YOU should avoid walking your dog during the hottest times of the day. Early morning or late evening is the best time to exercise your dog during the summer months. It is a good idea to take some water with you to offer your dog a drink when you are out walking.

Tarmac can be very hot during the summer and hurt your dog’s sensitive paws. Put the back of your hand on the ground for five seconds, if it is too hot for you to keep it there, it is too hot for your dog’s paws.

Be extra careful with older or overweight dogs as they are more prone to overheating.

Adding ice to your dog’s drinking water can help keep it cool.

Try to avoid long car journeys and never leave your dog in the car dog during the hottest time of the day. Keep windows down while travelling to keep your dog cool. Using a car sunblind can help keep your dog cool in the car. Always have water ready when travelling.

A paddling pool in your garden can be a great relief for your dog in hot weather.

If your dog isn’t a fan of getting wet, a damp towel in the shade can be a nice place for your dog to relax.

Just like humans, dogs can suffer from sunburn too. Apply pet sun cream to any areas of your dog’s skin that can be burned easily. This includes the tips of the ears and pink skin under white hair.

Never allow your dog to swim in or drink from stagnant water. Blue-green algae is poisonous and is more common in dry hot periods of weather. Fresh, running water is safer for your dog to swim in but it is best to rinse your dog’s coat as a precaution afterwards.

Heatstroke

If dogs are too hot and are unable to reduce their body temperature by panting, they can develop heatstroke which can be fatal.

Some signs of heatstroke to look out for include:

  • Panting heavily.
  • Drooling excessively.
  • Appearing drowsy, lethargic or uncoordinated.
  • Collapsing or vomiting.

    • If you suspect a dog has heatstroke, move it to a cool, shaded area immediately.

    Wet the dog with cool water to lower its body temperature. Allow the dog to drink small amounts of cool water.

    Wet towels can also help cool the dog down, but make sure they don’t dry on it. Call your vet for further advice. In extreme cases you may need to take the dog to the vet for further help and treatment.