Bottoms up

Dogs actually cool from the legs up, so don’t only spray their head and back with water, spray their paws and stomach if you really want to cool them down.

Know the signs

If your dog is acting lethargic, or you see excessive panting, heavy drooling and bloodshot eyes, these are all signs of dehydration. Another way you can test dehydration is by gently lifting a section of your dog’s skin. If the skin takes longer than usual to fall back in its place, this is a sign of severe dehydration.

Hydrate, hydrate and hydrate some more

Older and overweight dogs are more at risk of overheating and dehydration, so just be sure to know the demands of your specific pup. Take plenty of water breaks, or even have your dog carry their own water on their backs to keep themselves cool.

Timing is everything

Walking your dog in the cooler temperature of the mornings and evenings is an easy way to avoid the risk of overheating.

Let diggers be diggers

This is a dog’s clever way of keeping cool, so if you can, try and find a dig-safe area in the shade if possible. (Just make sure it’s not a neighbour’s lawn because Mrs. Jones won’t find that very cute.)