As Summer approaches and the temperatures rise, it’s important to remember that dogs require extra care and attention during the warmer months of the year. At Bark Boutique, we are advocates for keeping dogs safe in summer. Much like humans, dogs can suffer from heat related ailments such as heatstroke, sunburn and dehydration if adequate measures are not in place. Here are some essential tips to help you maintain your dog’s welfare throughout the hot weather and keep them cool and comfortable. Hydration Keeping your dog hydrated is crucial. Like humans, dogs need plenty of water to keep them hydrated especially in hotter temperatures. Always make sure your dog has access to fresh clean water both indoors and outdoors. A good tip to promote sufficient water intake for dog is to strategically position several water bowls throughout the home, encouraging them to drink regularly. Remember to keep the bowls full to ensure your dog always has access to water. Providing Adequate Shelter and Shade If your dog spends time outdoors, it is essential to ensure they always have access to shaded areas to keep them cool and comfortable. A Covered Porch or Patio A patio with an awning can become a shaded retreat for your dog, however always make sure they have a soft comfortable area located inside for them to lie down on such as pet beds and cushions. Purpose Built Dog Shelter You may choose to invest or build a doghouse or shelter in a shaded area. This can offer your dog protection from the sun’s rays. Always make sure the shelter is well – ventilated and spacious for your dog to be able to move around comfortably. Proper ventilation will prevent overheating. Carousels   Large carousels can be placed and moved around outside in your garden areas to create instant shade. With these being portable, you can cover different areas throughout the day ensuring your dog always has access to a shaded area. Covered Dog Beds and Cooling Mats Consider investing in a covered dog bed or a cooling mat. These are designed to provide relief from heat. These products are equipped with different features that can include a shade cover or canopy that shield your dog from direct sunlight. The covering helps to maintain a cooler surface for your dog to lie on, which reduces the risk of overheating. These really are a worthwhile investment to keep your dog cool and comfortable during the warmer months. Gazebos and Canopies Having either permanent or temporary gazebos and canopies can help provide a shaded area for your dog to rest and relax outside by offering overhead protection from the sun. If you want to make your dog is even more comfortable then look at adding a comfy bed or mat for them to lie on. Watch for the Signs of Overheating Familiarise yourself with what the signs of overheating and heat stroke in dogs are. These can include: Excessive panting Collapsing Excessive drooling Lethargic Vomiting If you notice any signs of overheating, you should move them to a cooler area immediately, provide water and contact a vet as soon as possible. Modifying Exercise and Avoiding Midday Walks Regular exercise is important for your dog’s health, however, be cautious of the intensity and duration of some activities in very hot weather. For example, modifying their exercise to shorter walks and reducing strenuous activities to reduce the risk of heatstroke and overheating. Consider scheduling their walks and outdoor activities during different parts of the day when it is a bit cooler. Avoiding the middle of the day when the sun is at its strongest is important to reduce the risk of your dog feeling uncomfortable and reduce the risk of them overheating. Be mindful of concrete during hot weather as this can become extremely hot and potentially burn your dog’s paw pads. Never Leave Your Dog in a Parked Car This may seem obvious, but tragically it still happens! A dog should never be left unattended in a parked car. Even with the windows ajar, the interior of a parked car can quickly reach dangerously high temperatures which can lead to your pets suffering from heatstroke and can even be fatal. The rule is ‘Just never do it, not even for a few minutes!’. Dog Cooling Products and Dog Safe Sunscreen There has been significant progress in the development of canine cooling products. Including Cooling Dog Vests with evaporative cooling technology and cooling mats equipped with gel-infused cooling pads. These products are designed to effectively help regulate your dog’s body temperature. Cooling bandanas, made with breathable lightweight fabrics. They can provide a stylish solution that can help keep your dog cool and comfortable. Cooling vests and bandanas come in a variety of colours and designs, allowing your dog to stay cool whilst looking effortlessly chic during summer outings. Investing in these innovative cooling products can help provide your dog with essential relief from heat, enhancing their well being to ensure they can fully enjoy summer activities. Just like humans, dogs can get sunburned. This is especially for those with light coloured fur and short haired dogs. A great product to protect your dog from harmful UV rays through the hotter periods is dog safe sunscreen. It is important to purchase pet safe sunscreens specifically formulated for dogs. You can apply the sunscreen to exposed areas like the belly, nose and ears before outdoor activities and walks. This helps prevent sunburn and reduces the risk of damage to the skin contributing to keeping your dog safe in the sun. Remember to look for pet safe sunscreens as they are designed to provide protection without containing any ingredients that may be harmful if licked or ingested by our dogs. This is a ‘Pawsome’ combination for keeping them cool, stylish and protected in the sun making for a truly enjoyable summer together! Remember, a little extra care and attention can go a long way in keeping your dog happy and healthy. Follow these…