How can we help our furry friends cope with the heat?

Little by little we notice temperatures rising, and we need to get ready to prevent heat-related problems in our dogs.

For many, summer means fun because the holidays arrive. However, for those of us with dogs, summer can become a real worry because of the heat they may suffer and how much it can affect them. That is why it is a good idea to look for ways to help them cope with the heat.

Nowadays, we have a wide variety of options to help our dogs, both in shops and online. Our furry companions are no friends of the heat: they cannot sweat through their skin, as their sweat glands are in their paw pads. As a result, they are unable to regulate their body temperature when it rises significantly.

Does the heat affect dogs?

If a dog is exposed to high temperatures for a long time, it may develop hyperthermia, an extreme rise in body temperature. It is important to know what their normal temperature should be, so you can recognise more easily when something is wrong. A normal temperature is around 39 degrees, but if they suffer heatstroke it can exceed 42 degrees and lead to serious health consequences for our dog.

How can you tell if a dog is too hot?

Dogs can show various signs or symptoms that will make it much easier for their owner to recognise that they are too hot.

Some of these symptoms are:

• The dog produces a lot of saliva.
• It shows signs of fatigue or drowsiness.
• A dry nose.
• Damp paw prints can be seen, which means the dog is sweating.

How can you help a dog when it is very hot?

At these times it is very important to help the dog feel better and return to normal. Being hot and unable to do anything about it is not easy, which is why they depend on us completely.

There are many ways to help them cope better with the hot season, such as:

• Dog paddling pools:

If you are not lucky enough to have a pool at home, these dog paddling pools are a very interesting option to consider, as their small size means you can place one on your balcony or terrace.

Your dog will have fun playing in the water and stay cool all day long. It can use its pool whenever it likes.

• Cooling mats for dogs:

This is a cooling mat for dogs filled with a refrigerant gel that activates when the dog lies on it. On contact, the gel molecules break down and release the cold.

Other tips:

• Move the dog into the shade. The important thing is to keep it out of the sun.
• Using a cloth, apply a little cool water to its head and neck.
• Offer it water.
• Offer it ice cubes. Not only will it cool down, but it can also have some fun while the ice melts.
• Cool the room down a little. To do so, you can use a fan or switch on the air conditioning for a while, if you have it.
• Many dogs prefer to sleep on the floor in hot weather, but some beds are perfect for avoiding the heat, such as breathable or raised beds.
• If the dog has very long hair, it is a good idea to trim it a little. This will be most effective if you trim the belly area, helping it to control its temperature.

How can you prevent your dog from suffering heatstroke?

• Avoid going out during the hottest hours of the day.
• Avoid intense physical activity.
• Never leave it shut in the car.
• When you go for a walk, take a water spray with you to keep our furry friend cool at all times.

Now we're ready! With these recommendations we are all set to make the most of the hottest time of the year.