Summer Dog Care
Whitby Holiday Park is dedicated to the welfare of all pets staying on our site.
Your pet is
on holiday too and we would like to ensure they enjoy their stay with us.
Summer is the time of year when we should take extra care of our canine friends.
There are many precautions that can be taken to keep your dog safe and well on a hot day.
Please see below a handy guide to keeping your dogs happy and healthy when you are enjoying the outdoors together this summer:
Don't excessively walk your dog - walking is a form of exercise and can cause discomfort to your pet and risk them over heating - you can purchase Doggie Boots to prevent their paws getting burnt on the hot ground
Walk your dog in the early morning or late evening - temperatures are cooler at these times during the day and it will reduce the risk of your pet suffering from heatstroke
Be aware of how hot the tarmac is outdoors - you should always check the tarmac with your hand before allowing your dog to walk on it, if it's too hot for your hand then it is too hot for your pets paws
Always provide plenty of water and shade for your dog either inside or when you are out and about with your pet
Always consider the outside temperature when travelling in a car with your dog, try to avoid congested roads and busy travel periods in the day as your pet could overheat when you are stuck in heavy traffic.
Consider travelling at cooler times during the day, and always ensure there are plenty of places to stop for a break during your journey.
Do not ever leave your dog in a car during high temperatures, dogs overheat fast and leaving them for as little as 20 mins could be fatal to your pet
Heatstroke
Dogs will develop heatstroke if they become too hot and are unable to reduce their body temperatures by panting, this can be fatal. You should be aware if your dog is more prone to heatstroke than others....dogs that are old, young, dogs that have have heavy coats or dogs with short flat faces, such as pugs, boxers, etc.
Dogs that are suffering with certain diseases or are on some types of medication are also more prone to heatstroke.
Listed below are the 5 signs of heatstroke:
- Is the dog panting heavily?
- Is the dog drooling excessively?
- Does the dog appear Lethargic, drowsy or uncoordinated
- Is the dog Vomiting
- Has the dog collapsed
If you notice your dog showing any of the above signs please follow the emergency first aid steps listed below and contact the nearest vet if necessary.
Emergency First Aid
If your dog does become overheated their best chance of survival is to reduce their body temperature as a matter of urgency, this will need to be done gradually as they could easily go into shock.
If your dog has collapsed due to overheating you should call a vet immediately, if the dog is showing signs of becoming over heated then please carry out the first aid steps listed below:
- Move the dog to a shaded cool area
- Start to pour room temperature water on the dogs body - do not use cold water -as this may cause the dog to go into shock
- Encourage the dog to drink small amounts of room temperature water
- Continue to pour small amounts of room temperature water onto the dog, this should be done until the dogs breathing starts to settle. do not put too much on so the dog starts to shiver
- Once you have managed to control the dogs body temperature and their breathing is settling down you should call your local vets and have them checked over
IF YOU SEE A DOG IN DISTRESS IN A HOT CAR CALL 999 - DOGS DIE IN HOT CARS
Our dogs are part of the family, when going on Family walks or Summer strolls their welfare is as important as yours. It is essential to ensure your outings are suitable for them to enjoy too.
Collette
Reception
Always consider the outside temperature when travelling in a car with your dog, try to avoid congested roads and busy travel periods in the day as your pet could overheat when you are stuck in heavy traffic. If your dog does become overheated their best chance of survival is to reduce their body temperature as a matter of urgency, this will need to be done gradually as they could easily go into shock.
If your dog has collapsed due to overheating you should call a vet immediately, if the dog is showing signs of becoming over heated then please carry out the first aid steps listed below:
- Move the dog to a shaded cool area
- Start to pour room temperature water on the dogs body - do not use cold water -as this may cause the dog to go into shock
- Encourage the dog to drink small amounts of room temperature water
- Continue to pour small amounts of room temperature water onto the dog, this should be done until the dogs breathing starts to settle. do not put too much on so the dog starts to shiver
- Once you have managed to control the dogs body temperature and their breathing is settling down you should call your local vets and have them checked over
Our dogs are part of the family, when going on Family walks or Summer strolls their welfare is as important as yours. It is essential to ensure your outings are suitable for them to enjoy too.
Collette
Reception
