Fun is the sun is important for us and our furry friends. Prepare for the hot days ahead with these very cool tips!
A great start is always ensuring that your dog has access to shade and fresh drinking water to help keep them cool.
Try dotting bowls of water in a few places around your home and garden – that way they’ll never be too far from a drink!
If you’re worried that your dog isn’t drinking enough, try changing things around: you could switch their bowl out for a different one, raise it off the floor or try a pet fountain.
These novelties might be just what your pooch needs to get them drinking more!
You can also keep your dog cool and ensure they’re getting enough water by enticing them with some cold treats:
-Freeze a Kong with treats and water. Copper is demonstrating how much he loves it!
-Put ice cubes into their water bowl
-Make tasty ice cube treats with their favourite food inside
-Chill or freeze carrots, broccoli or banana
When temperatures really climb, it might be worth considering a cooling pad or jacket – these are usually reusable and machine washable, and made from a super absorbent cooling material which holds its own moisture, so your dog’s coat won’t get wet.
For a cheaper DIY approach, you can provide damp towels for your dog to lie on or pop an ice pack wrapped in a towel in their bed – both are simple methods that can provide a welcome relief from the heat.
If your dog is a water lover, like Cali, they may even love a paddling pool in the garden to splash around in.
You may also want to limit the amount of time your dog spends outside on hot days, and instead entice them to lie in cool areas in the house, for example by setting up a fan on a tiled floor.
In general, it’s a good idea to keep your dog indoors between 11am and 3pm, when the sun is strongest.
Worried about Dog?
We offer a low-cost veterinary clinic for individuals in receipt of a means tested benefit within our Gloucestershire and South Cotswolds community.
To report cruelty or an animal in distress call 0300 1234 999
RSPCA Cotswolds, Gloucester & District Branch
