This summer is set to reach sweltering temperatures of 40 degrees. What does this mean for our pups?

To start off… please DO NOT let all the noise from so called “dog experts” stress you out and send you into a panic. Half of them do not know what they are talking about and the rubbish they are sharing on social media is not all factual. This may include some of the stuff your own dog walker or boarder is telling you. We are dog lovers, not dog experts but we have done a deep dive into the science and biology of dogs to cut through dog sh*t that is being posted online. But it is always better to ring up your vet and get some breed specific information rather than trusting what you see online.

First and Foremost - Hydration is Everything!

The heat can be unbearable for most dogs, especially if they have a thick coat. Heat stroke is a real danger, but no more of a danger than it is to humans. The best way to avoid dehydration and heat stroke is to make sure your dog is constantly hydrated.

You can encourage this with simple and fun ways like freezing treats or blueberries in ice to give them a cool snack. Watermelon and cucumber are great hydrating snacks that most dogs love. Your dog may even be willing to simply chew on an ice cube or two (or 5).

One of our favourite hacks is to place a large block of ice (made in a ice cream container) into their water bowl and let that melt throughout the day.

If you want you can throw in some treats into the block so they’re encouraged to go over and drink water when it melts out.

Be sensible

The reality is your dog is probably not suffering any more than you are. Keep calm and carry on and don’t panic. You can enjoy the summer with your dog. Just be sure to…

• Stick to the shade when you are out on a walk

• Carry water with you

• Maybe pop on a cool vest for them

• Let them have cold baths (but ensure they are in a cool room after that)

It is definitely more sensible to walk them early in the morning or late in the evening but a mid day stroll is not going to do them any harm. We have an urge to be over protective parents with our pups. They can enjoy the park in the shade and on particularly hot days maybe give the game of fetch a skip.

The real dog sh*t

There are two facts you should know:

1) Your dogs feet are not the same as humans, had humans not started wearing shoes our feet would also look allot like an animals, all hard and crusty to protect us from rough surfaces and hot pavements. Dogs do have pain receptors in their paw pads but their paws are specially adapted to deal with rough and hot terrains. Furthermore dogs actually walk on their “finger tips”. If you try put your fingertips on a hot pavements it won’t feel so hot, now add specially adapted pads on them… the conclusion is that your dog isn’t in pain on the hot pavements. But to be on the safe side always choose the shaded part of the pavement.

2) Panting is not a sign of heat stroke. We humans deal with heat primarily through sweating where as dogs deal with heat by panting. It is completely normal. Panting is a sign your dog is hot and trying to cool down. You can help them by stopping in the shade and taking a rest, putting some cool (not ice cold) water on them or popping that lovely fan on. Just make sure they are hydrated.

Summer is practically here and we want to enjoy it. We must be cautious and take care of our dogs in the heat but being aware of how our dogs deal with heat and keep cool means we can enjoy our summer WITH our dogs.

You can find more information about heat stroke guidance from the RSPCA here

PS: Keep yourself hydrated, after all how can we look after our dogs if we don’t take care of ourselves