Keeping Dogs Comfortable in Hot Weather

Dogs don't get a medal for exercising through the heat. On hot days, changing the plan is sensible dog care, not laziness.

Shade, access to water, quieter activity and avoiding the hottest parts of the day all matter. Dogs can vary in how well they cope with heat depending on factors including age, health, body condition, coat and face shape.

Watch the dog in front of you. Heavy or persistent panting, difficulty settling, weakness, confusion or collapse need urgent attention and cooling advice from a vet.

At daycare we adjust activity to the conditions rather than insisting the timetable wins an argument with the weather.

Some days the smartest enrichment activity is finding the best patch of shade and doing absolutely bugger all for a while.