08/12/2025
☀️ Summer is here and it is HOT ☀️
While we can easy cool ourselves off by picking what we wear, where we go and what we eat/drink, our furry friends don’t so make sure to look out for them in these hotter days 🐶
Here are some quick tips and tricks that can help:
💧Hyrdation and Cool treats
• Make sure there are multiple bowls around the house/yard your dog can access. Place them in shade to keep to cool. You can add ice cubes to help cool it down
• Make frozen treats from dog friendly ingredients. Simply freeze goats milk, banana purée, diluted low-salt chicken stock or just water in cubes, shaped trays, Kong (or similar) toys
• Try giving them frozen or cold fruit/vegetable slices. Remember if using watermelon or apples, remove the seeds. Do not feed grapes and if unsure about other fruits/veges ask a vet or google
❄️ Lowering their body temperatures
• If possible, set up a paddling pool. Something that is shallow and durable
• Use a wet towel as a cooling blanket. Wet a towel with cool water, not freezing as it will shock the system. Drape the towel over their necks or wrap around their body making sure the towel sits in armpits or the groin area or simply lay it on the floor and allow them to lay on it
• There are many variations of cooling mats/vest/bandanas that are useful and can be a quick easy option for cooling a dog down
• Access to a fan or air conditioning. Keep a fan handy and near their favourite sleep spot. Use a fan after wetting their paws or coat as air moving over a cooler surface is more efficient
🏠 Creating cool environments
• Non carpeted areas. Encourage your dog, if possible, to lay on non carpeted areas especially indoor lino, tile or stone as it is naturally cooler
• Limit direct sun exposure. Ensure if they are outside they have access to deep sheltered areas throughout the whole day
🏃🏼♂️ Adjusting exercise times
• Keep walking and high intensity exercise for cooler times. Restrict these to early morning or late evening when temperatures are lowest. Remember, the hottest part of the day is actually mid to late afternoon so don’t be fooled by the time!
• CHECK THE PAVEMENT!! If you lay the back of your hand on the pavement for 5 secs and cannot keep it there or feel a burn, it is too hot for your pups feet. Hot surfaces can damage and burn the pads of their feet. Walk on grass where possible
• Instead of outdoor play and usual times, try engage ther minds in a cooler indoor environment with treat puzzles, snuffle mats, frozen enrichments
☀️ If your dog has any lighter skin areas, remember to apply dog safe sunscreen!
⚠️ Signs on heatstroke
Watch for these crucial signs within your dog:
• Excessive panting/drooling
• Bright red or pale gums
• Rapid heart rate
• Vomiting/diarrhea
• Lethargy/weakness
• Muscle tremors or collapse
If exhibiting signs, move your dog to a cool place, cool them down with the towel method and offering cool water, contact your vet for guidance
👀 We will be watching carefully for these signs during daycare and grooming as well as plenty of shade, water, fans and rest. If you have any worries, concerns or questions just let us know!
Keep cool and stay safe out there 🐾
