Here’s how to keep your dog safe during a heatwave

As soon as the temperature rises during the summer, your dog can quickly suffer. Unlike people, dogs don’t sweat and therefore struggle to regulate their body temperature. That’s where you come in - with these tricks, you can help keep your pooch nice and cool.

Never leave your dog in the car

The first and most important thing to remember during the summer is to never leave your dog in the car alone, even if the windows are slightly open. The temperature in the car is much higher than the temperature outside.

As Mirror explains, if it’s 22°C outside, it will be 47°C inside the car.

Always allow access to fresh water

Like humans, it is important that your dog stays hydrated during hot weather. So be sure that your pooch always has access to fresh and clean water. If you want the water to stay cooler for longer you can always add some ice cubes.

Walk your dog early or late in the day

It is often recommended that you walk your dog every day, however, it is always important to take into consideration the weather. It can be too hot for your beloved pooch to be walked.

VetsNow explains that the ideal temperature to walk your dog is 19°C and below as long as you keep them well hydrated. So if it is hot during the day, it would be best to either walk your dog early in the morning or late in the evening once temperatures drop a bit.

Dogs for Good suggest placing your hand on the ground and if you find it too hot, it’ll be too hot for your dog.

Allow water play

If you are able to, let your dog play with water – providing they enjoy the water. This can anything from getting them a little paddling pool or spraying them with a hose or sprinkler. This allows your dog to cool off as well as have fun.

If at any point you think your dog may be suffering from heatstroke, please consult your vet for advice.

Read more:

⋙ Heatstroke: Here are the signs your dog may be experiencing overheating

⋙ 8 Warning signs that a dog is about to bite, according to a vet

⋙ These funky dog names helped shelters get their dogs adopted