News

Looking after your dog in the hot weather

We hope you are enjoying the #PAWsome summer weather!

Our dogs also enjoy this weather, however we must bear in mind that the heat can affect them differently and they may not always be able to tell us!

Dogs regulate their body temperature by panting however, when warm weather is combined with high humidity our dogs can have difficulty regulating their body temperature.

This becomes particularly difficult if the dog is in a confined warm place such as a car or a conservatory on a sunny day. The temperature and humidity will rise rapidly in these situations. Remember, even with car windows open the temperature can reach a staggering 49°C on a relatively mild day.

Dogs can also suffer from heat exhaustion if they are too active on a warm sunny day. This exhaustion can progress to heatstroke.

Here are some tips from our Dog Care and Welfare team to make sure your dog enjoys the sun as much as you do:
-Exercise dogs at cooler times in less exerting ways. 

-Make sure dogs can always move to maintain thermal comfort and not confined in one spot.

-Ensure several sources of water are available at all times.

-Don't leave dogs in hot cars

Signs of Heat related Illness in dogs:

-Excessive panting

-Lethargy

-Tacky saliva

-red gums

-weakness

-Nausea, vomiting

Cooling measure:

-Alert veterinary practice

-Move to a shady, cooler area

-Lie them on a wet towel/blanket and keep wetting them. 

-Wet them fully with water, right through to the skin and keep them wet. 

-Transport to vet in a well ventilated car

-Don't cover them.

Enjoy the heat and mind yourselves and your dogs!