Everyone knows you should never leave a dog in a hot car, but it’s also important to be aware that dogs can develop heatstroke outdoors too. Heat can cause a number of health hazards including; dehydration, heat stroke, seasonal allergies and burned pads. So we’ve made a list of things to watch out for;

Dehydration
Make sure your pet has plenty of cool, clean fresh water available. Always keep an eye and make sure they’re water bowl is well topped up.  Place ice cubes in outdoor water bowl as this will help it keep cooler for longer.  Pull blinds and curtains to minimize direct sunlight if pets are been kept indoors. Dogs that are brachycephalic (short-faced) such as Boxer’s, Pekingese, Bulldogs, have an especially hard time in the heat because they do not pant as efficiently as standard faced dogs. Best to keep your brachycephalic dog inside where it’s cool.

Heat Stroke
It’s very important to never leave animals alone in cars on warm days even if the window is left open. Dogs have been known to die in as little as 30 minutes when left unattended in motor vehicles.  If you do see a pet locked in a car, please call a local animal authority immediately if the owner does not return promptly, you may save a life! In extremely hot weather it’s best to avoid strenuous exercise.  Take walks early in the mornings or evenings when the sun’s heat is less intense. 

Check out these cooling pet products
..................................................................................................................
Pawsome canine cooler beds; made using a gel filled mattress it looks super comfortable. Click for more information!

KoolCollarstore.com  sell a range of cooler collars, simply fill the collar with ice and as the ice melts it simulates artificial sweat. What a great idea, love it!
..................................................................................................................

Burned Pads
When walking your dog avoid hot surfaces such as cement, walking on grass helps to avoid burning pads as its much cooler.  It’s a good idea also to walk your dog either early morning or late in the evening when surfaces have cooled off.  You can check a surfaces temperature by putting your hand down on the surface for thirty seconds, if you must remove your hand before then it’s too hot.

Allergies
Dogs tend to have more allergies during the summer; seasonal allergies include fleas, grass, various plants, and mould allergies. If your dog is very itchy and losing fur then a visit to your vet is recommended.  Click here for more information for various canine allergies in any season and treatments.

Please share tips/advice for keeping our pets safe during summer in our health & nutrition pet forum, we would WOOF to hear from you!!!!