When temperatures rise, dogs need extra water and shade. They also need to avoid strenuous exercise and direct sunlight. Dogs that live outside should be kept cool by using fans, sprinklers, and shade trees.
Don't leave dogs outside during hot weather.
Dogs should be kept cool by spending time in a cool, or even better air-conditioned, room. If your dog is left outside in the sun, they will become overheated very quickly. This can lead to heatstroke, which is a life-threatening condition. Heatstroke occurs when the body's temperature rises above 40 degrees Celsius.
Check their water regularly
Make sure your dog has access to fresh drinking water at all times. Check their bowl hourly to ensure there is no risk of running low on water.
Provide shade or shelter.
Dogs need to be protected from extreme temperatures. They should spend as much time as possible indoors during hot weather. If they must go out, provide them with shade or shelter. Make sure they drink plenty of water and avoid strenuous exercise. To help them keep cool, consider a cooling mat
Avoid giving your dog too much exercise.
Exercise is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle for your dog. However, during the hot weather, it is important to save any strenuous exercises for the early morning or evening when the weather has cooled. Please avoid walking your dog during the midday sunshine unless you are able to find cool woods away from the heat. The hot pavements will scorch their sensitive paw pads and you run the risk of heatstroke.
Give your dog plenty of fresh air.
As the temperatures increase during the summer, make sure your dog has access to cool water and fresh air if he is indoors. Humidity can often lead to an overheated dog and so best to keep as many doors and windows open as you can.
Do NOT leave your dog in your car
Even on moderate days, leaving animals in a car is hazardous. Most people recognise that leaving dogs in cars during hot weather exposes them to harmful situations, but there is NO safe setting in which to leave your dog unattended in a vehicle.
While it may not feel hot to you, weather conditions and, with them, your dog's chances of survival may change suddenly. Even if the weather remains moderate, automobiles are built of metal and glass, both of which absorb heat, and may heat up fast at any time of year. Temperatures inside a car can quickly rise to more than twice the outside temperature.
