The heat

A friendly reminder to all of you about the heat.  Summer time is welcomed, and we often want to scoop the dog up, go to the beach and enjoy the fun family time.  But a word of warning.  If you own a Bracy breed, such as Pug, French bulldog you need to remember these dogs can not regulate their body temperature by panting.  They have no long nose to draw air in and start the cooling process.  So we need to be ultra cautious, and go evening times, or early mornings for our walks.  If you go mid day your dog could die. 

So things to look for.
Any Bracy breed should not be walked in temperatures over 16.  HPR breeds can be walked happily up to 23/24, but anything after the heat can start to cause them to over heat.  If your dog flags at 20 then don't walk over 20. 
Place your hand on the floor and feel the heat of the pavement.  Is it too hot to touch? If yes its too hot for the dogs paws.
Is your dog panting excessively ? If yes take inside and use fans, cooling mats, air con. 
Your dogs may not want to eat much in the summer heat. Just remember we are the same.   Feed them in the cool evening, or early morning, and do not leave food down to ferment.  Do not leave dried dog food down in the sun, it activates fermentation and can cause Bloat in HPR breeds, upset stomachs in small breeds. 
Have a paddling pool for your dogs.  Cooling coats. 
If you go for a day out take a cooling coat, and pour cold water on it whilst on the dog. 
Remember to leave fresh water down.  Do not use iced treats as it can cause spasms in the gut of the dog.  Cold water is best, and pouring cold water on the dog also. or luke warm water.
If your dog shows signs of heat stroke how would you know?
Dog is lethargic, cries, paces, has sticky drool, collapse.   Get a towel and make it cold with water, wrap dog in cold water towel.  Dont plunge into water as it could cause shock.  Once you have drapped cold water towel over, with other hand ring vet immediately and go in. They will hydrate the dog with a drip. 

Do dogs get sun burnt noses? YES!  If your dogs nose looks sore then its probably sun burn. Did you know you can buy sun screen for dogs? Yes from vets or online.  But use nose balm to heal poorly noses.  I sell a balm which is all made of natural products, and I have used this on my own dogs crusty noses.   Im about to launch an online shop with this product available.  Its good for sore paws too.  Ideal to have it in your box ready.

Well thats about it. Enjoy yourselves and enjoy the weather but always think, is this too hot for my dog.
​R xx