28/06/2026
I'm sure we're all breathing a sigh of relief now that the heatwave has passed.
Looking after dogs during extreme temperatures is a huge responsibility. Their usual routines have to change completely, and every decision is made with their safety in mind. Its not only the heat from the sun but also the humidity & air quality to be concerned about.
This week I was caring for a Newfoundland, an Akita, a Pomsky and a horse, so it was all hands on deck!
I had my partner, Bobby, helping me out with this one. He's fully DBS checked and insured, and often steps in when a sit is a little larger or an extra pair of hands is needed.
One of the biggest advantages is that he works from home, so he can work from almost anywhere, which is great for me 🙂 but best of all the animals adore him.
During the heatwave we created a routine that worked for each individual dog. The Newfoundland, because of her size and the extra strain the heat puts on giant breeds, had her own very short, slow walks to keep her calm and cool. She literally didnt go very far just down the shaded lane.
The other two who are more energetic were walked early in the morning over the forest before the day began to heat up.
We spent the mornings relaxing in the shade of the woodland, and the afternoons in the coolest room of the house with fans positioned for each dog. We even stayed quietly in the room with them so they could properly settle and sleep instead of constantly getting up to see what they were missing—rather like tiptoeing around sleeping babies!
By late evening, when the temperature had finally dropped, it was time for another gentle walk before everyone settled for the night. Fans kept on & windows open.
The bigger dogs never touched their food in the mornings instead we put a small bowl of kibble down for them to graze on. We also changed their water often keeping it nice & fresh & cold!
This is the side of pet sitting that people don't always see. It's not just feeding and walking dogs—it's understanding each dog's individual needs, adapting to the conditions, and putting their wellbeing first every single day.
They all did brilliantly, and that's exactly what you hope for. 🙂🐾
Meanwhile, their owners could relax and enjoy a lovely family holiday, with complete peace of mind knowing everything at home was being cared for – from their beloved pets to watering the garden.🌿
