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7 ways to look after your dog in hot weather

06th August 2024

As temperatures rise across the summer, keeping cool and hydrated isn’t just important for us but it’s vital for our canine companions. While we might not experience the same heat that Australian-born veterinary surgeon and broadcaster Dr Scott Miller has down under, it’s key to remember that there are steps to take to protect dogs here in the UK, too.

From water to walkies, Dr Scott – who has been involved very closely since the launch of Goodwoof in 2022 – gives his tips for keeping our four-legged friends safe in the sun.

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What are some of the health concerns that dogs can experience when it's hot?

Heat stroke is the main concern for dog owners when the temperatures rise. Living in Britain, we're just not used to hot weather, so when it comes, we can be caught off guard. The houses aren't suited for hot weather and our dogs aren't acclimatised to it either. While there might be the urge to be outside all the time when it’s sunny, we have to remember that dogs can't regulate their body temperature like we can because we can sweat and they can’t – they can only sweat through their feet. In fact, the only way for dogs to thermoregulate is by panting. Another concern during the hot weather is pad burns on their paws and dehydration, both of which are easy to avoid with some simple steps.

What are the signs of heat stoke in dogs?

Heat stroke is where the dog’s body temperature goes above their normal, which is about 38.5°C and it stays there for a little while. As a result, it can have really significant impacts on all elements of the body. Signs might be that they are excessively salivating, they have really dark purplish gums, they might be agitated and in the worst case they can collapse, experience seizures and there is also a risk of death. Because heat stroke has such an impact on their system, some dogs may become anemic because their bone marrow has had a shock and it stops producing their blood cells. So the impact of one bout of heat stroke can impact them three or four days later.

Are some dogs more at risk than others in hot weather?

Absolutely. If your dog is young or old, has a really thick coat or is a dog with no nose, what we call ‘Brachycephalic’ (or a flat-faced dog) such as pugs, French or British bulldogs or Boston terriers, then they have the potential to be respiratorily compromised and their panting can become life threatening. There’s also a misconception that dogs’ coats can keep them insulated from the heat. Because the point of their fur is to keep them warm, their coat will only insulate them from the cold. When the temperatures are hitting 25°C and above, then we need to adjust our routine and what we’re doing that day so that our dog is safe. Every dog will cope with the heat differently, but we should know our dog well enough to understand what they need.

Dr Scott's 7 top tips for looking after your dog in the heat

1. Walk your dog during the coolest part of the day

While dogs’ pad paws are designed to walk around, we don't allow them to be nimble. A dog in the wild would be smart and avoid hot spots and opt for greener, leafier areas, or just simply not go for a walk at all. A quick test is to put the back of your hand on the ground – if it burns you, it’s going to burn them. With that in mind, avoid taking your dog out during the hottest part of the day and take them for walks early morning and evening – both beautiful times of the day when the sun isn’t as hot. What could be better than a bit of exercise with your canine companion? Remember, if it's too hot, then just skip the walk.

2. Ensure your dog is well hydrated

Hydration is key during the hot weather, so make sure you’ve got loads of water bowls dotted around. If you're going out, a lot of places leave water out for dogs but don’t rely on that. There's a lot of really cool water bottles and cups that you can get for dogs and it’s also worth considering a moving water feature to encourage your dog to drink. You can also flavour your dog’s water with chicken or meat to encourage them to drink more – a bit like adding cordial for kids!

3. Consider smart aids

Cooling mats, cooling jackets and cooling bandanas are all brilliant ways to keep your dog cool when it’s hot, particular for dogs who really struggle. You can pop them on and sit your dog in front of a fan and they’ll love it.

4. Make cooling adjustments to their food

I am an ardent supporter of never changing our dog’s food during the summer because that can lead to them having diarrhea, which means that they're more likely to be dehydrated. In the same way we might eat less during the heat, our dogs will feel the same way. To help cool down your dog, you can actually freeze their food. Just mix it all together, maybe with some veggies and water. It can be hours of fun for them to lick it and move it around, so it's great for environmental enrichment alongside being an effective way to cool them down.

5. Plan your journey and avoid your dog being in a hot car

Temperatures rise super fast in a parked car; when it’s just 21°C outside, it takes only 10 minutes for the temperature inside the car to reach 32°C. Within an hour, that can increase to 45°C, so during the hot weather it’s important to plan ahead so that your dog is not left for any period of time in the car. Before you head out, think about where you’ll stop along the way and what you’ll do when you need to use the restroom or get petrol. In short, make sure you don’t put your dog at risk – no holiday or trip is worth it.

6. Make sure there's plenty of shade

If you’re outside and you’re soaking up some sun, put yourself in your dog’s shoes – are they comfortable? They might be ok for a short while, but it’s important to make sure your dog can access some lovely shady spots. Never leave your dog outside unattended and this goes for other pets such as caged rabbits – when it’s hot and there’s no breeze, being trapped outside can be horrendous.

7. Know how to cool your dog down correctly

The best way to cool your dog down is by bringing them into shade, ideally somewhere where there's a breeze, and gradually pouring water over them. Because dogs thermoregulate through their feet, if you can put their feet in water, then that's a win, so ideally stand them in some cool water. Make sure you don't completely immerse them in water because that can shock them – a nice halfway point of getting them wet but not too quickly is ideal.

When should you take your dog to see a vet?

If your dog has been panting for more than five minutes after being removed from a warm environment.
If they show signs of being unsteady, seizures, or they are struggling to breathe.
If you think they have experienced heat stroke. Be aware over the coming days and if they’re off form and not thriving or not eating, then see a vet.
Remember that many insurers offer vet support on the phone, which can be a useful resource, too.

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