How to Keep Your Dog Safe During a Heatwave

Summer is wonderful: long evenings, sunny walks and plenty of time outdoors with our dogs. But when temperatures start to climb, it’s important to remember that dogs can struggle with heat much more quickly than we do.

A hot day can turn a normal walk into a dangerous situation, particularly for puppies, older dogs, overweight dogs, dogs with underlying health problems and flat-faced breeds.

At Bark-Island, we want dogs to enjoy their time outdoors, but their safety and wellbeing always come first. So, how can you help your dog cope when the temperature rises?

Walk early or late

One of the simplest ways to help your dog cope with hot weather is to change your walking routine.

Instead of going out during the hottest part of the day, aim for early morning or later in the evening, when temperatures are lower and the ground has had a chance to cool.

Even if the air temperature doesn’t seem extreme, pavements and other hard surfaces can become incredibly hot in direct sunshine and may burn your dog’s paw pads.

A useful rule is to place the back of your hand against the pavement for several seconds. If it is too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.

Don’t assume your dog needs a long walk

We’re often told that dogs need a certain amount of exercise every day, but during a heatwave, normal routines may need to change.

A long walk in extreme heat isn’t necessarily better for your dog. In fact, pushing your dog to exercise when it’s too hot can put them at risk of heat exhaustion or heatstroke.

On particularly hot days, consider replacing a long walk with:

* A shorter early-morning walk
* Gentle sniffing activities
* Food puzzles
* Training games indoors
* Playing in a cool, shaded area
* Scatter feeding in the garden
* Chew toys or enrichment activities

Mental stimulation can be tiring too, so you don’t necessarily need to rely on physical exercise to keep your dog happy.

What about using a secure dog field?

A secure dog field can be a fantastic way to give your dog off-lead time, but hot weather means thinking differently about how you use it.

If you’re visiting Bark-Island during warm weather, consider booking an early morning or evening session rather than visiting during the hottest part of the day.

Keep the session shorter if necessary and let your dog decide how much exercise they want.

Remember that running around a large enclosed field can be much more strenuous than a gentle lead walk, particularly for dogs who love to chase a ball.

A dog may happily keep running because they are having fun, even when their body is becoming dangerously hot.

Make use of our gazebo for shade and make use of our regularly topped up water facilities.

Don’t overdo the ball throwing

For many dogs, the biggest challenge during hot weather is knowing when to stop.

A dog who loves chasing a ball may continue running until they are completely exhausted.

Repeated sprinting, chasing and jumping can rapidly increase their body temperature.

During hot weather, consider swapping high-intensity games for slower activities such as sniffing and exploring.

Let your dog wander, investigate scents and take their time.

Sometimes the best exercise on a hot day is simply a leisurely sniff around a secure field rather than a game of fetch.

Make sure your dog has access to water

Always make sure your dog has access to plenty of fresh drinking water.

If you’re heading out, take water with you and offer it regularly.

Don’t wait until your dog appears desperate for a drink.

If you’re spending time in the garden, make sure there is a shaded area where your dog can rest with water readily available.

Shade is important

Dogs need somewhere to escape direct sunlight.

If you’re outside with your dog, make sure there is a shaded area available where they can relax.

Remember that the position of the sun changes throughout the day, so an area that is shaded in the morning may be in full sunlight later.

And never assume that leaving a dog in a parked car with the windows open is safe.

Never leave your dog alone in a hot car.

Temperatures inside vehicles can rise extremely quickly, even when the outside temperature doesn’t feel particularly high.

Be careful with paddling pools and water

Some dogs absolutely love water during the summer.

A paddling pool can provide an enjoyable way for a dog to cool their paws and body, but not every dog enjoys swimming or playing in water.

Never force your dog into water.

If you provide a paddling pool, make sure it is safe, stable and appropriate for your dog. Dogs should always be supervised around water.

And remember that drinking excessive amounts of water can also be dangerous, so don’t encourage your dog to gulp down huge quantities while playing.

Watch out for signs of overheating

Knowing the signs of heat-related illness could potentially save your dog’s life.

Early signs that your dog may be struggling with the heat can include:

* Heavy or excessive panting
* Excessive drooling
* Seeking shade
* Appearing unusually tired
* Reluctance to move
* Red or unusually coloured gums
* Increased heart rate
* Confusion or disorientation

More serious signs can include weakness, collapse, seizures or loss of consciousness.

Heatstroke is an emergency.

If you think your dog is suffering from heatstroke, seek urgent veterinary advice and begin cooling them appropriately while getting professional help.

Don’t simply wait for your dog to recover on their own.

Some dogs are more vulnerable to heat

Every dog is different, and some are particularly susceptible to overheating.

Extra care should be taken with:

* Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds
* Very young puppies
* Older dogs
* Overweight dogs
* Dogs with thick or heavy coats
* Dogs with certain medical conditions
* Dogs that are not accustomed to hot weather

If you’re unsure whether the weather is suitable for your dog’s normal exercise routine, speak to your vet.

Don’t forget the paws

Hot surfaces aren’t the only summer hazard.

Grass can become very dry and rough, while hot pavements and artificial surfaces can become uncomfortable or even cause burns.

After a walk or field visit, check your dog’s paw pads for redness, soreness or damage.

If your dog suddenly starts limping or repeatedly lifting their paws, stop the activity and investigate.

Keep your home cool too

Dogs don’t only overheat outdoors.

During a heatwave, try to keep your home as cool as possible.

Close curtains or blinds during the hottest part of the day, encourage your dog to rest in cooler areas and make sure fresh water is available.

Some dogs enjoy lying on cooling mats or damp towels, although these should always be used appropriately and under supervision.

A fan can also help circulate air, but make sure your dog can move away from it if they choose.

A happy dog doesn’t have to be exhausted

One of the most important things to remember during a heatwave is that rest is perfectly okay.

We sometimes feel guilty if our dogs haven’t had their usual walk or exercise session, but missing a few intense exercise sessions during extreme heat isn’t going to harm a healthy dog.

In fact, giving your dog a quiet day with plenty of enrichment, cuddles, sniffing games and rest may be exactly what they need.

When the weather cools down, you can gradually return to your normal routine.

Enjoy summer safely at Bark-Island

We love seeing dogs enjoying themselves at Bark-Island, racing around, sniffing, exploring and having the freedom to be dogs.

But when temperatures rise, it’s important to remember that more exercise isn’t always better.

Choose cooler times of day, take plenty of water, provide opportunities to rest and keep an eye on your dog’s behaviour.

And if it’s simply too hot, don’t feel guilty about staying home.

Sometimes the kindest thing you can do for your dog is give them a cool place to sleep and wait for the temperature to drop!

Stay cool, stay safe and enjoy summer with your dog.

If you’re looking for a secure dog field in the summer, visit Bark-Island and choose a time that’s suitable for you and your dog.