Keep Your Canine Cool During The Summer Heat - Cooling Tips For Dogs

This summer in the UK is set to be a scorcher which can be particularly uncomfortable for our four-legged friends.

FURminator’s grooming expert Stuart Simons has shared some top tips on how to get the most out of the sun with your furry friend while keeping them safe, as well as how to care for their hair type to help keep them cool.

1. Slap on the sun cream: While covering yourself in cream don’t forget to speak to your vet about sun cream for your pooch, especially if they have light skin pigment or short hair as this will make them more prone to sunburn. Pay special attention to the tips of their ears and the top of their nose.
2. Look for shade: If your pet is fair haired they will be at a greater risk of getting sunburned so keep them in the shade where possible. If left alone outside, make sure your pooch has somewhere away from the sun sit down. Remember, the sun moves throughout the day so don’t leave them tied up with no option to cool down.
3. Drink up: Take lots of water with you and a travel bowl so your canine can enjoy a nice drink when needed and refresh your supplies when you can. You can shop our range of travel bowls here and you can shop our specially designed dog water bottles here
4. Keep walkies for the evening: Keep walks to a minimum during the hottest part of the day and avoid pavements. Dogs perspire through their foot pads so the longer they are standing on a hot floor, the less quickly they can cool down. Dogs also pant to try and cool themselves down. If you have a Brachycephalic breed, meaning that they have a broad head with a short muzzle, they tend to retain more heat as their cooling system isn’t as effective as dogs with a longer nose and so you should be extra careful when it comes to walking them in the heat.
5. Pop them in the tub: Just like us, your pet will be sweatier from a day or two in the sun causing them to get a little whiffy, especially if they are a shorter haired breed. FURminator’s range of shampoos and conditioners offer a unique blend of the finest ingredients, and are free from parabens and artificial colours, giving dogs a more natural clean and leaving them smelling paw-fect! Shop our doggie swimming pool now - perfect for dogs who need to cool off!

Remember, if your four-legged friend appears to be excessively panting, has particularly red eyes or gums, feels weak or collapses, use a cool wet towel to bring their temperature down and seek veterinary advice immediately.

Coat care

For more information about taking care of your pooch this summer depending on their coat check out Stuart’s recommendations below:

• Wool Coats (Bichon, Poodle etc) – If your dog is fully coated make sure that they are brushed out and that the skin can breathe. A little sun cream on the nose won’t hurt but it must be pet safe and vet recommended. If your pooch’s coat is shaved off very short, check the skin pigment and apply doggie sunscreen if recommended by your vet.
• Double coats (German Shepherds, Akita etc) – Make sure your four-legged friend has a regular grooming schedule as these dogs aren’t necessarily bred for a hot climate and may need help to drop their excess undercoat. A good rake and brush out with a FURminator slicker will help them to release this undercoat.
• Combination Coat (Cocker Spaniels and Shih-Tzu’s) – Ensure your pooch is thoroughly brushed through and that their coat isn’t knotted or matted so that they can regulate their temperature properly.
• Short Coats (Pugs, Labradors and Boston Terriers etc) – Make sure that their undercoat is fully raked out using your FURminator to help them stay cool in the heat.
• Bald (Chinese Crested) – It is essential that a sun cream is used so seek veterinary advice before enjoying the sun to keep them safe and happy.

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