Keep your dog Happy, Healthy and Safe this summer.

Summer is here; and with that glorious sunshine and hotter temperatures that so many of us love, it means taking extra steps to ensure the safety and well-being of our pets. In 2022 PETA received reports of 54 heat related deaths and 469 that were treated - these are just the ones that were reported! (https://www.peta.org/features/dogs-and-other-companion-animals-suffer-heat-related-deaths/ ) In the UK 1 in 7 dogs that are taken to the vets with heatstroke die ( https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/health-and-dog-care/health/health-and-care/a-z-of-health-and-care-issues/heatstroke-in-dogs/ )

As the old saying goes: ‘Prevention is better than cure’. When it comes to your pets life, why take the risk?

Walks

I avoid letting my dogs off-lead during the hotter weather as I don’t want them running around and over heating. Sniffing walks are just as effective in tiring your dog out!
I’m also less likely to let them engage with strangers/strange dogs as they are generally less tolerant when feeling hot and bothered (I can definitely relate to this one ha)
I don’t generally walk between 10:00 - 17:00.
Even though I walk earlier in the morning/later at night, I stick to shaded walks. If the pavement feels hot to touch it will be too hot for your dog to walk on
I keep walks shorter, instead of 6-10 miles, we walk 1-3 miles (sometimes 0 miles)
I supplement the dogs daily activities, with cooling enrichment activities instead (http://www.gemscanineacademy.co.uk/blog/effective-activities-to-keep-your-dog-cool-and-entertained-this-summer )
I ensure the activities I provide are low impact. I wouldn’t suggest things like throwing a ball around/playing chase etc

Keeping Dogs Hydrated

I place additional water bowels around the house and garden, replenishing them whenever I get myself a fresh drink
Even doing shorter walks at cooler points, I ensure I take water along with me in case my dogs start overheat
If I feel as though my dogs aren’t choosing to drink the water, I’ll sit next to the bowel and encourage them

Leaving Dogs Home Alone

I aim to leave my dogs home alone as little as possible in summer. Meaning perhaps for an hour or 2 at a time
Before leaving I close blinds to ensure my house is as shaded as possible
I open windows on higher floors
I leave fans running, in spots my dogs tend to sleep so they can get extra cool if they choose
I refresh the multiple water bowels
I always check in on them on our pet camera, fully prepared to head home if they appear to be anything other than what I expect to see

Taking the dogs somewhere in the car

If I HAVE to take the dogs somewhere in the car (eg the vets) then I will prep my car before hand
I’ll try to get appointments for earlier or later in the day (If I have advance notice)
I’ll make sure my car is parked somewhere I know is nice and shady the night before (If I have advance notice)
Roughly 5 minutes before the journey I’ll start my car, and get the air con blowing
I will aim to plot my route, either ensuring there are appropriated places I could stop if my car were to break down
I try to ensure in the event of car failure I have a plan B (friends or family to come to the rescue of the pooches)
Take plenty of water, sun visors to keep the sun off the dogs as much as possible
I will always aim to not need to take my pooches in the car during summer, however sometimes, life just happens and it’s beyond our control.

Just how hot and uncomfortable it truly feels in the boot of the car on a sunny day.

Your Dogs ‘Normal’

Pay attention to what is ‘normal’ for your dog. Please contact your vet immediately if you notice them;

If you’re seeing more obvious signs then it can often be too late!

Until Next Time

Gem

XOXO

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