Summer is an exciting time for pups and their owners, with longer summer days, brighter walks across Barnsley, fewer muddy paws and cosy beer garden trips! Although it’s a special time of the year, it’s not without risk to our fur babies. When we spend extended periods of time outside with our pets (like with our kids), we must consider potential hazards.
Don’t let the heat slow you and your fur friends down. Read on to learn what is and isn’t safe for your pups, our top tips on staying safe this summer, and signs of heatstroke in dogs, so you can keep your pup safe today.
Stay hydrated
Keeping your dog hydrated is one of the most important things you can do when the temperature rises. Ensure you provide your dog with plenty of opportunities to drink fresh, cold water. Whether you’re placing more water bowls around the house or bringing a collapsible water bowl for walks, every little helps.
Walk them at cooler points of the day
The hottest part of the day can be dangerous for dogs. If possible, aim for early mornings or evenings to walk your dog so that the sun is lower and temperatures are cooler. If this is unavoidable, choose shady paths, grassy terrains and dirt trails over hot concrete that has been exposed to the sun all day. You can also use a cooling coat if hot weather is unavoidable!
On top of this, take plenty of breaks or walk slowly if necessary. It’s important not to push your dog too hard, as the warmth can be fatiguing (just like for us humans)!
Top tip: Try the 7-second rule if your walks often take place on pavements. Place your hand on the pavement for 7 seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’ll be too hot for their paws.
Changes to their feeding routine
When the hot weather creeps up in South Yorkshire, you may notice a change in your pup’s eating habits. They might become picky or simply refuse to eat. Don’t worry about this, though; this is totally normal during the warmer months, and it isn’t anything to be concerned about. The most important thing is water intake, as a healthy dog will never starve itself.
Think about it, our energy expenditure decreases greatly when the warmer weather hits. Our pets (like us) move less and sleep more, expending less energy, undoubtedly influencing their appetite.
It’s important to consider the food you feed your pup, too. Dry food has a very low moisture count, with between 3-12% compared to the nearly 70% in raw food, meaning making the switch can do a world of good to your furry friends.
Small changes that go a long way
There are plenty of small changes you can make to keep your pup feeling cooler and more supported during the warmer weather.
Use Ice
Why not freeze one of our raw dog food treats? It’s the perfect way to cool them down
Alternatively, you can put ice cubes into their water bowls to keep their water cool, or frozen bottles in front of a fan to mist cold air into your room!
Be cautious of hot cars
Cars can become uncomfortably hot during the summer. Make sure to never leave your dog in the car, even if only for a moment. If you’re travelling with your dog in the car, make sure to carry water, open a window or turn on the air conditioning, and schedule stops to cool down.
Buy a fan
Many homes in Barnsley and South Yorkshire are not equipped with air conditioning. Instead, why not place a fan near your usual spot and give them an extra breeze if they want it?
Harness instead of a leash
Consider using a harness instead of a leash attached to a collar when walking your dog, as a leash pulling on a collar can impair airways and stop dogs from cooling down as effectively.
Signs of heatstroke in dogs
One of the bigger disadvantages of the weather improving in South Yorkshire is the potential for heatstroke. Dogs are at greater risk of experiencing heatstroke if they don’t have water or adequate shade. Here are the signs your dog might be experiencing heatstroke:
- Heavy panting, even when not exercising
- Dribbling
- Unwillingness to move
- Being sick or having an upset stomach
- Not walking in a straight line
- Collapse
- Fitting
All dogs are at risk of experiencing heatstroke, but some more than others. These include:
- Overweight dogs
- Flat-faced
- Senior dogs
- Longer hair or thicker-furred dogs
- Generally, more energetic dogs
If your pup experiences these symptoms, take them to a cool, shaded area and slowly feed them cold water. If you can, use a cold, wet sponge or fabric piece to dab them.
How sure4pets can help you
Making sure your dog receives sufficient water and nutrients can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. Switch to a raw food diet to promise increased moisture nutrition, and follow these tips and tricks so that your fur babies have just as much fun this summer as you do!
