Caring For Your Canine Companion During Hot Weather
11 June 2023
It is SUPER important that we take extra special care of our dogs during this hot weather. They cannot regulate their body temperature as easily as we can. They can only pant and sweat through glands on their paws to cool themselves down. So here are some useful tips...
Firstly, you must be aware of the signs of heatstroke so that you can take the necessary steps towards saving your dog's life in an emergency. If you notice your dog displaying any of the below symptoms, you should contact your vet immediately:
- Excessive Panting
- Excess Drool
- Trouble Breathing
- Restlessness
- Disorientation
- Stumbling
- Vomiting &/or Diarrhoea
- Weakness
- Dry, sticky gums
- Loss of consciousness
If you suspect heatstroke, start cooling your dog immediately while you await medical care!
Here are the most effective cooling methods:
- Use cool (not ice-cold) water to wet your dog’s entire body and ensure strong airflow. Pay special attention to cooling the belly, groin, paw pads, inner thighs, and armpits, where blood vessels are close to the skin.
- If possible, you can place your dog in cool water in a bath, shower, or pool, making sure to keep their head above the surface and avoiding ice-cold temperatures.
- Move to a shaded/air-conditioned environment.
Do Not:
- Do not wait to call a vet.
- Force your dog to drink large amounts of water.
- Use wet towels as they rapidly warm up to body temperature and act as an insulating layer.
Here are the things you should AVOID in hot weather:
Travel
DO NOT leave your dog in your car (even with the window slightly opened). There is no safe amount of time to leave them. Dogs left in a hot car can very quickly become dehydrated, develop heatstroke, and die.
“When it’s 22 degrees Celsius outside, the car could reach an unbearable 47 degrees within an hour” RSPCA
Walking
Do not over-exercise your dog on a hot day. Make sure you go for your walks early in the morning or later in the evening when the temperature has cooled down. Do not throw balls or other toys during your walks, as some dogs will just keep on running without realising that they are exhausting themselves before it’s too late.
For healthy dogs, when temperatures reach above 22 degrees, we need to take EXTRA steps to keep them safe when walking. This temperature would be even lower for young, old, and vulnerable dogs! Some vulnerable dogs include, but are not limited to:
- Brachycephalic breeds i.e., Bulldogs and Pugs.
- Giant breeds i.e., Great Danes and Newfoundlands.
- Dog with thicker coats i.e., Chow Chow’s and Huskies.
- Old dogs.
- Overweight dogs.
- Dogs with underlying health issues.
- Puppies.
If it’s too hot, then STAY HOME!! Train or play for small amounts of time if you feel your dog wants to, but if not, then no sweat!!! As they say, “Your dog will not die from missing a walk, but they could die from heat stroke”.
Grooming
Please do NOT shave your dogs!! Especially if they are double-coated like Golden Retrievers or Border Collies. You may believe that you are doing them a favour by removing layers of insulation, but the fact is they are cooler with their coat on.
Your dog’s undercoat is there to protect them from extreme weather and their topcoat actually protects them against sun rays and serves as a water barrier.
If you are unsure what type of coat your dog has then call a local groomer to check before heading out to buy clippers... you could do your dog a disservice if you don’t.
Things you can do to help your dog:
- Brush them to help remove old trapped fur.
- Encourage them to drink little and often throughout the day. You can create frozen goodies composed of water and yummy treats.
- Ensure you walk in shaded areas like the woods or at nearby rivers where your dog can take regular dips to cool down.
- Buy a paddling pool for your dog to pop in the garden.
- Use cool mats around your home, so that your dog has a cool surface to lie on.
- Ensure your blinds are closed, and some windows are open to circulate fresh air. You could also use a fan, but if it’s too hot, this may just circulate the hot air.
- Carry out the 5-second rule: If you can not hold your hand on the ground for 5 seconds, then you can guarantee that it is dangerous to walk your dog...Stay Home.
