HOT WEATHER!

As we come into summer, we can all look forward to nicer weather and warmer days. Walking your dog in the park on lovely sunny days is one of the best things about summer.

However, as the temperatures increase, we have to think about our dogs and how they cope in this heat. The rising temperature can cause a lot of pain for our dogs as they can suffer from burnt paw pads, sunburn and heat stroke. Dogs can be at risk at temperatures as low as 20 degrees. In the summer, you can still go out for walks with your dog but here are some things to consider before you go.

• Walk when the temperature is cooler, such as early morning or late evening.

• The tarmac can get very hot! Place your hand on it for 7 seconds, if it is too hot for you then it is too hot for your dog’s paws. Try and walk on the grass or shaded areas.

• Avoid long car journeys and never leave your dog in a car

• Take plenty of water with you for both you and the dog, take breaks from the sun in the shade

• If your dog has exposed skin consider buying dog safe sun cream to avoid getting sunburnt. You can also put a t-shirt on them to protect their skin if they are comfortable with this.

• Restrict non-essential exercise. Go on walks instead of runs or cycles with your dog, keep high energy games, such as fetch, to a minimum.

• Use wet towels or cooling mats to keep the dogs cool in the house.

• Be extra careful for dogs at high risk, these include: old dogs, puppies, overweight dogs, dark thick coated dogs and short nosed dogs. These dogs are more likely to overheat so take extra care when outside.

It is also important you learn to signs and heat stroke and how to help your dog if this happens.

Some days it may be too hot to walk your dog. That’s okay, your dog can cope with missing a walk or two, it’s better to be safe. There are lots of ways to exercise your dog without going out, have a read of my “entertaining your dog at home” blogs for ideas.

NOTE! I still recommend walking your dog at cooler times of the day when possible. The ideas for entertaining your dogs should be used as extra stimulation throughout the day and not replace walks completely.