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How To Keep Our Pets Safe And Cool In Hot Weather

With us now being right in the midst of Summer, that can only mean one thing… here come the high temperatures and British heatwaves! As much as this can be so much fun for the whole family and will hopefully be the best to experience after this last year we’ve all had, we must remember its always important to think about our furry family members in this heat, especially our beloved dogs. With limited ways to cool themselves down, it is our responsibility to make sure they aren’t overheating and to prevent them from becoming unwell because of it.
Eddie and Bruce having a chew on sticks together on their dog walk at the field

Here are a few of the ways we can make sure our dogs are having a good time, whilst staying safe when out on walks:

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  1. Being very mindful about what time of day we are taking the dogs out for their walks. If it’s at a temperature that is too hot for them then consider taking them out early in the morning or late in they, when temperatures are at their coolest. All dogs can overheat very quickly, if you own a flat faced dog breed this can happen even quicker than other breeds, so ensure to take this into consideration.

2. Be extra careful when taking your dog out on their walk regarding the temperature of the ground, especially pavements. Pavements can very quickly soak up the heat and reach surprisingly high temperatures, which can burn the pads of dog’s paws and therefore making it painful to walk. It’s important to protect your dogs paw-pads as they contain some of the few sweat glands that help regulate their body temperature. If unsure whether a pavement is safe for your dogs to walk on you can use the 5 second hand test. You can do this by placing your hand on the ground for 5 seconds, if it is too hot for you to keep it there then it will be too hot for your dog to walk on.

Oscar staying cool indoors whilst having a rest on the warm day
Oscar staying cool indoors whilst having a rest on the warm day

3. It’s even more important to keep dogs hydrated in hotter temperatures, so be sure to provide lots of fresh water for your dog, whether they are out on a walk or at home. You can also offer them cool dog treats or give them a shallow pool to swim in if you struggle to get them to drink very much water.

4. Reduce any intake of direct heat when at home or out on dog walks. If at home then close all blinds and curtains and even switch off any appliances that may add more heat to the room, especially if you are going out and leaving them inside. Moving their bed to a nice shaded area will encourage them to rest in those places more. If taking on a dog walk then make sure there are areas with plenty of cover and shade.

Pops about to have a nice cool drink of water to stay extra hydrated
Pops about to have a nice cool drink of water to stay extra hydrated
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5. Knowing the signs of heat stroke and being able to look out for them, especially dogs with thicker/darker coats and flat faced breeds like pugs or French bulldogs. Some of the key signs of heatstroke can be:

  • Drowsiness
  • Collapse
  • Vomiting
  • Excessive drooling
  • Heavy panting
Lenny showing his happiest face on his dog walk at the park
Lenny showing his happiest face on his dog walk at the park

If you are unsure if your dog is displaying the signs of heatstroke then we highly recommend seeking the advice of your veterinary practice straight away.

If you’d like any more information on how to keep your dog safe in the heat or are worried about this topic then do get in contact with Beth’s Pooches and Paws, we’d be happy to answer any questions you may have.

About Beth

Expert Dog Walker & Pet Sitter in Tonbridge Wells. Fully Insured, DBS Checked and qualified to perform animal First Aid

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