Caring For Your Dog in Hot Weather

What to do if your dog gets too hot?

Here are some of the signs that your dog is overheating:

Excessive panting
Unusually bright red gums
Rapid heartbeat
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Lethargy
Unconsciousness

If you see any of these signs, it’s important to cool your dog down immediately but be careful NOT to shock / avoid very cold liquids. You should start cooling immediately by:

Find a cool well-ventilated area away from direct heat (somewhere shaded with air-flow)
Wetting your dog’s fur with cool water
Placing your dog in a cool bath
Using a fan to circulate cool air
Giving your dog small amounts of cool water to drink
If transporting your dog make sure the vehicle is cooled or well ventilated.

Heatstroke can be fatal, so if your dog has overheated and once stabilised it’s important to seek medical attention. Once your dog has cooled down, take them to the vet to be checked out.

Of course prevention is always better than cure so lets look at how best to avoid your furry pal getting too hot in the first place.

Provide plenty of fresh, cool water. Make sure your dog always has access to water, especially during hot weather.
Limit outdoor activity on hot days. Avoid taking them for long walks or hikes on hot days.
Find shady spots. If your dog is outside, make sure they have access to shady spots where they can cool off. You can also put up a canopy or umbrella to provide shade. We have natural shade and sun sails throughout.
On hot days, it’s best to avoid strenuous activity including running, playing fetch, or going for long walks.
If your dog is starting to overheat, you can wet their fur with cool water. You can also use a spray bottle to mist them down.

If your dog shows signs of heatstroke, such as excessive panting, difficulty breathing, or vomiting, take them to the ve t immediately.

At Acres 4 Dogs our expert team of Doggy Day Care handlers attend an annual (physically attended) first-aid course, hosted by Animal Academy.