Summer is such a lovely time of year. There are sunny days, trips to the park, and lots of time outdoors. But while warm weather can be fun for people, it can sometimes be a little tricky for our doggy friends – especially Snuffy!
Miffy has been learning all about how to keep dogs safe when the weather gets hot, and wanted to share some helpful tips with you.
Always Make Sure Dogs Have Shade and Water
When the sun is shining, dogs need somewhere cool to rest.
A shady spot in the garden or a cool place indoors can help them stay comfortable. Fresh, clean water should always be nearby too. Some dogs even enjoy a few ice cubes floating in their bowl!
Walkies at the Right Time
Dogs still love their walks in summer, but it is best to go out when the day is cooler.
Early mornings and late evenings are perfect. The middle of the day can be much too hot for little paws and furry coats.
A good tip is to place the back of your hand on the pavement for five seconds. If it feels too hot for your hand, it is too hot for a dog’s paws too. Hot pavements can cause painful burns.
Never Leave a Dog in a Car
Even when it doesn’t feel extremely hot outside, a car can become dangerously warm very quickly. Dogs can become seriously ill from the heat in just a short amount of time. If you are heading somewhere dogs are not allowed, it is always best to leave them safely at home with someone caring for them.
Fun Ways to Stay Cool
Dogs can enjoy summer too!
Some love splashing in a paddling pool. Others enjoy sprinklers, frozen treats or toys filled with tasty goodies and popped into the freezer.
A cool damp towel on the floor can also make a comfy place to lie down. Just remember that towels should never be placed over a dog, as they can trap heat instead of helping them cool down.
Watch Out for Heatstroke
Dogs cannot cool themselves down as easily as humans can.
If a dog starts panting heavily, drooling a lot, seeming sleepy, wobbling when they walk, vomiting or collapsing, they may be suffering from heatstroke. This is an emergency and they need help straight away.
If you think a dog is overheating:
- Move them somewhere cool and shady
- Pour cool water over their body
- Create a breeze with a fan if possible
- Contact a vet immediately
Remember: cool first, then travel to the vet.
Summer can still be lots of fun for dogs when we help them stay cool and comfortable.
With plenty of water, shady spots, sensible walk times and lots of love, our furry friends can enjoy the sunshine safely.
Visit https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/seasonal/summer/dogs for more info.
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