It is important to think about the comfort and welfare for your dogs too.

1. Pay attention to what your dog is trying to tell you

Dogs work on a strong instinctive level and will themselves know whether they are getting too hot and uncomfortable. If they want to park up on a walk under a tree feel free to join them and relax in the shade.

2. Do not leave your dog in a parked car 

A car will retain more heat than an open area, even if it is in the shade. Dehydration will be more likely as they are over alert when strangers pass by and they hear noises.

3. Your dog cools from the bottom up 

When spraying your dog with water make sure you also do the paws and stomach as this will have a greater cooling effect on them. A wet towel on their stomach is actually a lot more cooling then one placed on their back. This is why they have a tendency to flop out all limbs splayed when they come across a cool spot to lie on!

4. Keep a look out for signs of dehydration 

Dogs cool down by panting so an overheated dog will drool excessively. They will become lethargic and there eyes will be bloodshot

5. Exercise together late in the evening or early in the morning

It will be more enjoyable for the both of you when the weather is cooler at the book end of each day. This is the time of year to cut down on the exercise intensity levels.

6. Allow your dog to dig. And to cover themselves in mud. 

Your dog digging is a way for them to naturally cool down so let them go ahead and dig away. While them covered in mud means a clean up job for you it really does help them to keep cool so do consider the little bit of extra work for them to ensure they are more comfortable.

7. Make sure they drink plenty of water 

Accommodate many more water stops on your regular walk, roughly 3 times as many. You can also always take a water bottle for your pooch and if they want to help out they can always carry it alongside you on the walk.

8. Remember that the pavement gets hot 

Dogs have sensitive paws and also don’t tend to wear shoes! Bear this in mind when walking on the pavement with them. You can get them those funny looking booties or just be very mindful of this fact when walking on pavements.

Wishing you a your dog a lovely summertime together!