Page 22 - Summer 2024

TOP TIPS TO KEEP COOL

Dogs can’t cool themselves down as well as quickly and then acts to trap the heat
people because their ability to sweat is against your pet even more.
limited and mainly through their paws. Stick to the shade : An easy tip for keeping
They need to rely on other methods such your dog cool in the summer is to stay in the
as panting to keep cool. Their inability to shade. Garden trees and shrubs can offer
sweat coupled with a fur coat makes them some shady spots, however, in cases of
at high risk of overheating and heatstroke.
extreme heat, it may be too hot for them to
Get a paddling pool : Invest in a solid go outside, other than for a quick toilet
paddling pool that’s made out of a durable break, even if they stay out of the sun.
material. Pop it in a shady spot in the Get a fan : Get a fan and use next to your
garden and fill with cool water. Make sure dog’s bed to keep them cool. For your dog’s
not to fill it too high as your dog may safety it’s important to never leave them
struggle to get out.
unsupervised with the fan on. Some dogs
If your dog isn’t a water baby, encourage can find a fan stressful, so keep an eye on
them to stand in the water as it can work your pet and turn the fan off if it’s troubling
wonders with cooling down body them as becoming distressed can make
temperature as they absorb and release panting and overheating worse.
heat through their paws.
Carefully plan your walks : Never take your
Keep them hydrated : Make sure they’re dog out in the midday sun when it’s hot -
drinking enough so they don’t get stick to early morning or late evening. It’s a

dehydrated. Ensure there’s easily accessible good idea to keep walks shorter and head to
fresh, clean drinking water in lots of bowls shadier areas such as woodlands.
around your home and garden.
You should avoid pavements and roads as
Offer ice treats : Some owners pop ice these can burn your dog’s paw pads. Before
cubes in the water bowl – but you should walking your dog on these surfaces, place

keep an eye as they can be a choking your bare hand or foot on the ground and if
hazard. You can buy ice lollies for dogs it’s too hot for you to hold it there for 10
which make a tasty snack but don’t give seconds, it’s definitely too hot for your dog.
your pet human ice lollies or ice creams Keep up with regular grooming : Make sure
because these are high in sugar and contain you carry out regular grooming. Many dogs
sweeteners that are toxic to dogs.
shed their coat during the summer months
Try cooling mats, coats and collars : There so grooming will help to keep them cooler. If
are many cooling mats, coats and collars on you’ve got a pup with longer fur, it may be a
the market specially designed for dogs. good idea to consider a summer trim. Speak
Always follow the specific product guidance to a professional groomer about this though
as some of these can also heat up after a as some fluffy dog breeds have fur that’s
few hours. designed to keep them cool as well as warm
and by clipping it off, you may be doing
Do not use wet towels : The advice of
soaking a towel with cool, but not freezing, more harm than good.

water and placing it over your dog is quite For further advice and guidance, go to the
popular. However, this will warm up very RSPCA website

info@bedlingtonrescue.co.uk www.bedlingtonrescue.co.uk