Stay Safe
Woofing Wonderful x
Sadly, we are reaching that time of year again when fireworks are set off over a period of weeks and months whether it be for Diwali. Guy Fawkes, New Year’s Eve, or general celebrations, this time of year can be tough for our four-legged friends, so here are things you can do to help them. (I highly recommend following these steps even if you feel that your dog is quite comfortable around loud noises, they may still appreciate an environment that feels safe and secure to hide out in and remember noise sensitivity can affect any dog at any age). Create a den If you already have a crate, you can pop a cosy blanket inside and put a cover or a blanket over the top to block out some noise and light from the fireworks (I recommend using a purpose-made crate cover with puppies or particularly anxious dogs as this will prevent any risk of them pulling loose material through the bars). It is very important that you always keep your crate door open during fireworks as you want this to be a safe space for your dog to go to when they are feeling afraid. If your dog feels trapped in its crate, then this could not only amplify its fear of the fireworks and loud noises in general, but it could also create a negative association with its den. If you do not have a crate then pop your dog’s bed in a cosy spot, under a table or in a corner. Let your dog spend time in their crate/bed early in the evening with a tasty chew or likiMat before the fireworks start. This will provide your dog with mental enrichment, lower the cortisol levels in their brain, which is a product of stress build-up throughout the day and increase oxytocin levels, helping them to be calm and relaxed. If your dog is already stressed when the fireworks begin, then they are more likely to have a significant impact on them, so take these steps to limit the impact on your dog. Exercise Take your dog out for their daily walks in the morning and early evening before it gets dark and therefore before fireworks are likely to go off. If you are unable to get out before dark then slightly increase the length of your morning walk and provide mental enrichment activities and training exercises in the evening to fulfil your dog’s needs, rather than risking a walk that could subsequently have a negative impact on your dog’s mental health long-term. It is also extremely important to ensure your garden is secure and to always walk your dog on a lead when there is a risk of fireworks to prevent them from fleeing due to fear. Additional tips: • Close your curtains. • Turn up the TV to muffle the noise of the fireworks. • Play classical music or reggae – These are their favourites :) • Invest in a thunder shirt or use a scarf to apply calming pressure around your dog’s torso and provide calming comfort just like swaddling a baby. q6hda-dog-scarf-anxiety-1.jpg (600×588) (sunnyskyz.com) Preventative Measures If you have a new puppy that has never experienced fireworks before, then definitely act on all the above now and begin to desensitise your puppy to fireworks noises in preparation for the next few weeks by checking out this fantastic app: Sound Proof Puppy Training – Apps on Google Play NOTE: You may have an adolescent dog that seemed to breeze through its first encounter with fireworks as a young pup but do not take this for granted or feel assured that this is guaranteed to happen again. Your pup will have another fear period between 6 – 14 months of age and during these weeks they could be impacted negatively by stimuli in their environment that they might perceive to be more threatening than they would have before this fear period. So please follow my advice and help support your pups and dogs through these unsettling times. Comfort Finally, DO NOT be afraid to comfort your puppy or dog when they are scared. It is not possible to reinforce fear!!! Imagine you’re at a theme park with your child and you go on the ghost ride together, you will not increase your child’s fear if you hug them during the ride, therefore you will not increase your dog’s fear if you stroke or cuddle them during fireworks. In fact, stroking your dog will help to lower their heart rate and calm them down through the release of oxytocin. If they choose to go to their cosy den by themselves then that is ok too. Interesting fact: Stroking your dog has the same benefits for you, increasing your oxytocin levels and lowering stress. It is mutually beneficial and builds attachments in the same way that humans do with babies.
