ask yourself if you really need to take the dog or if there is a cooler alternative. If you do need to travel with your dog be sure to have plenty of water and make regular stops to allow them to have a good drink as some dogs may be less likely to drink while they are on the move.
- Change their exercise routine – If possible, only walk your dog first thing in the morning or after the sun sets to avoid the heat of the day. If the pavement is hot it can lead to nasty burns on their pads so make sure you test the heat of the pavement with the back of your hand first. If you can’t comfortably hold it there for five seconds then it is too hot for your dog’s feet. Remember, it is not the end of the world if you have to miss the odd walk completely, there are plenty of brain games and training you can do with your dog to keep them stimulated, indoors of course. If you do choose to take them for a walk make sure you have a bottle of water and a collapsible bowl for them to drink from.
- Hydration, hydration, hydration – This seems obvious but make sure they always have cool, fresh water and if your dog is a fan of water then consider treating them to a paddling pool in a shadier part of the garden.
- Put down the clippers – If your dog has a thick coat it would seem obvious that clipping it off would help them keep cool. However, dogs with double coats such as Huskys, Spitz breeds, Collies and some Terrier breeds for example may actually be better off keeping their fur as a double coat – it can help with insulation and sun protection. If in doubt, seek advice from a qualified groomer.
- Ice cube treats – Meat/vegetable stock ice blocks are a fun way of keeping your dog cool. You could also try natural yoghurt (organic if possible) ice blocks with healthy fruits such as strawberries or bananas mixed in. Always check that the ingredients you choose for the ice treats aren’t poisonous to dogs as even some foods that are healthy for humans can be toxic for dogs. They should also be a good size so that there isn’t a choking risk and they can be licked easily. Licking is therapeutic for dogs.
- Cooling aid such as mats and jackets are useful for keeping a dog comfortable in the heat but don’t rely on them too much – a dog can still get heat stroke while wearing or using cooling aids if it’s very hot and/or they’re being active in the heat.
However carefully you follow these guidelines, it is still vitally important that you are familiar with the signs of heat stroke and dehydration. Some breeds, such as those with shorter noses, are much more likely to succumb to the heat and these are the breeds that are the more popular at the moment. Puppies and elderly dogs may also be more at risk but in any breed, young or old, the following symptoms should be taken seriously and treated by a vet as soon as possible:
- Raised temperature
- Rapid breathing and panting
- Lots of salivation and thick saliva
- Sunken eyes
- Dry mouth
- Lethargy or depression
Kathy gives this advice: “If your dog does overheat start cooling them down with water and consult your vet immediately. There is no ‘one size fits all’ solution, the vet’s advice will depend on the individual dog. They’ll probably want to examine the dog and check for internal damage too. It’s frightening how quickly dogs can become overwhelmed in the heat and how many dogs suffer from this every year. Please don’t take any chances, it’s always better to be safe than sorry, especially as dogs can’t tell us when they start to feel unwell. Avoid taking your dog out in the heat if at all possible and speak to your vet if you notice any changes in their behaviour.”
There is no doubt that dog’s lives are saved by their owners and carers attending dog first aid courses to learn what to do in an emergency. Dog First Aid Training offers the Continued Professional Development (CPD) accredited Emergency Canine Care™ (ECC) Course which covers a wide range of subjects including CPR, choking, toxicity and heat stroke.
PUNNETTS TOWN JULY 21ST 1.30-5.30PM
You can get in touch with Kathy and learn more by visiting www.dog-first-aid.com or /dogfirstaidsussex on facebook, by emailing kathy.hobson@dog-first-aid.com or by calling 07498 557064. Other dates/venues available. BOOK THE COURSE HERE
