As we move into summer and temperatures rise, it's important dog owners know how to keep their dogs safe in the sun and feel confident they can cool down their pet safely.

Read our headline sponsor Bought By Many’s top tips to understand what causes heatstroke, how to avoid it and how to keep your dog safe and cool during the summer. 

Bought By Many is Britain’s reigning most trusted pet insurance provider and insurers over 200,000 pets in the UK.  It was the first insurance provider to team up with FirstVet to provide customers with free, unlimited video calls and 24/7 access to online vets and has a range of insurance policies to suit you and your pet. Get a quote now. 

What is heatstroke and how is it caused?

When dogs are too hot they pant and sweat through their paws to bring their body temperature back to normal levels. But when they’re having a heatstroke they are unable to cool down on their own. If untreated heatstroke can be dangerous and in some cases can be fatal. 

Factors that can increase a dog’s risk of developing heatstroke include obesity, age (very young or old dogs may be a higher risk), breed (flat-faced dogs) and pre-existing heart or breathing conditions. Regardless of your dog’s age, weight or breed, there are situations that can cause heatstroke in even the healthiest of dogs. 

Top tips to keep your dog cool in the summer:  

• Always ensure your dog has fresh, clean, cool drinking water inside and outside 
• Provide plenty of shaded areas for them to relax in throughout the day
• Try exercising your dogs at the coolest time of the day, before or dawn or after dusk
• Never leave your pet alone in a car, even if the windows are down. 
• Put ice in their water or make frozen treats for them to lick
• Place cooling mats around the house for your dog to lie on
• Provide a paddling pool for them to play and stand-in
• Give a puppy pedicure and apply a special wax to your dogs' paws to help prevent scalded paws 

The symptoms of heatstroke   

If you are concerned your pet is suffering from heatstroke phone your vet straight away, even if it seems to be getting better. Early warning signs that your pet is struggling in the heat include:

• Panting heavily - remember, normal panting is expected when it's hot so you should only be concerned if it seems heavier than normal or there are other symptoms
• Appearing to be upset or distressed
• Weakness
• Dribbling more than usual
• Foaming at the mouth
• Increased heart rate
• Vomiting

If no steps are taken to cool your dog down, symptoms may become more severe and cause:  

• Bright red gums
• Loss of co-ordination
• Collapse
• Bleeding from their nose or mouth
• Tremors or seizures

Some vets might ask you take a few steps to help your dog at home before bringing it to the veterinary practice such as moving your pet into the shade, offering small amounts of cool water to drink (a couple of mouthfuls at a time) and dampening your pet’s body with room temperature water. 

If you’re every worried about your pet’s wellbeing, contact your local vet. All Bought By Many insurance policies come with unlimited free video vet calls with FirstVet so you can get expert advice 24/7. Get a quote. 

NEWSLETTER 

Our headline sponsor, Bought By Many, is Britain’s reigning most trusted pet insurance provider and now insurers over 200,000 pets in the UK.  It was the first insurance provider to team up with FirstVet to provide customers with free, unlimited video calls and 24/7 access to online vets and has a range of insurance policies to suit all the needs of you and your pet. Get