Now that we’ve reached the summer months and the weather is (hopefully) getting warmer, it’s important for those of you with dogs to take extra care when looking after your canine friends.
The Vet Whitehaven would like to share with you five top tips from Dogs Trust on how to keep your dog safe and happy in warm weather.
1) Provide shade and water – make sure that your dog always has access to a shaded area and that plenty of fresh water is available for them throughout the day.
2) Plan your walks – walk your dog either early on in the morning or later in the evening, when temperatures are cooler. This will reduce their risk of heatstroke. Be particularly careful if your dog is elderly, overweight or suffers from breathing difficulties.
3) Do the 5 second test – tarmac and pavement surfaces can get very hot in the sun and potentially burn your dog’s paws. Check the pavement with your hand before letting your dog walk on it – hold your hand down for five seconds, if it’s too hot for you, then it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
4) Don’t let them get burnt – keep your dog out of direct sunlight where you can. Use pet-safe suncream on exposed parts of your dog’s skin, such as the tips of their ears and nose. Ask your vet for more advice if needed.
5) Check ahead when going on adventures – if you’re planning a day out somewhere, check whether dogs are welcome. Some public parks and beaches may have Public Space Protection Orders or Dog Control Orders at certain times of the year.
If you require any further advice on how to keep your dog safe in warm weather, please don’t hesitate to contact us!
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