Keeping your dog cool in a heatwave

• Make sure your dog has constant access to fresh drinking water. Add ice cubes throughout the day to top it up and keep it cold.
• Provide paddling pools which your dog can use at liberty to cool down.
• Lay out wet towels or dog cooling mats which will help your dog regulate their temperature, as will hosing their legs and belly down with cold water.
• Treat your dog to a cool coat or bandana.

• Provide plenty of shady spaces where your dog can rest either indoors or under trees and gazebos.
• Spoil them with some homemade refreshing frozen dog treats.

• Don’t over-exercise your dog. Plan your dog walk for the early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler.
• Be wary of walking on hard surfaces. Tarmac can get very hot and could burn your dogs paws. Check with your hand first and if it’s too hot for you, then it’s too hot for your dog!
• Take extra caution if your dog is older, overweight or suffers from breathing difficulties.
• If your dog shows any sign of heatstroke contact your vet immediately.

Heatstroke can affect any dog, but there are certain breeds that are more at risk. This includes brachycephalic breeds such as French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs and Pugs.

Symptoms include:

• Heavy panting
• Excessive drooling
• Lethargic
• Vomiting
• Collapsing

You should contact your vets immediately if your dog is showing any of these signs.