How can I help my dog when it’s so hot? It can be really tough to know what to do for the best. Dog’s often love their walks but it’s just too hot to go out. Here are my top ten tips on how to help your dog when it’s hot:
- When to exercise and when not to exercise? Dogs are at risk between 19c and 23c so exercise caution in this zone, wear cold coats, take water and visit shady spots or somewhere with access to water to paddle or swim. Over 23c then stay at home!
- Plan ahead! Long lasting cold or frozen snacks like a whole frozen carrot, a kong stuffed with frozen dog safe peanut butter or even frozen slices of melon help your dog keep cool
- Play in water, fishing for sprats in shallow water, eating treats out of floating dishes, training them to put two front feet or two rear feet or all four in the water. If your dog is scared of water start with really shallow water.
- Check the weather forecast and go out early before the heat from sun is strongest and before pavements have heated up. If you’ve missed your very early morning walk then your dog is safer NOT having an afternoon or evening walk at all. Instead play games, scatterfeed and do low impact training.
- Know your dog! Some breeds especially brachycephalic dogs (e.g. bulldogs) struggle to regulate their temperature by panting. Some have thick fur with an undercoat e.g Labrador. Some have dark colours that absorb more heat than others. If your dog is a double coated, dark breed with a short nose then they may be at a higher risk at lower temperatures than a Peruvian Hairless breed with their thin or barely existent coat, large ears and snout.
- Know your dog PART 2! Some dogs are very fizzy and can’t regulate their own exercise in the heat running and playing wildly, remaining unaware of how overheated they are becoming. Others may struggle to remain aware of bodily sensations and some are so biddable they’ll walk anywhere for you. Dogs are not the best at deciding whether their behaviour in the environment is SAFE – that’s your job.
- Cool mats, access to shade, ventilation, access to cold floors and even fans will help keep your dog cool. Avoid restraining them anywhere in direct sunlight. Avoid any car travel unless essential.
- Car travel is best avoided, but if essential, cover with a heat proof blanket until just before travel and put the air conditioning on for a few minutes before checking if it’s cool enough for your dog to get in the car. Don’t leave dogs in cars.
- Low impact training games and tricks are great mental exercise while physical exercise is restricted. Try scatterfeeding in the garden, training spin/twist/back up/paws up/feet up in a sequence OR teach them to HOLD a toy while in a SIT.
- Brush off your mat and work on your mat settle in a shady spot. Teaching a dog (or a person!) to relax is hard, but you can show them how to relax together.
And remember, if you are worried about your dog then speak to your vet. Your vet would always rather hear from you too soon than too late!
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