In addition to taking very careful precautions during extreme weather conditions, it’s also wise to make some adjustments to your vehicle, your routine and your equipment during the warmer weather generally.
Let’s take a look at some top warm weather tips from pro dog walkers.
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Check the dog’s water at home.
Either when collecting the dog from their home, or dropping them off, remember to just double-check their water bowl is full, hasn’t tipped over or spilt and that the room the dog is left in is shaded.
Quite often owners will have left some hours before, possibly not realising that the sun moves around during the day and streams right into the kitchen that you’ve been asked to leave Fido in.
So top up the water and pull the blinds if you need to.
Add some shade.
Whether you use a car or van with windows, it’s fairly easy to make some simple window shades which will keep your vehicle cooler whilst you’re on your walk.
So even if you can’t find shade to park in, you can still cover your windows using store bought shades like the ones above, or make your own from foil bubblewrap.
Towels
Add some more towels to your car. Warmer walks mean we tend to gravitate toward the water for our walks and warmer water means more swimming. More swimming equals wetter dogs which equals more towels!
If you’re fed up washing so many towels each week I can highly recommend these noodle mitts. Originally designed for washing cars they dry the dogs off fantastically well, and fast, plus they dry quickly too and take up less space. (buy the car ones, they’re cheaper and work the same!)
Think about yourself too!
Adding a coolbox to your car can be a real treat for you on warm days.
Freeze some water bottles at home, pop them at the base of the coolbox and keep your snacks and drinks cool all day.
I recently bought the Coleman 30qt and it works really well and keeps ice for 2 days in my vehicle.
When those frozen water bottles start to defrost you can use them to top up the dog’s bowls with some nice cold water, or drink them yourself.
No-spill bowls
I’ve tried cheaper versions and different makes but in my opinion, nothing works as well as the original road refresher no-spill bowls.
Even if you don’t use crates in your vehicle set up, using these bowls means they can be put in the footwell without emptying and refilling every time you start travelling, saving water and time.
Water carriers for walks
I’m not a fan of the dog-specific bottles with fancy tops and contraptions for your dogs to drink from. They’re usually cheaply made and won’t last you, the professional walker, more than a season.
Instead, I’d recommend using water bladders. Easy to fit into your current bag, sturdy and well made for hikers and the bag gets smaller as it empties.
Clip a collapsible, small bowl to your bag too and you’re all set. I’ve even seen walkers using an empty poop bag to pour water into as a makeshift water bowl.
Your biggest fan
If you’re not lucky enough to have aircon, adding some fans to your car or crates is the next best thing.
Crack your front windows and have the fans positioned just behind the front seats.
This draws in fresh air from the windows and pushes it back to the dogs.
You can buy battery-powered crate fans, and USB rechargeable fans but my favourite and the one which I found moved the most amount of air is the 12v powered dual fans.
You can get them with flat bases or they come in a version which mounts to your vehicle’s headrest.
Bonus Tips For Your Brachycephalic Dogs
We all know that our flat faced dogs need a little extra care in the hot weather but do you know why?
Brachycephalic dogs have a shorter snout, which can lead to various health issues, including respiratory problems. Their shortened airways make it more difficult for them to breathe, especially in hot and humid weather.
This is because the hot and humid air makes it even harder for them to take in oxygen, which can cause them to overheat quickly. In addition, because they can’t pant as effectively, they are not able to regulate their body temperature as effectively as dogs with longer snouts.
Moreover, Brachycephalic dogs have a higher body mass index (BMI) and are more likely to be overweight or obese, which can make them more prone to heat exhaustion and other heat-related illnesses. They also have a tendency to overexert themselves, which can lead to dehydration and other health problems.
All these factors combined make Brachycephalic dogs more susceptible to heatstroke, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate veterinary attention. Therefore, it’s crucial to take extra precautions to keep them cool and comfortable during hot weather.
Here’s a checklist to follow if you are looking after a brachycephalic dog (short-nosed breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs, etc.) on a hot day:
- Ensure access to clean and cool water: Make sure your dog has access to fresh and cool water at all times. You can add some ice cubes to the water bowl to keep it cool.
- Keep them in a cool and well-ventilated area: Brachycephalic dogs are more susceptible to heatstroke because of their short noses and airways, so it’s important to keep them in a cool and well-ventilated area, preferably indoors with air conditioning or fans.
- Limit outdoor activity: Try to limit your dog’s outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day. Take them for walks early in the morning or late in the evening when it’s cooler.
- Provide shade: If your dog does spend time outdoors, make sure they have access to shade, such as a covered porch or a tree.
- Don’t leave your dog in a parked car: Even with the windows cracked open, the temperature inside a parked car can rise quickly and be deadly for a brachycephalic dog.
- Watch for signs of heat exhaustion: Signs of heat exhaustion in dogs include excessive panting, drooling, vomiting, and collapse. If you notice any of these symptoms, move your dog to a cool area and offer water. If the symptoms persist, contact a veterinarian immediately.
- Consider a cooling vest or mat: There are special cooling vests or mats available that can help keep your dog cool on hot days. Consider getting one for your dog if you live in a hot climate or if your dog spends a lot of time outdoors.
Remember that brachycephalic dogs are more prone to heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses, so it’s important to take extra precautions to keep them cool and comfortable on hot days.
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