1) What are the signs of overheating?
- Excessive panting
- Drooling
- Fatigue
- Disorientation
- Overly reddened gums
- Hot to the touch
- Vomiting
- Collapse
2) Seeing the beginnings of overheating. What you need to do.
- Move your dog to a shaded and cool area that’s away from direct sunlight
- Provide fresh cool water and encourage drinking
- Pat down with a damp towel (do not wrap with the towel)
3) Lots of beach trips during beautiful sunny days
- Find a shady spot to settle in
- Let your dog have a swim to cool down
- Don’t go at noon when the sun is directly overhead, aim for early mornings or late afternoons
- Paw pads can burn on hot sand or sidewalks.
4) Travelling - what you should remember to carry
- Portable dog bowl
- Fresh water
- Spray bottle with water to spray your dog’s coat down
- Frozen treats
- Pet sunscreen if your dog is white and short-haired (apply around the nose and ears)
- Your common sense- Do NOT leave your dog in a parked car even for a few minutes
5) What you should organise in preparation
- Cooling mat (alternatively, a cooling vest or cooling collar)
- Paddling pool
- Haircut appointment for our long-haired friends
Have a safe summer everyone!