Dog Walking in Hot Weather

Blog 1 - Hot Days and Dog Walking

So it’s going to be a very hot day and your darling doggo needs a walk. So what do you do about it to keep your dog safe in hot weather? 

Firstly, it is important to understand the seriousness of how easy it can be for a dog to get over heated. Dogs cannot sweat enough to cool down and so rely on panting to keep them cool. However, this pretty much becomes redundant in warm or humid weather as panting relies on using the moisture in their mouths. But in hot weather this technique, for obvious reasons, does not work. 

The other issue is that dogs being dogs, don’t know when to stop! If they’re out having a good time the last thing they want to do is to stop playing or exploring their environment. ‘ Ooo it’s a bit too hot I think I’ll just have a gentle stroll or sit in the shade’ does not come into their ickle minds. 

As responsible, loving owners, it is our duty to make sure we keep our dogs safe and healthy on those hot days. So how do we do that? 

I think firstly, probably the most sensible question to ask is if your dog does need to go out. If you have a garden then this would be the sensible and most safest alternative to taking them out for a walk when the weather is way too hot. I know it’s not ideal but it is certainly the safest option. 

However, if this is something that you feel is not best for your dog then these are a few things you can do. 

1. Take plenty of water! An obvious one but a very essential item. Apart from drinking, it can be used to cool a dog down by tipping it over them, particularly around the neck, stomach and thigh areas. 

   
   

2. A very good idea is to get a dog cooling bandana. These are simply a sponge like neckerchief that you can douse in water and put around your dog's neck. These help keep them cooler than if they did not have one. However, they are not the be all and end all. Your dog still needs to keep hydrated. 

   
   

3. Get your dog out early before the day starts heating and in the evening when the day has cooled down.

   
   

4.  Try and keep your walks to a minimum as you don’t want your dog becoming overheated.

   
   

5. Check the pavement. If it is too hot this can burn their paws. As a rule of thumb, put the back of your hand on the pavement for 5 seconds and if it feels too hot then it will most likely burn your dog's paws. 

   
   

6. If you are taking your dog by car make sure the air conditioning is on or keep all the windows down. I would also recommend placing a cool mate in the back for them to sit or lay on. Cooling mats maintain a low temperature, are generally waterproof and good for keeping your dog at a lower temperature.

7. If you can, take your dog for a walk that offers plenty of shade and protection from the sun. Woodland is a good choice as the trees provide shade or by a river where your dog can take a nice dip if so inclined. 

   
   

8. If your dog is quite energetic it may be a good idea to keep them on lead instead of letting them run off to explore. 

Signs of Heatstroke

If your dog is becoming over heated they will exhibit signs of distress through some of the following symptoms.

1. Your dogs breathing may become harder and faster

2. Your dog may start drooling which will look thick and sticky

3. The colouration of your dogs gums and tongue will look red, pale or even a blue/ purple

4. Your dog may become restless, whining or seeking shade.

Any of these signs get your dog cooled down immediately. Douse them with cold water, get them in shade and give them water. If you are concerned about your dog I would advise speaking to your vet or taking them to your nearest practice.

If your dog shows the following symptoms.

1. Your dog is wobbling or staggering around.

2. Vomiting or diarrhea

3. They collapse

4. Muscle tremours or seizure

Douse them in cold water, get them in shade, give them water to drink and then take them to your vet immediately. 

With these sensible precautions you can help reduce the risk of your dog becoming over heated on hot days while giving them exercise. It is important to stress that the above information is not exhaustive and every dog is different. If in doubt

or if you have any concerns contact your vet immediately. 

*This information and advice is based on experience, advice from vets over time and research. If in doubt you should always contact your vet immediately.