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We all love to take our best furry friend on long dog walks, especially in the summer when the air is fresh and we don't have to put on too many items of clothing. It is especially enjoyable if you have the type of dog that loves to roll around in the mud and bring it all back inside to spray around your house. Sometimes however you need to be wary of the hot weather which can damage your pet and make a walk seem like torture. They may look happy to be outside but quite often dogs will only want to please you and not worry about themselves until it is too late.
So here are some tips from the team here at Dogs Dogs Dogs that will help you identify the warning signs and also what to avoid when it comes to walkies in different weather conditions.
Place the back of your hand on the surface of the road or pavement for 7 seconds, if it is too hot for you to handle it will be way too hot for your pup's paws. Hot surfaces can burn them in the same way they would your bare feet. If you have had children you will be doing the same with bathwater and your elbow to prevent them getting scalded.
Aim for early morning or late evening walks when it’s cooler. Avoid the peak heat of the day (10 AM to 4 PM) to prevent overheating. If your dog does get too hot you could always buy one of fantastic cooling matsto cool them down.
If you are going out on a hot day and the surface is OK, don't forget to keep your dog watered. They are just like any other living system, they need water to keep their body temperature correct. If you aren't walking near a stream or river, then consider taking a bottle of water and some sort of receptacle with you. That way you can keep both your dog and yourself happy for longer periods. Dehydration can quickly sneak up on you if you are not careful.
Watch out for signs of overheating. If your dog is overheating they will show signs and you must keep on top of this before it is too late. Heavy panting or drooling, weakness, bright red gums are normal signs that a dog is too hot. If you see any of these signs stop immediately and consider how you can help to calm them down and get them cool. Get them some water, give them access to a shady area and if possible get them inside where it is cool. There are all sorts of ways to help a dog cool down some of which we covered in the previous blog.
For a dog to get hot, it may not just be a walk that does it. Sometimes playing in the garden even if it is an enclosed area can bring up their temperature. This is particularly the case with children who don't know better and just keep throwing their ball. Make sure they are not being overworked/played with.
This advice is useful for most dogs, but remember some breeds are more susceptible to heat than others so act accordingly. Bulldogs and Pugs tend to be more susceptible to extreme heat than other breeds who have less body weight or fur.
Remember, safety first! When in doubt, skip the walk and enjoy some indoor fun instead. Your pup will thank you!
Stay cool and happy tails!
