Dogs are unable to sweat through their skin, instead they cool down by panting and releasing heat through their paws and their nose. The means they can quickly overheat and heatstroke can develop rapidly.
Heatstroke can be fatal for dogs so keeping them cool and hydrated in hot weather is vital. Read our tips here.
If your dog is overweight or obese it can hinder their mobility, increase the likelihood of them developing diseases (including diabetes), and can shorten their lifetime. By making sure your pet eats appropriate portions, has a balanced diet, and gets enough exercise, you can help them have a healthy and happy life. But how can you tell if your dog is already overweight or how can you monitor your dog’s weight? And if your dog is already obese, where do you begin in reducing their weight?
Official advice from the UK government has stated that people can start exercising outdoors as much as they like. This also means you can now take your dog out for walks more than once a day. As you and your pet have been cooped up for long periods during lockdown, some dogs may have gained weight or become untrained to the regular walking routine. This article offers some tips on getting your dog back to them old selves and general advice on outdoor activities you can try.