My poor Irish Setter Maggie is in heat as I write this blog and it occurred to me that some of you may be wondering how to care for your dog when the time comes. A heat cycle usually occurs once or twice a year depending on the size of your dog and it will last for around 16-18 days. During this time your dog will be fertile and she can become pregnant and she may experience some physical and emotional changes that require your extra care, love and support. Some of the signs that your dog is in heat A swollen and red vulva. Bleeding or discharge from the vulva. Licking her vulva more than usual to keep the area clean. Weeing more than usual. Changes in appetite. Behaviour changes such as being more friendly, anxious, restless, or clingy. She may also become generally more reactive and intolerant. Attracting male dogs who can smell her pheromones. Tips on how to help your dog during a heat cycle Provide emotional support and attention. Your dog may need more cuddles and reassurance during this time. You can also give her toys and treats to provide her with mental and physical outlets to keep her happy. Keep her on a lead when you take her outside. This will prevent her from running away or getting into trouble with other dogs. You can also change up her walks to avoid busy times and areas where there may be more dogs. Ensure your garden is secure to prevent her from escaping. Ensure you still fulfil your dog's usual exercise requirements. You can still play with her, take her for a lovely walk and do some training exercises to keep her mentally stimulated. Make your home a calm place to rest. Your dog may also need more sleep and relaxation during this time. You can set up a nice, comfortable environment for her with clean blankets, pillows, and toys. You can also use calming music to help her relax. Your dog will bleed or have discharge from her vulva during this time. You can use doggy nappies or pants to avoid stains on your furniture or carpets. You can also put clean towels or blankets on her bedding and favourite spots to absorb her discharge. Make sure to change them frequently and wash them well with a pet-safe washing detergent. Keep an eye on her appetite. Your dog may have changes in appetite during this time. She may eat more or less than usual. Make sure she has plenty of fresh water available at all times since she may become dehydrated and feed her high-quality food that meets her nutritional needs. Having a female dog in heat can be challenging, but with proper care and support, you can make it easier for both of you. Remember that this is a natural process that your dog goes through and that she needs your love and patience during this time. If you need any help with introducing nappies to your dog in preparation for her first heat cycle, please get in touch. If you have any questions or concerns about your dog's health or behaviour during her heat cycle, don't hesitate to contact your vet for advice. I hope this post was helpful for you 🐾
Why you should be extra vigilant of grass seeds during the spring and summer months when walking through the long grass with your dog.
Sadly, we are reaching that time of year again when fireworks are set off over a period of weeks and months whether it be for Diwali. Guy Fawkes, New Year’s Eve, or general celebrations, this time of year can be tough for our four-legged friends, so here are things you can do to help them. (I highly recommend following these steps even if you feel that your dog is quite comfortable around loud noises, they may still appreciate an environment that feels safe and secure to hide out in and remember noise sensitivity can affect any dog at any age). Create a den If you already have a crate, you can pop a cosy blanket inside and put a cover or a blanket over the top to block out some noise and light from the fireworks (I recommend using a purpose-made crate cover with puppies or particularly anxious dogs as this will prevent any risk of them pulling loose material through the bars). It is very important that you always keep your crate door open during fireworks as you want this to be a safe space for your dog to go to when they are feeling afraid. If your dog feels trapped in its crate, then this could not only amplify its fear of the fireworks and loud noises in general, but it could also create a negative association with its den. If you do not have a crate then pop your dog’s bed in a cosy spot, under a table or in a corner. Let your dog spend time in their crate/bed early in the evening with a tasty chew or likiMat before the fireworks start. This will provide your dog with mental enrichment, lower the cortisol levels in their brain, which is a product of stress build-up throughout the day and increase oxytocin levels, helping them to be calm and relaxed. If your dog is already stressed when the fireworks begin, then they are more likely to have a significant impact on them, so take these steps to limit the impact on your dog. Exercise Take your dog out for their daily walks in the morning and early evening before it gets dark and therefore before fireworks are likely to go off. If you are unable to get out before dark then slightly increase the length of your morning walk and provide mental enrichment activities and training exercises in the evening to fulfil your dog’s needs, rather than risking a walk that could