Dog Safety from the Summer Heat

[GSDOWNER]

Now that summer is fast approaching and our days are getting longer and warmer what are some of the things that we can do to keep our pooches cool, hydrated and safe in the summer heat? What are safe summer practices regarding exercise, car rides and time in the sun and what are not? Is it OK to leave the windows of the car open while you run quickly, or not so quickly, into a store or should there be laws against dogs being left in cars at all? What do you do when you see a dog locked (or should I say trapped!) in a car on a hot summer day?

let us know what you think, what you do and what you've seen in the past. Hopefully topics like this will make it a safe summer for dogs everywhere.

[wildmoor]

Mine actualy get less exercise in summer, I only take them out at 6.30am and 10.30pm, I make sure when I go out of the house I leave windows (especialy in the conservatory they are all open) and doors open to provide a breeze throughout the house and leave plenty of water around, the front of my house is cooler at the back I will keep blinds shut to keep it cooler. If I saw a dog in distress inside a car I would t/p the RSPCA and police I wouldnt break the windows myself as I would be liable for the damage, hopefully this will be covered in the new animal welfare Act.
Pam

[GSDOWNER]

I am a bit concerned about this new welfare bill, My dog has HD and the new bill is saying he has to be protected from pain, injury, suffering and disease, so surely now, my breeder must have to take responsibity for breeding not only my dog that has HD but future breeding programs. I have already spent thousands keeping his life pain free, but if the breeder is breeding dogs that have a bloodline that is horrific, surely the new walfare bill will affect the breeders?????

We also exercise early morning and evening in hot weather.

Last summer Zak started to over heat. Older dogs feel the heat more, and a good tip is to cool them down gradually by soaking a towel in cold water, squeezing out the excess and putting it across their back. Repeated several times its a great way to cool down your dog in hot weather

Oh, and of course never leave in a hot car, even with windows down.

[LOVEGSD]

When we have to leave Diesel, we keep all the blinds closed, leave a fan and an air cooler on, plus plenty of cold water. Diesel gets shorter walks when it's really hot and they are broken up during the course of the day....and I would NEVER leave him in the car alone, especially during the summer.

[super D]

Has anyone heard of or used these cool beds for there dogs, they fill with water and have special crystals in them to keep the dogs cool, im thinking of buying one, with Dalton's thick coat, i think he will suffer in the summer.
What do you guys think ?

sarah x

[LOVEGSD]

oooh never heard of them to be honest but they sound like a great idea.....post a link so we can see them.

Amazing the lengths we go to for our furballs eh

[super D]

Here you go hunny

COOLDANNA™ Cooling Mat - Large -helps keep your dog cool when its hot at Puddle Pet Care
Canine Cooler dog cooler pet cooling bed dog cooling beds
they may be a lot of old flannel, but thought anything would be worth a try

sarah x

[Beki]

They look good!!! but not sure about putting them on the carpet, If her bed aint in the front room Ellie will move it there haha

Beki X X X

[super D]

That could end rather soggy Beki ha ha

sarah x