Dogs in hot weather
Dogs in hot weather
Walking dogs in hot weather? Here are some precautions that can be taken to keep your dog safe.
- Make sure they have access to plenty of water and shade
- Don’t have ball games or excessively walk your dog
- Avoid the hottest times of the day – morning or evening walks as its cooler
- Make sure you have lots of water with you
- Try and avoid walking on tarmac as it absorbs heat and
- Try and walk in the shade
- Keep their fur clipped
- White dogs or those with little hair can get sunburn, so try and keep them out of direct sun
- Avoid long car trips unless you have air conditioning
- Never leave your dog in a car, even with the windows open as they can over heat quickly
Heat Stoke in Dogs
Heat stroke in dogs can kill and does kill many dogs each year. it be fatal within minutes.
Dogs can’t sweat through their skin. They pant to release heat and loose heat through their pads and nose.
If you think your dogs has Heat Stoke call your vets immediately!
Signs of Heat Stroke
- Excessive or loud panting
- Extreme thirst
- Weakness and/or fatigue
- Collapse or coma
- Bright red tongue and pale gums
- Thick saliva
- Increased heart rate
Suspected heat stroke?
- Call your vets immediately
- Get them to a cool place
- Give them cool water to drink
- Wet their coat (Bit not freezing water)
- Do not throw them in deep water
Once a dog shows signs of heatstroke the damage may already have been done.
It’s so important to prevent heat stroke.
Swimming is a great way to keep your dog cool.
If you have a access to beaches, rivers, paddling pools, or streams this is a great way to keep them cool.
Of course if you don’t know the water beware of tides, currents and underwater obstacles.
Beaches can absorb beat and get particularly hot, so ensure your dog has shade and lots of water to drink.
Walking on hot days?
- Walk first thing in the morning or last thing at night
- No ball games
- Have plenty of water with you for them to drink
- Walk in woodlands
- Shorten their walk
We love walking dogs at the woods and beaches in Hastings, Fairlight, St Leonards-on-sea and Bexhill.