(Written by Georgia Hatton)
Now we’ve discussed the importance of keeping your dogs cool during summer, we’ll look at our favourite ways to beat the heat!
1. Plan your walkies appropriately
Plan your walks for the coolest part of the day - early in the morning, or later in the evening where possible.
If you must go out in the middle of the day - for toilet trips for example - stick to the shade, avoid sunbaked tarmac wherever possible, and keep it short!
Even in the morning, it can be warm, so pick routes with free flowing water or clean lakes - but watch out for blue-green algae warnings in stagnant water sources - where possible.
If you are in any doubt about it being too warm to walk - stay home.
Whilst sighthounds tend to be known more for their avoidance of water Albert breaks this mould - he loves swimming!
2. Water is fun!
If you're going to be outside in the sunshine, some dogs would love a paddling pool of their own! Look for one with a non-slip base, for your dog's safety when getting in and out. Make it fun for them, by tossing in their favourite toys or even a few treats. For very small dogs, or those who aren’t sure about the pool, something smaller - like a water bowl or shallow bowl are equally good!
Bobbing for treats is a great way to encourage your dog to be confident around the water!
Zym in his paddling pool - as a hairy breed, we take extra care to make sure he stays comfortable in summer!
Make sure to have plenty of bowls of fresh water around for your dog. In warm weather dogs drink more, and you may find yourself having to fill it up more often - place more water bowls around to make sure your dog stays hydrated!
Perhaps because he was hand reared as a puppy, or perhaps it’s just the way he is - Lance whippet prefers to drink from a bottle than a bowl if he gets the choice!
3. Frozen Treats
We all love a frozen treat on a hot day, and our dogs are no exception. Whilst you can buy ready made ice cream for dogs, we think it’s much more fun to make your own!
All you need are a few ingredients!
-2 Ripe Bananas
-200ml plain, unsweetened natural yoghurt
-1 tablespoon peanut butter
Blend these together, then portion into smaller volumes - and pop them in the freezer until frozen!
For a meatier treat, our cut trachea is the perfect shape for stuffing - and the pate makes a delicious filler for it! Put these in the freezer for a couple of hours, for a long lasting, cooling treat!
