Hot Dogs

As I'm sure you're all well aware, we've been experiencing some rather unusually hot weather recently! And as nice as its been to put on our shorts and sandals and take day trips to the beach, for your dog, It's a different story altogether.

It's a widely known fact that dogs, unlike humans, can't sweat. So hot weather can make your dog at risk of heat stroke, or worse, death in situations that usually wouldn't bring harm to them.

Here at playful paws we use some of our own methods to help keep dogs cool in summer, which include water fights with the hose, filling plastic bottles full of cold water and ice for dogs to play with and chew on outside and then there's those trips to the lakes and rivers.

If you'd like more information on how to keep your dog happy in the heat and prevent them from being a hot dog, then you might find the following information useful.

Courtesy of the RSPCA:

Hot Dog Facts!

* A dog’s normal body temperature is around 39°C (102°F). Although the upper lethal body temperature of dogs is approximately 42°C (108°F), brain damage may develop at body temperatures of 41°C (106°F).

Dogs are covered in fur and do not sweat in the same way as humans do. Unlike humans, dogs pant to help keep themselves cool. The effectiveness of panting is reduced at high temperatures and humidities. Cars heat up very rapidly in hot – or even warm – weather. Air-conditioning can disguise the danger that a dog will face once the engine is turned off.

The RSPCA’s top tips to help keep your dog safe in the sun:

1. Your dog should always be able to move into a cooler, ventilated environment if he/she is feeling hot.
2. Never leave your dog alone in a car. If you want to take your dog with you on a car journey, make sure that your destination is dog friendly – you won’t be able to leave your dog in the car and you don’t want your day out to be ruined. If leaving your dog at home is the best option because of the weather, always ensure that his/her needs are properly catered for.
3. If you have to leave your dog outside, you must provide a cool, shady spot where he/she can escape from the sun at all times of the day.
4. Make sure your dog always has a good supply of drinking water, in a weighted bowl that can’t be knocked over. Carry water with you on hot days and give your dog frequent, small amounts.
5. Never leave your dog in a glass conservatory or a caravan. Even if it is cloudy when you leave, the sun may come out later in the day and could become unbearably hot.
6. Groom your dog regularly to get rid of excessive hair. Give long-coated breeds a hair-cut at the start of the summer, and later in the season if necessary.
7. Dogs need exercise, even when it is hot, but walk your dog early in the morning or later in the evening. Never allow your dog to exercise excessively in hot weather.
8. Dogs can get sunburned too – particularly those with light-coloured noses or light coloured fur on their ears. Ask your vet for advice on pet-safe sunscreens.

Or you can view the Blue Cross Summer survival guide page by following the link: http://www.allaboutpets.org.uk/features/Summer-Survival-Guide.aspx

We hope you found this helpful, and remember stay cool!