Keeping your dog safe in hot weather

Here's how to keep your dog safe and comfortable in warm weather.

Heatstroke: the biggest danger

Heatstroke can kill a dog. Dogs can only sweat a little through their paw pads, so they rely mainly on panting to cool down. On a hot day, or after exercise, that may not be enough.

Signs of heatstroke

• heavy panting;
• drooling;
• vomiting;
• diarrhoea;
• wobbliness;
• confusion;
• collapse.

What to do

If you suspect heatstroke, act straight away:

1. Move your dog to a cool, shady place.
2. Wet or soak them all over with tap water and keep air moving over them. Don't let them breathe in water.
3. Contact your vet straight away, and keep cooling your dog on the way if you can.

Dogs at higher risk

Flat-faced breeds, such as pugs, bulldogs and boxers, and dogs that are overweight are more likely to overheat, even just from running around. Older dogs and dogs with health problems are also at higher risk.

When to walk

Avoid walking your dog in the hottest part of the day. Early in the morning and later in the evening are usually cooler and safer.

Hot pavements can burn your dog's paws. As a rule, if the pavement is too hot for you to hold the back of your hand on it, it is too hot for your dog.

On very hot days, it is fine to skip a walk. Keep your dog busy at home with games, puzzle feeders or by teaching them a new trick.

Keeping cool at home and out

• Make sure your dog always has clean, fresh water. A bigger bowl, filled to the brim, and a second bowl in another room help.
• Carry water and a bowl when you go out.
• Make sure your dog has shade and somewhere cool to rest.
• Freeze some of your dog's treats in water in an ice cube tray for a cooling snack.
• Watch for early signs of overheating, such as heavy panting or slowing down. If you see them, stop, move to shade and offer water. If you're unsure, ring your vet.

Never leave a dog in a car

Never leave your dog in a car on a warm day, even with the windows open or parked in the shade. Cars heat up very quickly, and dogs die in hot cars.

Swimming safely

Swimming can be good exercise on a warm day, but not every dog likes water. Let your dog go at their own pace, and never force them in or throw them in.

• At the beach: check the beach allows dogs and check the tide times. Bring fresh water, as drinking sea water can make dogs ill. Rinse salt and sand off their coat and paws afterwards to stop their skin becoming irritated and dry.
• At rivers and lakes: check the current isn't too strong and the water is clean. Keep your dog away from water with blue-green algae, which can be fatal to dogs.
• If you think your dog has breathed in water, or they are coughing or struggling to breathe after swimming, contact your vet straight away.

Protecting skin and coat

Dogs with pale coats, thin fur or pink skin can get sunburnt, especially on their ears, nose and areas with little hair. Repeated sunburn can lead to skin cancer. Sun can also make skin problems worse in dogs with allergies.

To protect your dog:

• keep them out of the strongest sun, usually from late morning to mid-afternoon;
• apply a sun cream made for pets to vulnerable areas such as ears and nose;
• consider a light, loose-fitting top made for dogs to cover pale skin.

Keep long-haired dogs well groomed, as a tangle-free coat helps keep them cooler. Dirty or matted fur can attract flies, which may lay eggs in the coat. If your dog's coat is badly matted, ask a professional groomer for help, and see your vet if you find maggots.