With the recent warm weather one of the things that you need to think about while trying to keep cool yourself is having the same in mind for your dogs. The risks that they can encounter out and about and, in the home, need to be considered and managed. There is plenty of advice from organisations like PDSA and Blue Cross as well as Poochee Care’s experience to help you look after your dogs when the weather gets hot.
Walking
We see so many dogs being walked in the middle of the day when the paths and pavements are at their hottest. If the air temperature is 22 degrees Centigrade, then the concrete will be close to 60 degrees. PDSA recommends a 5 second test. “Simply hold your hand or bare foot on the floor for 5 seconds – if it’s too hot for you, it’s definitely too hot for your four-legged friend, and it’s best to leave their walk until the ground has cooled down.” At Poochee Care we don’t walk dogs in temperatures over 19 degrees C. They won’t come to harm for being walked less and the burns on the soft pads of their paws from walking on hot paths can be horrifying.
When you do walk them, ideally before 8am or after 6pm, encourage then to take it slowly. All dogs love to sniff about and find new scents, and that is better than chasing a ball or running around in the heat. If their walks are shorter provide extra play at home, puzzles balls, training time and toys can all give the stimulation they need. Remember though that just as you want to rest more in the heat, so do your dogs.
In The Car
Never leave your dog in a parked car on a warm day, even for a few minutes if it is at all avoidable. Many cars are air conditioned now, but once the engine is off it can heat up very quickly. Temperatures of well over 40 degrees C are common and even with windows open and a bowl of water, a dog can be on the way to heatstroke very quickly. If you see a dog shut in a car don’t be tempted to break the window yourself. If the dog is in distress phone 999. If it seems to be ok for now, phone the RSPCA for further advice on 0300 123 4999.
At Home
Keeping your dog cool and comfortable is still important. Keeping them hydrated is vital, have several bowls of water around the house, and keep it cool with ice cubes. Your dog may want to sit on cool floors. If you don’t have a suitable place, then self-cooling mats are available very cheaply. Remember that does release their heat through their paws, so a small paddling pool, if they like water, or bathing their paws will help keep them cool.
Poochee Care works with dogs because we love them, as do nearly all the dog owners we meet. We want to make sure that you have the best information available so you can make the best choices about their care. Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn for more tips on supporting your pets throughout the summer. To learn more about our services visit our website.
