24/06/2026
Top tips for your doggies in this hot weather…. 🌞
1. Don’t walk during the day.
Early morning or late evening best but only if humidity is low and it’s cool enough for your dog.
2. Hydrate - ways to make that bowl enticing is to include a dollop of full-fat probiotic yoghurt mixed in or a bowl of watered-down broth. Don't add water to the food (dilutes digestive juices, makes more undigested food hit the intestines, don't want too much of that).
3. Electrolytes - like us, dogs need them too. Pinch of salt is your friend but no need to add to the food. Offer 2 bowls of water, one plain fresh stuff and the other with a pinch of salt in there. Trust them, they'll take what they need.
4. Make some doggie ice pops (large ice cubes for small dogs, water in plastic takeaway cups for the larger. Fill with bits of dried meat or berries or things they like to eat so they have to munch them down to get at them...or a frozen carrot if you're not bothered!).
5. Cooling devices - a kids paddling pool / sandpit if you have one, though a wet towel from the fridge is nice too.
6. Put cool sheets on the floor or dog beds in front of the fans in the house 🏠
Signs of heat stroke in dogs include excessive panting, bright red or purple gums, thick drool, and vomiting or diarrhoea. As the condition worsens, dogs may show signs of confusion, lack of coordination, collapse, or seizures.
If its the early signs you see, move the dog to cool, shaded area, use the cold wet towel on the body for a few minutes but then remove (taking re**al temp is best - aim to cool to about 39.5°C (103°F), then stop active cooling to avoid overshooting). Offer cool (not ice cold) water. A fan dramatically improves cooling by increasing evaporation.
If you see any of the more dramatic signs, get your ass to the vet quicksmart, very dangerous.
Be sun smart, not sun scared. Do what hot countries do, take it easy during the hottest part of the day. Respect it but enjoy it.
Tips -
If the dog is young and fit it’s recommended to do cold water emersion (not the head!) if your dog is happy with water 💦
If older pour cold water over them
Put fans / AC on them then go to vets if showing signs of heat exhaustion and a wet towel 🐾
Be safe, there will be plenty more long walks soon 🐕