subsequently have a negative impact on your dog’s mental health long-term. It is also extremely important to ensure your garden is secure and to always walk your dog on a lead when there is a risk of fireworks to prevent them from fleeing due to fear. Additional tips: • Close your curtains. • Turn up the TV to muffle the noise of the fireworks. • Play classical music or reggae – These are their favourites :) • Invest in a thunder shirt or use a scarf to apply calming pressure around your dog’s torso and provide calming comfort just like swaddling a baby. q6hda-dog-scarf-anxiety-1.jpg (600×588) (sunnyskyz.com) Preventative Measures If you have a new puppy that has never experienced fireworks before, then definitely act on all the above now and begin to desensitise your puppy to fireworks noises in preparation for the next few weeks by checking out this fantastic app: Sound Proof Puppy Training – Apps on Google Play NOTE: You may have an adolescent dog that seemed to breeze through its first encounter with fireworks as a young pup but do not take this for granted or feel assured that this is guaranteed to happen again. Your pup will have another fear period between 6 – 14 months of age and during these weeks they could be impacted negatively by stimuli in their environment that they might perceive to be more threatening than they would have before this fear period. So please follow my advice and help support your pups and dogs through these unsettling times. Comfort Finally, DO NOT be afraid to comfort your puppy or dog when they are scared. It is not possible to reinforce fear!!! Imagine you’re at a theme park with your child and you go on the ghost ride together, you will not increase your child’s fear if you hug them during the ride, therefore you will not increase your dog’s fear if you stroke or cuddle them during fireworks. In fact, stroking your dog will help to lower their heart rate and calm them down through the release of oxytocin. If they choose to go to their cosy den by themselves then that is ok too. Interesting fact: Stroking your dog has the same benefits for you, increasing your oxytocin levels and lowering stress. It is mutually beneficial and builds attachments in the same way that humans do with babies.
My poor Irish Setter Maggie is in heat as I write this blog and it occurred to me that some of you may be wondering how to care for your dog when the time comes. A heat cycle usually occurs once or twice a year depending on the size of your dog and it will last for around 16-18 days. During this time your dog will be fertile and she can become pregnant and she may experience some physical and emotional changes that require your extra care, love and support. Some of the signs that your dog is in heat A swollen and red vulva. Bleeding or discharge from the vulva. Licking her vulva more than usual to keep the area clean. Weeing more than usual. Changes in appetite. Behaviour changes such as being more friendly, anxious, restless, or clingy. She may also become generally more reactive and intolerant. Attracting male dogs who can smell her pheromones. Tips on how to help your dog during a heat cycle Provide emotional support and attention. Your dog may need more cuddles and reassurance during this time. You can also give her toys and treats to provide her with mental and physical outlets to keep her happy. Keep her on a lead when you take her outside. This will prevent her from running away or getting into trouble with other dogs. You can also change up her walks to avoid busy times and areas where there may be more dogs. Ensure your garden is secure to prevent her from escaping. Ensure you still fulfil your dog's usual exercise requirements. You can still play with her, take her for a lovely walk and do some training exercises to keep her mentally stimulated. Make your home a calm place to rest. Your dog may also need more sleep and relaxation during this time. You can set up a nice, comfortable environment for her with clean blankets, pillows, and toys. You can also use calming music to help her relax. Your dog will bleed or have discharge from her vulva during this time. You can use doggy nappies or pants to avoid stains on your furniture or carpets. You can also put clean towels or blankets on her bedding and favourite spots to absorb her discharge. Make sure to change them frequently and wash them well with a pet-safe washing detergent. Keep an eye on her appetite. Your dog may have changes in appetite during this time. She may eat more or less than usual. Make sure she has plenty of fresh water available at all times since she may become dehydrated and feed her high-quality food that meets her nutritional needs. Having a female dog in heat can be challenging, but with proper care and support, you can make it easier for both of you. Remember that this is a natural process that your dog goes through and that she needs your love and patience during this time. If you need any help with introducing nappies to your dog in preparation for her first heat cycle, please get in touch. If you have any questions or concerns about your dog's health or behaviour during her heat cycle, don't hesitate to contact your vet for advice. I hope this post was helpful for you 🐾
Why you should be extra vigilant of grass seeds during the spring and summer months when walking through the long grass with your dog.