Top Tips for Keeping your Dog Cool

The experts at Eastcott Vets have given us some great tips to keep your dog cool and hydrated as the weather gets hotter..

We all love it when the weather gets hotter and the sun comes out, however it's really important to remember our canine friends may not be quite as comfortable playing in the sun as we are. Dehydration can be very dangerous for animals - and don't forget dogs can get sunburnt too!

The fantastic team at Eastcott Vets have given us their top tips to make sure our dogs are as happy in the sun as we are..

• Walk dogs at the coolest times of the day, early morning or late evening

• Shaded wooded walks are good if close by

• Try not to travel to the walk by car. If you do, open the doors and windows to allow the car to cool before putting your dog in. Special window vent guards are good for keeping your dog safe and cool whilst travelling. A non-spill water bowl can be kept in the boot of the car

• Never leave a pet in the car even with water and windows open. Car fans do not keep a car cool enough, even those specially marketed for dogs

• Carry water when walking for you and your dog. You can buy handy little disposable or portable dog water bowls

• Try to encourage your dog to walk rather than run if possible, so no ball or chase games and try to walk where you dog is not likely to want to go off hunting

• Take special care if you have a ‘busy’ breed such as Spaniels, Staffordshire bull terriers or any other breed that is constantly ‘on the go’. They tend not to stop even when heat exhausted

• Take special care if you have a bracheacephailic breed (dogs with ‘squashed’ muzzles) these dogs find it hard to pant efficiently with their short noses and narrow nostrils. Furthermore they are prone to having overly long soft palates which makes their airways narrow. Some dogs will require surgery to help them cope

• Take special care if you have a dog that wears a muzzle. Basket style muzzles allow some free panting but fabric muzzles can be very restrictive. By law some dogs have to be muzzled at all times in public and so will need to be very carefully managed during hot spells. Exercise them with great caution and ensure they have plenty of access to water. Some dog may be more ‘tetchy’ and inclined to bite when hot and stressed so be aware that a hot dog may not appreciate the attention of a small child

• Plan days out carefully. If you are taking your dog make sure you don’t have to leave it in the car at any time. Many pubs allow dogs but check there is somewhere cool and shaded for them. If in doubt leave them at home and get a neighbour to let them out for short periods during the day

• If visiting the beach check ahead to make sure that dogs are allowed. Many beaches ban dogs during the summer months. Remember to take some fresh drinking water. A hot thirsty dog + sea water = explosive diarrhoea + vomiting

• Consider having long haired dogs clipped

• Apply appropriate sun block to the tips of ears, noses and any hairless areas of white cats, dogs rabbits and bald areas on hens to prevent sunburn

• When indoors, provide a cool shaded area with plenty of fresh drinking water 

• Dogs and cats can get stung by bees and wasps. A bee sting can be gently removed if it can be seen and soothed with a dilute solution of bicarbonate. A wasp sting can be soothed using vinegar (not around their eyes). Painful stings, and stings around the mouth or eyes, may require veterinary attention to reduce discomfort and to ensure the airway is not affected