Looking after dogs in hot weather by animal behaviour expert Karen Wild

This week has seen some warmer temperatures again, so it’s important to review how we are looking after our dogs and to see if we can help them stay nice and cool, writes Karen Wild.

We are only just emerging, blinking, into the sunlight after lockdown so please do remember that your dogs probably aren’t happy getting too hot even if you are enjoying the warmth.Imagine what it’s like not having free access to a lovely (supermarket-bought) ice cream, or not being able to just turn on their own tap if their water bowl is empty!

Freshen their water bowls regularly and look out for flies and bugs around their food.

Don’t leave it to get warm and unpleasant.

Pavement walks in the middle of the day are not a good idea.

Walk your dogs early, or at dusk for a nice refreshing amble, rather than a top speed race around after a ball.

You might find your walk coincides with the wildlife coming out too, so please avoid letting your dogs chase all the birds and bunnies on offer.

They won’t like it, and your dog learns a chase habit that is very hard to stop.

It’s not a good idea to try and rapidly cool a hot dog, so do ask your vet for ways to keep them cool and happy that are safe.

It sounds obvious but placing a couple of extra water dishes out won’t hurt, and do try to keep them in the coolest part of the house when you’re not around.

And please do not take your dog out in the car if you need to leave them at any point.

Even though we all know dogs die in cars because the cars get very hot, very quickly, every single year dogs still die.

If you want to take your dogs swimming, even if it is a doggy paddling pool, let them decide whether or not they would like to get in and never force them.

The olden days of sink or swim are very dangerous and likely to scare your dog into never going again.

Check signs near lakes and rivers and look out for blue-green algae - never let your dog swim near this!

The socially-distanced seaside is filled with fun and excitement but also mystery for your dog.

Check the beach signs to see if your dog is allowed (this can change at certain times of year) and keep your dog on lead or a long line until you are convinced they aren’t going to head readily off to Skegness without you. And a final warning… don’t let them eat that dead crab. You will regret it, I promise.