With the UK experiencing a mini heatwave at the moment, it’s vital that dog owners know how to keep their pets cool – what to do and what not to do.

There are all sorts of steps you can take to keep your pups happy and healthy during the summer months, whether that’s by providing them with a damp towel in their bed for them to lie on or keeping them out of direct sunlight wherever possible.

You need to make sure your dog has access to clean drinking water all year round but this is especially important at this time of year, so always check their bowl is full if you’re going out and leaving them at home. And always take a bottle of water and a bowl with you if you’re all going on an outing.

Try to go for walks early in the morning or in the evening, instead of in the middle of the day, as it is likely to be too hot at that time. You can check to see if the ground is too warm by holding your hand on the pavement. If you can’t keep it there for five seconds or less, it’s too hot to walk your dog.

Familiarise yourself with the signs of heatstroke in dogs – heavy panting, rapid pulse, glazed eyes, poor coordination, excessive saliva, vomiting or diarrhoea and loss of consciousness. Proper grooming is also key to ensuring your dogs don’t overheat during the summer, especially if they have very long, thick coats.

If you’re looking for further advice or would like to know more about puppy training in and around the Southampton area, contact 101 Dog solutions today!