Dogs need to keep cool

What must it be like to wear a fur coat you can’t take off in this hot weather?   Dogs can suffer from heatstroke just like humans and need to keep cool when the sun is shining.  In a natural life they would find a damp, shady place, either in a wood or by a stream, but we keep them as pets now and they are at our mercy.   If they have to be kept indoors, try to find the coolest room in the house and definitely not one that is south facing.   Keep the curtains or blinds down if the sun is out and put a big dish of water out.   Dogs drink a lot more in summer.    Never confine a dog to a concrete yard that has no shade, the reflection on the stone makes it even hotter, it would be like a bakehouse.    A shady garden or yard is fine, again get a bigger water bowl than normal and fill it to the brim.   Avoid plastic dishes when it’s hot (or altogether!) – stainless steel or stoneware are best.   Plastic does get scratched over time and germs can multiply.  If your dog does become over heated there are some quick and simple solutions.Soak towels in cold water and put a couple down for your dog to lie on, also cover him with cold wet towels.   Change them frequently until he feels better and is cooler.    A fan placed near a hot pet will blow cold air and is a quick fix, never leave an electrical appliance near a pet unless you are there to make sure they don’t pull it over.   Walk your dog early morning and evening.  Only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun!   Yet we still see overweight pets being tugged round on a lead in baking hot conditions.    Find a shady route, through a wood is best and stick to that for a while, I can guarantee that  the rain and cold will soon be back.