Hot Weather Means Hot Dogs
As summer approaches it is important to ensure that dogs do not overheat.
Dogs cannot regulate their body temperature as easily as we can, leading to an increased risk of overheating and a very severe form of heatstroke, which can result in dehydration, collapse and death.
Dogs do not sweat, so with the fur coat most of them are sporting; they struggle to get heat away from their body. Their only way to disperse heat is by panting. This process causes them to lose moisture and as it relies on evaporation - obviously not efficient in humid conditions.
The 2 main risk times are cars and walking in hot weather. Cars can get very hot very quickly if left in direct sun, acting very much like a green house and without air circulation, will become very humid.
Always ensure that you park in the shade and leave windows open, keeping waiting times to a minimum, but if in doubt, don’t take the risk.
Walking in hot weather is a much bigger risk than people realise. When walking on warm days, even if you don’t feel too hot yourself, dogs can get very hot, even just at slow pace.
On days where it is likely to get very hot it is advisable not to take dogs on long or vigorous walks between 11am-7pm to avoid the hottest parts of the day and always be prepared by carrying water.
If your dog overheats, give it plenty of cold water and cool it as fast as possible. If at all concerned contact us as soon as you can.
