How to help your dog in heat

Summer is upon us, and while we humans are mostly excited about the heat and sun, dogs can have a bit more of a hard time during the hot weather.

Dogs don't sweat like humans, but they release heat through their paws, tongue, and breathing. Therefore, a good sip of water and a splash are the best way to cool your dog down.

But there are also other ways you can help your dog when it gets hot:

• Give your dog a summer haircut if you have a breed with a lot of fur.
• NEVER leave your dog in the car ( see here why )
• Always bring water for the trip
• Let your dog bathe in the ocean or lakes (if they are not filled with algae); it is a good way to cool down hot noses
• If you have the opportunity to set up a swimming pool at home in the garden, do it.
• If the dog doesn't like baths but is very hot, wring out a towel in cool water and wrap it around the dog.
• Take the cooling elements from the cooler bag with you on a trip in the car and place them in a towel where the dog can lie down if it feels too hot.
• If your dog is a picky drinker, "cheat" him by giving him watermelon, for example, or stirring a dollop of liver pâté into his water.
• Cold snacks are great for cooling down. Some dogs like frozen fruit or a bone filled with dry food that has been mixed with, for example, water and liver pâté – or frozen wet food. You can also make ice cream for your dog; for example, try mashing a banana and mixing it with yogurt.

Read here what to do if the unfortunate event occurs and your dog gets heatstroke .