Dogs cannot sweat through their skin. They pant and release heat through their paw pads and nose to regulate their body temperature. When temperatures go over 20 degrees Celsius, they can easily overheat, especially during exercise, when they are overweight or are a brachycephalic breed.
During hot weather, consider the following:
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- Ensure your dog has easy access to clean and fresh water day and night.
- Walk your dog early in the morning when it is coolest.
- Always take plenty of water and a water bowl with you on your walks.
- Offer cooling dog treats, such as ice licks.
- Place a fan near your dog’s resting spot – but make sure that they can move away if they wish to.
- If your dog is a brachycephalic breed (i.e. breeds with a shortened skull, flattened face and narrow nostrils, such as French Bulldogs, Pugs, Shih Tzus, Boxers), they will struggle more in hot weather are twice as likely to get heatstroke. Thus, take extra care to keep your dog cool at home and in the car.
- Do not leave your dog in a car. Cars quickly heat up and can reach 50 degrees Celsius.
Click the following button for more detail on heatstroke and how to keep your dogs cool.
If you think your dog is suffering from a heatstroke, this is an emergency. Please give us a call and come down immediately.