The heat has been PAW-SITIVELY ridiculous this summer season. Within you can find out how we’ve been keeping your pups cool at daycare, as well as our favourite tips to use at home!
HOW TO OVER-COOK YOUR HOTDOG?
Every paw-rent should know these signs of overheating:
- Excessive drooling
- Heavy panting with laboured breathing
- Vomiting
- Pale gums
Here are some steps to take quick action if you see a combination of the above symptoms:
- Gently pour cool (not cold!) water over your pup
- Do NOT place a wet blanket over the dog as this traps heat
- Provide drinking water in small amounts to begin
- Call for vet advice!
LET’S GIVE A ROUND OF AP-PAWS!
All summer long, the daycare team put in the extra work to help dogs stay cool. Each day, teachers open their classes equipped with the knowledge of forecasted temperatures, humidity levels, and the likelihood of potential summer storms. Taking it a step further, a list is written detailing which students are particularly heat-sensitive (majorly our brachycephalic crew). Then come the activities!
Whether your pup prefers to sit in front of the industrial fans for a nap, play games in the pools, or munch on some frozen snacks – we’ve got something for every student.
WHAT ABOUT SOME RETAIL ASSISTANCE?
- You may know about some of these products, but others might be new to you. Have you considered whether the following could help your fur-baby fight the heat at home?
- Dog electrolyte water additives for some extra hydration (like Vetafarm’s Spark)
- Paw booties to protect feet from hot pavement (brand choice will vary depending on breed – make sure they’re a breathable design)
- Chemical-free cooling mats or temperature regulating beds (like Snooza’s Comfort range)
- Pet water fountains to encourage drinking (there are many on the market)
- A temperature monitor connected through a phone app to see the conditions at home, wherever you are (like the Waggle)
- A wearable cooling pad rather than a cooling jacket (like Ruffwear’s Core Cooler that goes underneath a harness)
- A ‘just add water’ meal topper, gravy, or bone broth to hydrate food as well as entice picky eaters (like FurFresh Grass-Fed Beef Bone Broth)
- Always consult a vet for confidence when trying a new product for your personal pup!
HOT TIPS!
- Add water to meals to re-hydrate food
- Plan ahead by keeping track of forecasted weather (year-round!)
- Book regular grooms for short clips
- Make sure your pup is able to completely dry after water play to prevent hotspots
- Use frozen treat toys like Kongs , Toppls, or Licki-Bowls
Photo credit: petswholesale.com
AFTER SUMMER…
Though the seasons change, some things stay the same for your pup. Most importantly – regular grooming!
Many paw-rents choose the warm and fluffy styles to help their fur-babies stay cosy during the colder months, however, did you know that this period of coat growth is often what causes the most severe matting cases in the grooming salon!? Although it may seem logical to pause appointments to let your pup grow their coat for warmth, without regular grooms or deep brush sessions, a lot of discomfort can result. As an alternative, we strongly recommend consistent at home brushing, paying close attention to combing all the way from the root, and all-over body checks for matting.
Please chat to our staff for more specific advice on how to handle at home grooming for your dog’s health and to hear about the most helpful products.
ALWAYS REMEMBER
If the pavement or road is too hot for you to walk on barefoot – its too hot for dogs. Plan walk times around the heat, or do other activities instead! Your dog needs it’s paw pads in tact, and outdoor experiences positive, more than it needs that walk.
Key points about testing pavement with the RSPCA method:
- Use the back of your hand: This provides a good indication of how hot the surface feels to a dog’s sensitive paw pads.
- Five second rule: Hold your hand on the surface for five seconds to test the temperature.
- If it’s too hot for you: If you can’t comfortably keep your hand on the surface for five seconds, it’s too hot for your dog to walk on.
Blog by Charlotte Fenton