Heatwave Tips for your Pooches

With temperatures climbing across the UK again this weekend, many dog owners will be looking for ways to keep their four-legged friends cool and safe.

Heatstroke can develop quickly in dogs and can be life-threatening. To help owners navigate the warmer weather, Dr. Stephanie Day from WagWorks has shared her top tips for keeping dogs comfortable during hot spells:

• Stick to dawn and dusk walks – During hot weather, walk your dogs before sunrise or after sunset, when temperatures are at their coolest.
• Keep water and shade close by – Make sure dogs always have access to fresh water and a cool, shaded spot to relax. Portable water bottles and travel bowls are great for days out.
• Never leave dogs in cars or enclosed spaces – Even with windows partially open, temperatures inside a vehicle can rise to dangerous levels within minutes. Other enclosed spaces, such as conservatories, can also heat up rapidly and pose a serious risk.
• Bring on the cooling aids – Cooling mats, cooling vests, paddling pools and frozen treats such as bone broth ice lollies can help dogs regulate their body temperature.
• Skip the walk – On particularly hot days, it’s best to avoid strenuous exercise altogether. Puzzle feeders, scent games and short training sessions can provide valuable mental stimulation without the risks associated with physical activity in high temperatures.
• Know if your dog’s at risk – Some breeds and age groups are particularly vulnerable and susceptible to heatstroke even at relatively moderate temperatures. This includes flat-faced breeds like Bulldogs and Pugs, senior dogs, puppies, and those carrying a little extra weight.

Signs of heatstroke to watch for include excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhoea, red or pale gums, disorientation and collapse. If owners suspect heatstroke, they should move their dog to a cool area, offer fresh water and seek veterinary advice immediately.

Dr Stephanie Day shares: “Don’t be afraid to skip a walk. If temperatures are high, it’s feeling sticky and humid, or you’re simply unsure whether it’s safe, it’s perfectly okay to miss a walk altogether. While daily exercise is important, missing a walk or two is not going to cause your dog harm. Whereas heatstroke can develop rapidly and become a medical emergency. If you’re not sure then keep your dog indoors, focus on enrichment activities and wait for cooler conditions before heading out.”

WagWorks is a London-based membership club for dogs, with beautifully designed spaces in Fulham and Islington. They offer daycare, healthcare, training, and grooming all under one roof, led by experienced and passionate industry experts, with a focus on enriching the lives of both dogs and their owners.

For dogs needing a break from the heat, WagWorks provides a fully temperature-controlled environment, offering a cool and comfortable space throughout the summer months.