This month resident vet, James Dutfield, shares advice on keeping our pet dogs cool during the hot summer months

Hello every one, this month, with temperatures expected to reach a sizzling 30C+ over the summer we shall be looking at ways to keep our four legged friends cool and safe. These high temperatures can pose a real risk to our animals, so below I have put together some tips and advice on how you can safely enjoy the summer sun with our family pets.

Never Leave Your Dogs In Cars

This may sound obvious but every year I have to treat dogs suffering from heat stroke because they have been left in cars during hot weather. Parking in the shade with windows open is NOT a safe option. The heat and moisture from their breath quickly builds up in an enclosed space, even with a gap in the windows, and they can very quickly within 20 minutes, over heat and it can be fatal.

Protect Your Dogs Paws

The 5 second rule; dogs can suffer from burnt paws and pads from walking on hot tarmac. Place your hand on the pavement and try and hold it there for 5 seconds; if it is uncomfortable or gets too hot for you- then it is too hot for your dog’s feet.

Planning Your Walks

Avoid midday sun (the hottest part of the day), either go out in the morning or late afternoon – or not at all. And if possible, choose woodland or shaded walks or walks near water where they can take a dip and cool down, but please be aware of potential stagnant water with blue green algae.

Bring Water With You

Either a portable water bottle with attached drinking bowl or have a bowl and bottle of water ready in the car for after a walk. You can pre chill it in the fridge prior to a walk. Sometimes I carry a water bottle with me to dampen my dogs down mid walk if I feel they are getting too hot.

Cooling Vests And Collars

You can buy special loose-fitting vests and collars; these have either been precooled in the fridge or dampened before the walk to encourage heat transfer and evaporation.

Keeping Cool At Home

Paddling pools in the garden, damp towels to lie on in the shade, garden sprinklers, place a few ice cubes in the water bowl to keep it cool (not freezing) and provide shade in the garden. Don’t forget to keep our long-haired pets’ coats trimmed short and dematted. Lots of my patients get their summer hair cut! Be extra vigilant for high risk breeds; very young or very old dogs, brachycephalic dogs (pugs, French and British bull dogs etc) and dogs with dark or thick coats.

Signs Of Heat Stroke

Noisy loud breathing with heavy panting, drooling, hot to touch, loss of coordination, rapid heart rate, vomiting, diarrhoea, collapse, seizures and cyanosis (turning blue).

First Aid For Heat Stroke

Soak the skin with cool (not freezing) water, especially the head, neck, ears tummy and arm pits. Apply wet towels or T shirts over your dog. If you are at home and have a fan, get it blowing onto them to increase the rate of heat transfer and evaporation. Get to the nearest vet. If you see a dog in a hot car call the police.

Remember; No dog has ever died from missing one walk, but dogs have died from one walk in the heat.

James Dutfield BVSC MRCVS - Resident Vet, 

If you have a question for James you can email him at james-the-vet@thecheshiremag.co.uk

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