When summer comes, there are a number of measures we take to protect ourselves from the sun, whether it be sun cream for the skin or sunglasses for the eyes.
But while it is important to make sure to stay safe in the sun this summer, make sure not to forget about man’s best friend!
We spoke to the canine-loving folks at DoggieTags.co.uk who said: “The natural response when the sun comes out is for everyone to dash outside and make the most of it and while it’s a great way to get some exercise for you and your dog, heat exhaustion is a very real danger.”
So here are five of our top tips to keep your four-legged friend safe this summer.
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Try to limit walks to early morning or late night
Obviously, the mornings and evenings are the coolest part of the day, so it’s a much more comfortable time for both you and your dog to go walkies.
This is especially true if you have a particularly playful dog who likes to run around and burn off some energy.
Just like with a human, running around in the blazing midday sun is bound to leave your dog feeling exhausted and dehydrated.
Keep them well hydrated
Just like humans, dogs need to keep especially well hydrated during the summer months.
Exactly how much they need to drink will differ from dog to dog as different thicknesses and colours of coat will absorb different amounts of heat.
If your dog has been overindulging in the treats and is slightly overweight, they will also dehydrate easier.
As such, always make sure to be well equipped with water when on walks and make sure to keep stopping for quick breaks.
Never leave your dog in a parked car
This is perhaps an obvious one, but dogs still die in parked cars on hot days. Even if you leave the windows open or park in the shade, your dog is still in danger.
Cars retain a lot of heat and according to the RSPCA, when it’s 22 degrees outside, a car can actually reach temperatures of up to 47 degrees within an hour.
The problems can be made even worse if your dog gets excited or panicky from the claustrophobia and will get dehydrated even quicker.
Even when the car is in motion, make sure to keep the windows open and always have a bottle of water to keep everybody hydrated.
Doggie boots
You might think these look ridiculous, you might think they look adorable, but did you know you can buy little shoes for your dogs which will protect your dog’s feet from the hot ground?
As you may have experienced yourself when walking around barefoot on a hot day, heat rises from the ground and is especially hot on cement, and dogs absorb a lot of heat through their feet.
Use your imagination!
There’s no reason why you can’t use some of the same methods that you would use to keep yourself and the kids cool on your pooch!
Why not set up a paddling pool for them to chill out in, or turn on a sprinkler for them to play in.
A wet towel is also perfect for dogs to chill out on, or set up a fan next to their bed to make things a little bit more comfortable for them.
