Keeping your dog cool in summer
In summer, walk your dog before sunrise or after sunset, keep fresh water out all day, and never leave your dog in a car, even for a few minutes. Test the ground with the back of your hand: if you can't hold it there for 7 seconds, it's too hot for paws. Flat-faced, older and heavy dogs overheat fastest.
Summer walk times
| Walk? | How long | |
|---|---|---|
| Before sunrise | Best time | Normal walk |
| Midday | No, toilet break only | A few minutes in the shade |
| Late afternoon | Only if the ground is cool | Short |
| After sunset | Good | Normal walk |
Heatstroke: cool your dog and go to a vet now if it
- Pants very hard and can't settle
- Drools thick saliva
- Has bright red or pale gums
- Is wobbly or collapses
- Vomits or has diarrhoea
Tip. Freeze a little wet food in a bowl for a cool treat on hot afternoons.
Your dog is overheating. Should you use ice-cold water?
Ice-cold water tightens blood vessels in the skin and slows cooling. Wet your dog with cool water, use a fan, and head to the vet.
What helps
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