Jerry Green Dog Rescue offers tips on keeping your dog cool in the summer
The sun is beginning to shine and we can’t wait to go outdoors to soak up the sun’s rays, writes Jerry Green Dog Rescue.
It’s important to remember our furry friends can’t cope as well as we do in the summer heat.
We’ve put together some handy tips on how you can care for your dog in the warm weather, along with some fun activities to keep them entertained, yet chilled.
Making a few small and easy adjustments to your daily routine can help keep your dog safe:
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 crucial as you don’t want your dog to become dehydrated.
Plan 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 temperatures, 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.
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.
Jerry Green Dog Rescue has two sites in Lincolnshire. Contact them via www.jerrygreendogs.org.uk
