If the last few weeks are anything to judge by, this summer is going to be a hot one. As a Brit, the impulse tends to be to get out into the sun immediately; parks and pub gardens are jam-packed, but you should slow down and think about your four-legged friends. Your dog is wearing a fur-coat year round, after all, so it makes sense that they are going to struggle more than you will when it comes to cooling off. This is why we have put together the following information to help you to keep your canine safe in the heat. 

How to tell if your dog is overheating

Dogs do tend to love to sunbathe, most dogs will spend all day in the sun or in the garden on a warm day, but this doesn’t mean that it isn’t dangerous or bad for them. As most people know, dogs regulate their body heat through panting because they cannot sweat; this can make it difficult to spot the signs of overheating. Here is what you should look for:

• Excessive panting
• Bright red gums
• Lethargy 
• Wobbles 

Breeds that need more monitoring

There are a few dogs that are going to be more affected by the hot weather than others, and if you have one of the breeds mentioned below, then you absolutely need to take the time to monitor them more closely. Firstly, any breed that has a flat face or short snout, like a Bulldog, Pug or Pekingese. They are already more likely to suffer from respiratory issues, and the hot weather can make these worse because they are going to struggle more to cool themselves down by panting. 

Next, bigger breeds like Bernese Mountain Dogs or Great Danes are also not that great at regulating their body heat, simply because they are so big. Dogs that carry extra weight too, regardless of their size, also find their bodies under more strain which can make them more susceptible to overheating. Older dogs, as a general rule, are also at more risk in the heat,

Finally, dogs that have a thicker coat run at a warmer temperature because their coat is designed to keep them warm in colder climes, not sunny weather. This means breeds like Chow-Chows, Pomeranians and Huskies should all be kept inside and in the cool away from the heat as much as possible. 

Feeding & Walking

During hotter weather, you might find that your dog has less of an appetite than normal; you don’t need to be too worried about that. Unless they have missed more than a full day of meals, you don’t need to take them to the vet. In terms of food, you don’t really need to feed them anything special when it’s hot out. They can stick to their regular diet. Obviously, you should make sure their nutritional needs are taken care of. This is why a lot of dog owners opt for a raw food diet for their dogs, and today you don’t even need to make it yourself. You can use a brand like ProDog Raw, which has an extensive range of ready made frozen raw dog food meals to choose from. The meals are usually served defrosted, but chilled from the fridge which is a benefit in the heat. You can even serve them part frozen for added chill factor. It should be common sense, but just in case, you will also need to make sure that your dog has constant access to enough cool, fresh water. 

You’re still obviously going to need to walk your dog regardless of the weather. When it comes to walking them on hot days, you need to avoid the warmest parts of the day; this means taking them out in the early morning and the evening. You should also try to avoid doing long, taxing routes and opt for something a little easier, if possible. Try to head to shady spots when you can. If your dog is going to end up missing walks because of the heat, try to play with them more instead at home to keep them engaged and stimulated. 

Cooling Off

A lot of dogs do enjoy sleeping in the sun and basking in the heat, and this is fine for short periods of time. But, when it is really hot out, you should try to keep them inside and cool as much as possible. Keep refreshing their water to encourage them to hydrate more often. Some dogs also love to paddle in water, so if yours does, get a small kid’s paddling pool that they can play and cool off in. Inside the house, it might be worth getting a fan or dog cooling mats for them to lie on. Finally, grooming is also paramount; if you have a dog with longer fur, make sure to book them in for their summer haircut; otherwise, brush them regularly to help them shed some of their coat and keep cool. 

To Conclude

Dogs are as much a part of the family as any other member, and they deserve to be looked after just as well. They put their trust in you implicitly, and they can’t tell you when something is wrong, which is why you need to be on it. A lot of people wait all year for the summer, and it can be easy to get carried away, but the warmer weather can be really risky for dogs which is why you need to exercise caution and be prepared.