Be wise to overheating – keep your dogs safe this summer.

Overheating and heat exhaustion are serious summer risks for unacclimatised dogs. British weather can be unpredictable at times, and sudden heatwaves where temperatures exceed 25°C can become dangerous for dogs that are used to cooler climates.

Did you know it can take up to 60 days for a dog to become full acclimatised to drastically different climates?

Unlike humans, dogs do not ‘sweat’ as such, and so rely heavily on panting to keep them cool, which isn’t always effective enough. As responsible dog owners, we need to be aware of the dangers of hot weather and how to help our dogs’ temperatures stay in safe ranges.

See below for Nutriment’s top tips for keeping dogs cool in the summer:

• Always ensure they have shade if they are outside. Do not leave dogs in gardens that are suntraps or where there is no respite from the sun. They need to be able to keep as cool as possible, and garden shade will help this. If your garden has no shade, ensure dogs can easily get inside into cooler parts of the house.
• Always make sure your dog has access to fresh cold water on hot days. They will drink more* to regulate their temperature and rehydrate if they are panting a lot, so keep an eye on their water bowl and keep it topped up. *Remember that dogs on raw diets do tend to drink less water in general due to the high moisture content of raw food
• On extremely hot days, avoid dog walks during peak temperature times, such as midday. Walk early in the morning or in the evening when temperatures are cooler (and always test the temperature of the pavement with your own hand/ foot first to avoid paw burns).
• Get your doggy paddling! Filling a paddling pool with cool water is a great way to encourage your dog to keep cool whilst also having some fun. Garden sprinklers are also perfect for creating a doggy water park in your garden!
• Get their paws on some cool treats. Dog-friendly frozen yogurt, such as the Frozzys range we stock at Nutriment, is a fun way to treat your dog, keep them entertained and help to keep them cool on warm summer days.
• Damp / wet towels can provide instant relief from hot patios and grass, which will be very soothing for a dog feeling hot and bothered.
• Keep up the grooming schedule – regularly brushed coats and trimmed fur will help dogs feel more comfortable in hot weather.
• Never, ever, leave your dog in a car on a hot day. In-car temperatures can escalate fast in warm weather and can become extremely dangerous for dogs.

Look out for the danger signs! If your dog exhibits frantic panting, a rapid heart rate, excessive drooling, vomiting/ diarrhoea, or disorientation, they may already be overheated and likely to develop potentially fatal heat stroke. You have to act fast to encourage your dog’s temperature to decrease (without cooling too rapidly which poses other dangers such as shock).

Brachycephalic (flat-faced) dogs such as bulldogs, boxers and pugs, tend to be more prone to overheating due to their more restricted breathing abilities. If you have a flat-faced pup, be extra vigilant to signs of overheating. Please contact your vet immediately if you are concerned about your dog’s health or behaviour after a period of hot weather.

As always, we love to see how your pups spend their time. If you have any cool snaps of your dogs this summer, make sure you tag us on social media! @nutrimentraw