Skinner's: Keeping Your Dog Cool This Summer 

Written by Zoe Russell, BSc (Hons), ANutr, Nutrition Officer, Skinner’s 

As I type away, the sun is high in the sky, the temperature is warm and the sky is a brilliant blue. Although many of us enjoy the summer season, it can be a difficult time for our pets who may struggle to cope with the warmer temperatures. Therefore, over the coming months, you might need to adjust their daily routine, to ensure they stay happy and healthy this season. 

Appetite

 Just like us, it’s not uncommon for a dog to have a reduced appetite during the warmer months. Therefore, if you notice your dog being a little fussy, or perhaps not eating their full intake of food, it may be down to the hot weather. To help them, we would suggest feeding their meals in the cooler parts of the day, for example early in the morning and late at night. It’s also important to be patient and give them time and space to eat, while keeping a close eye on their weight and condition.  

Water 

Water is essential for temperature regulation, waste removal, transport of nutrients, digestion and more. Furthermore, around 70% of the body is made up of water, however it is often the first limiting nutrient. A loss of around 7% water from the body can lead to severe dehydration, while a loss of 15% can be fatal. Therefore, it’s important your dog has constant access to fresh, clean water at all times. However if your dog isn’t a big drinker, you can try soaking their dry food with some water or add in some wet food to help increase their water intake.  

Exercise 

It goes without saying that a dog should not be exercised during periods of warm weather. Even if you stay at home, it’s important to avoid over exertion in the garden from games such as fetch, or chase. Not all dogs know when to stop, so it’s important to provide them with a cool, shady area to relax and avoid the temptation of charging around in the sun. When it comes to walking, it’s always best to take them out early in the morning, or late at night so the temperature is not too high and the pavement is not too hot. A good tip is to feel the temperature of the pavement with your bare foot or the back of your hand; if it’s too hot for you to touch comfortably, it will certainly be too hot for your dog. However, if you are unsure, then it’s often better to miss a walk- no dog has even died from missing a walk, but they may die from taking the risk. 

Modified meals 

To help keep your dog cool in the hotter weather, there are a few ways you can modify their meals. If you use wet food, then you could try spreading the wet food in a Likimat and placing it in the freezer. This makes a cool, tasty meal that also keeps their mind busy during mealtimes. Mole Valley stock the whole Field and Trial wet food range, including the Puppy/Junior Chicken with Garden Veg, Salmon with Steamed Veg, Lamb with Root Veg and Chicken with Root Veg. These are all balanced and complete diets which provide a nutritious, refreshing meal. Our wet foods are also around 70% moisture, so can help to support their water intake. It’s also a great way to save the planet as our Tetra pack cartons are fully recyclable and are made from sustainably sourced renewable materials. 

Alternatively if you are a dry feeder, you could try soaking the food with a little water, placing it in a Kong and freezing it. This also makes a cool meal, that provides a source of enrichment. Our dry diets are also balanced and complete formulations and can be found at your local Mole Valley store.  

Bug bears!

Spring and summer bring with it a plethora of bugs, including those that can pose a health risk to our dogs. Firstly, flies can be drawn to pet food, especially wet diets, so it’s important that your dog’s bowl is picked up, any remaining food is discarded and the bowl washed in hot, soapy water. Next we have ticks which can thrive in the warmer weather, so it’s important to regularly run your hands over your dog to check for these unwanted critters. If you find one, make sure you use an appropriate tick-removal tool to ensure the bug is safely removed. Lastly, it’s a big season for fleas, so remember to keep on top of your dog’s flea management and again make sure you are vigilantly checking them for signs of these pesky ectoparasites.