Angie Brown DipCBT, CCUI. Border Collies are my soul dogs and, their unique needs can make for a challenging time. I can help!
28/04/2025
Just a reminder that temperatures 🌡 are ramping up this week ⛅️☀️
What you can do to help keep your pets safe & comfortable...
🐾 Plenty of water available
🐾 Shorten walks, or stop altogether, in the height of the sun, usually from around 12/1 until 5/6pm (it used to be between 12 and 2, but the heat seems to be rising much later these days)
🐾 Go earlier in the mornings, or later in the evenings instead.
🐾 Reduce physically demanding play such as chasing, fetch etc to avoid overheating
As a general guide, if it's too hot for your bare feet, it's too hot for your pups' paws 🐾
Believe it, or not, dogs can also get sunburn, particularly on their ears and noses. Lighter coated dogs tend to make this easier to see and are more susceptible.
It's possible to get sunscreen that is non-toxic for dogs.
Cooling mats, and bandanas are also a great way to help keep them cooler on these warmer days and you can buy frozen treats such as Frozzy frozen yoghurt (dog friendly, lactose free) from some supermarkets.
If you're local to West Lothian, My Pets Stuff, near Dechmont stocks them and they make a fantastic licky treat too!
I recommend taking these steps when the mercury reaches anything over 17 degrees, although some dogs can be affected even at lower temps than this, as can dogs with certain medical conditions such a Canine Epilepsy.
Signs of overheating/heat stroke include:
Sudden lethargy
Wobbly gait (walking)
Hypersalivating
Hyperventilating (as opposed to normal panting to help them regulate their body temp)
Refusal to drink
Drinking excessively (this one can be dangerous)
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‼️Heat stroke in dogs is a medical emergency, so if you suspect at any time, this may apply to your dog, call the vet immediately‼️
Taking small precautions means you can still have tons of fun with your dog, and they can also be kept safe and well 🐾❤️
