The weather has been pretty warm lately (and our furry friends are noticing it, too). It’s probably a good time to be thinking about ways we can help keep our pets cool.

Dogs are more susceptible to heat stress than humans as they can’t sweat and often have coats that are not suited to warmer climates (particularly double-coated arctic breeds).

Staffy’s and dogs with snub-noses are also inclined to overheat and then develop breathing difficulties, which is often compounded by a desire to obsessively fetch that ball until the point of collapse!

So we have put together a few tips to keep your dog cool this summer:

• Provide a shallow pool, like those clam-shell sandpit creations that kids use. The quickest way for your dog to cool down is by standing or lying in some water.
• Provide multiple stainless steel water bowls in shady areas rather than plastic bowls and change at least once daily.
• Use an elevated dog bed such as a trampoline bed.
• Provide a fan (one that can’t be knocked over, and with a cord that is protected from chewing if your dog is so inclined!).
• Avoid walks during 10-4pm, on really hot days walk at dawn and dusk.
• Never leave your dog in the car, even for 5 minutes, the temperature inside a car can increase rapidly to fatal temperatures.
• Freeze some 2L water bottles, wrap them in a tea towel and place them near pet resting areas.
• Make some pupsicles (you can use many food items such as salt reduced (onion free) stock, dog food or peanut butter and freeze in anything from an old icecream container to a muffin tin.
• Use a sprinkler on a timer to come on in the middle of the day.
• Hang some wet towels to create a simple air conditioner.
• Allow your dog to dig a hole to lie in if the garden can stand it.

Enjoy the summer! We hope these tips will keep your dog cool over those long summer days.