The next five days are forecasted to be very hot.
Take care of your dogs by making sure they are kept in cool areas. They should not be able to lie in full sun – they do not know better! These areas could be inside your home in rooms with good ventilation, and little direct sun. Outside, these could be areas that are not in direct sun the whole time your dog is confined to that space. Make sure they have lots of fresh water, most dogs love ice, put a big chunk in their water bowl. Refill their bowls several times through the day.
Gentle exercising should be done early in the day, preferably before the temperature rises over 24 degrees. The earlier the better, your job as your dogs’ guardian is to keep them quiet and safe. Swimming is great but retreat from the sea into the shade once you’re done. Leash them if you need to, to keep them in the shade. Encourage water play so the water gets right to their skin, this will help keep them cooler far longer.
For double coated dogs who have been shaved (which they never should have been unless for a medical reason), you need to keep them cool, spritz them with water several times a day. Well-groomed double coated dogs do well in the heat, following the same rules as you would for any dogs. If your dog hasn’t had a good brush in a while get to it today – open hairs insulate, whereas matted hairs do not.
Their life is literally in your hands during high heat periods.
Ann Dickie
