16/06/2025
This week is due to be very warm, with temperatures increasing across the week.
As ever, your dog's welfare is our top priority, and we will be in touch with clients individually to rearrange sessions if we are due to be working outside in particular.
Please be careful exercising your dogs. Some dogs will not slow down despite the heat (looking at you Mr Monty!), and just walking in such weather is a risk.
🐾 Early morning is best for walks- evenings are often still too warm.
🐾 Shaded woodlands work best- how about Paddock in the Pines if you need a secure space.
🐾 Don't encourage running by throwing balls.
🐾 Carry water and stop regularly to offer it- even if it feels cool enough.
🐾 Sit and 'do nothing' together rather than march round.
🐾 Keep on lead if they are going to try and do alot of running, or break up the running with slower paced movement.
🐾 Some breeds are more at risk than others- bulldogs, pugs, french bulldogs, chow chows, and shih tzus (or anything else with short noses) are all more likely to suffer with heatstroke than dogs who have normal length noses.
🐾 Heavy coated dogs will get hotter than shorter coated dogs.
🐾 Puppies, adolescent dogs and older dogs are more at risk than adult dogs.
🐾 At home, offer cooling mats and access to cooler rooms of the house, particularly when you leave them at home.
🐾 Paddling pools/hose games: Be careful with playing with water too much- if your dog ingests 'too much' water, this can lead to water intoxication. Short supervised games are fun though (if your dog likes water, not all dogs will appreciate being 'encouraged' into a paddling pool so please know your dog's preferences and respect them).
Be sensible, if you're hot, your dog probably is too, and they have a coat they can't remove...
❗If you're concerned your dog is overheating (lethargy, trouble standing, excessive panting, drooling/foaming, vomiting, disorientation, unable to stand, uncoordinated, seizure etc etc), contact your vet as an emergency.❗
