In Summer, the higher temperatures make the issue of keeping cool, compounded for our dogs, what with their extra layer - and in some breeds 2 layers - of heat-trapping fur contributing to the problem.
Added to this is an elevated risk at such times, notably in the summer, of our dogs becoming sunburnt; particularly on vulnerable areas like their noses. And of course areas of skin on dogs with thinner, and in some breeds little, fur.
There are plenty of ways to try to help our dogs keep cooler. Mine like ice cubes, particularly if they have meat juices frozen!
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home have a useful article with tips on caring for your dogs in Summer which may be read here: Summer dog care
Some good advice. My dog loves her paddling pool but wouldn’t have the frozen ice cubes. She will have her natural yogurt frozen so I put some of that in the ice cube tray.
I have to watch my dog as she likes to dig and snap at the water. I limit her time in there and keep her water shallow. We will probably avoid the sea from now on as on a recent holiday, she ingested some after a short paddle and it came straight out the other end! Luckily no lasting effects. I think her body got rid of it pretty quickly but scary.
I’ve seen many dogs, especially labradors(!) having a great time splashing in the rivers. As we know, they are natural water-loving dogs, complimented by their webbed feet and otter tail which aid their buoyancy and ability in water. Yet at times like many breeds, they gulp large amounts of water when retrieving (whatever their owners have thrown) from the rivers. At times ‘coughing’ on the river banks whilst proudly presenting their ‘prize’!
It’s good to hear Muffin was okay, oh how they frighten us at times!
Yes it’s wise to be careful in the heat and another way to help a dog that is overheating is to reduce her temperature by placing or dabbing a cool wet towel over her neck, under her armpits, and underneath her in the hind leg area.
Love Dogs - I wonder if you might explain a little more about your suggestion:
MEG: On your, request I would elaborate more on it.
Keep them hydrated: Give them enough amount of water all day long and always his water bowl full so that he might not roam around the house when he is thirsty.
Provide them shed: Usually, people make a small hut outside the house for dogs so he can play well and be healthy with fresh air. So, in that case, provide a proper shed to his hut. If you are travelling with your dog make sure he is not exposed to the sun for a longer time.
We all take our dog for a walk as a part of daily routine. During another season you can take your dog for a walk during any time but in summers prefer the time when sun rays are little less like morning or evening.
If it’s around 30 degrees I would prefer to keep mine indoors with blinds shut & fan (or portable aircon unit if available), rather than in a shed/kennel. The temperature inside my shed is warm enough to make humans sweat heavily on a hot day…I suspect out dogs would also be too hot unless kennel or shed out of direct sunlight.
Kiddie pools work. Although actual doggie pools are better since they are made so that they aren’t scratched by your dog’s nails and usually have drains since they get dirty quickly. With either option though you can always add ice cubes on really hot summer days.