Summer advice...

With the weather getting warmer, it's important to think about keeping our dogs safe and happy at the same time as enjoying the sunshine. There are lots of things to be aware of during the summer months. Heatstroke is a big one, dogs are very susceptible to the heat as unlike us they can't sweat through their skin, instead they lose heat mostly through panting but also through sweat glands in their pads. Symptoms of heatstroke include excessive panting, drooling, reddened gums, loss of coordination and collapse among others. Keep your dog cool by avoiding walking during the hottest times of the day, always have clean drinking water available and never ever leave your dog in a car even with the windows open as the temperature inside increases drastically in a very short space of time. Watch your dog closely on a walk for any signs of agitation or overheating. If you think your dog may have heatstroke move them to a cool shaded area immediately and use cool (not freezing) water to wet their coat and contact your vet. Also avoid walking on pavements when it's hot as dogs pads can be easily burnt. Sunburn can also be a problem for some dogs, especially those with short or light coloured coats. The summer months also bring out all the creepy crawlies so fleas and ticks can be more of an issue at this time of year, make sure their treatments are up to date. Enjoy the summer!