South Lincolnshire’s Jerry Green Dog Rescue give tips on how to look after your pooch in the hot weather
The sun is shining and we can’t wait to go outdoors to soak up the sun’s rays. Whether you’re off for a long trek through the countryside or simply chilling out in your garden, it’s important to remember our furry friends can’t cope as well as we do in the summer heat, writes Jerry Green Dog Rescue.
We’ve put together some handy tips and advice on how you can care for your dog in the warmer weather, along with some fun activities to keep them entertained, yet chilled below. You’ll also read about how you should never leave a dog in a hot car as well as what you should do if you think your dog has heatstroke.
To see what we’re getting up to with our dogs this summer to keep them cool – keep an eye on our Facebook page and TikTok
Making a few small and easy adjustments to your daily routine can help keep your dog safe in the heat:
- Always remember drinking water – no matter what the weather you should have clean water available for your dog to drink. At this time of the year, this is crucially important as you don’t want your dog to become dehydrated.
- Plan your exercise – you don’t want to over-exercise your dog as this can make them overheat. Make sure they have plenty of breaks in the shade while out on a walk or when playing in the garden. Avoid playing games that will get them too hot – that’s why enrichment toys are great because they keep their brains stimulated with little movement!
The ground can also get extremely hot which can burn your dog’s paws (as well as cause them to overheat). Because of this, and the high temperature of the sun, it is best to walk your dog early in the morning and late in the evening when it is cooler.If you feel as though it is simply too hot for your dog to go on a walk, then do not take them. It is okay not to walk your dog if it is going to have a negative effect on their wellbeing, there is no need to feel guilty for it.
However, if you do decide to walk your dog, don’t forget to take water with you and test the ground temperature before you go. Simply place the back of your hand on the ground, if you can comfortably leave your hand there without it burning for at least 7 seconds then it should be okay for your dog’s paws to walk on.
But remember, if you are unsure as to whether a walk is the right thing for your dog, then don’t risk it!
- Keep your dog groomed – the shorter their coat, the cooler they are. Plus, it’s much easier to maintain if they decide to take a dip in the paddling pool or roll around in the mud!
- Provide lots of shade – under umbrellas, behind windbreakers, provide shade for your dog however you can in whatever way you can! Never leave your dog in a suntrap with no shade as they could fall ill with heatstroke.
