June 28th, 2018 by Chris Chapman

Summer is a great time for dog owners and their four-legged friends. You’ll both get a lot out of a long sunny walk together, but it’s important you take a few extra steps to look after your dog when the weather is warm. Being aware of how to take the best care of your dog in summer will not only give you a happy pet, but it’ll make your life easier when you’re cleaning up your home. Read on for 10 easy ways to avoid getting a hot dog this summer!

Don’t Leave Them in Hot Cars

Dogs are fine in a car while it's moving, but don't leave them in a parked car This is a very well-known fact, but it’s worth repeating here as it is so important. Never leave your dog alone in a hot car as they can quickly overheat. It’s a myth that parking in the shade or leaving a window open solves this problem – it doesn’t! Even if you’re in the shade and you leave a window open, the heat that builds up inside your car can still prove fatal to a dog. While you probably know this already, it still happens across the country every year, so make sure you plan your car journeys carefully when travelling with a dog.

Bring Water

If you’re going on a walk on a sunny day, most people know it’s important to bring a bottle of water for themselves. However, if you’ve got your dog with you, bring some water for your canine companion too! You need to make sure your dog has clean drinking water all year round, but this is especially true in summer. Bring an extra bottle of water and a bowl for your dog on a hot, dry day.

Watch Out for Pests

Fleas and ticks are especially common in hot summer conditions, so make sure your pet is wearing a flea collar and has regular flea treatments. If you notice your pet itching a lot, it can be worth giving them a quick check for fleas and ticks. If you find any pests, make sure you pay a visit to the vets and treat your home with a flea killing kit.

Protect Their Paws

The beach is a great place for dogs, but avoid them if the sand is too hot! If it’s a baking hot day, avoid taking your dog onto tarmac or sand. These surfaces can absorb a lot of heat, and while you might not feel it through your shoes, your dog isn’t so lucky! Check the surface you’re walking on by touching it with your hand. If it feels hot to you, then it’s hot for your dog as well! The pads on the bottom of a dog’s paw are tough but can still burn if you’re not careful.

Groom Them Regularly

Dogs will naturally moult in summer so their fur isn’t as thick, but it can still get matted. When fur gets matted and dirty, it can trap heat, so make sure you comb your dog regularly. You should also use a sensitive dog shampoo to keep fur in tip-top condition. Pretty Pooch's Gentle Touch shampoo is great for this as it contains glycerine oil which conditions fur, meaning it doesn't get matted up as easily. You can even give their fur a trim to help them stay cool. Of course, this seasonal moult will mean your house is covered in fur every summer, so…

Clean Up After Them

Pro-Kleen Carpet Kleen …it’s important you keep your house clean to avoid that infamous dog smell! Leaving dog fur on your carpets can cause this odour to set in quite quickly in the summer heat, so make sure you’re vacuuming your carpets regularly. It’s also wise to use some carpet shampoo at the end of the summer to completely freshen up your carpet and to keep your home hygienic. Pro-Kleen’s Carpet Kleen shampoo is specially formulated for use in households with pets, so we’d recommend that for dog owners. If your dog sleeps in a kennel or a cage, it’s also a good idea to clean it out with some kennel cleaner in the summer. This will stop bacteria and pests from thriving in the summer heat while also keeping your doggy bed fresh and clean. Your dog will definitely appreciate it!

Plan Your Walks

If the sun is really beating down on you, try and avoid walking out in the direct sunlight with your dog. It’s best to take your dog out in the morning or evening when the weather is cooler and the sunlight is less harsh. If you do take your dog out in the midday heat, try and plan your walk to go through a shadier area, and make sure you bring plenty of water.

Give Them Frozen Treats

We all love an ice lolly in the summer, and dogs are no exception! Don’t let them lick your ice cream though – make them their own frozen treats! This will keep your dog occupied as the treat slowly melts, and it’ll provide a tasty, cooling treat. There are countless recipes for cool dog treats you can find online, or you can just give them some plain old ice cubes to lick.

Have Fun Without Running

Paddling pools are great - and cool - ways for dogs to have fun! While it might be tempting to take your dog out for a game of catch on a hot day, it’s not always the best idea. It’s better to come up with some activities for your pup that don’t involve too much running, as dogs will suffer in extreme heat just as much as humans. Get creative and use some of your new frozen treats to come up with games and puzzles for your dog to play with that don’t involve running. If you’re outside in the garden, consider getting a little paddling pool for your dog to play in.

Watch Out for Heatstroke

Heatstroke is a serious problem for dogs which can prove fatal if it’s not treated. It occurs when a dog’s body temperature is too high and the dog can’t cool down. Symptoms include very heavy panting (some panting is normal, but you’ll know when it’s out of the ordinary), glazed eyes, a pounding heartbeat, dizziness and a loss of coordination, and even vomiting and fainting. If you think your dog has heatstroke, immediately call your vet. You should try to gently cool your pet down, but don’t do it too quickly as sudden changes in temperature can send your dog into shock. Make sure they’re in a cool, shady area and let them drink water and lick ice cubes. Don’t put them in an ice-cold bath as this will be too much of a sudden shock but do cover their body and head in a cold towel that’s been soaked in cool water.