A pet expert has issued urgent advice for dog owners on how to keep their animals safe and cool during the hot temperatures.
As the UK braces itself for a mini heat wave, the global pet brand, PetSafe, advised owners on how to keep their pooches within safe temperatures.
Despite some conflicting opinions on the subject, Rob Steele from PetSafe said owners can in fact give pets ice cubes as one way to keep them cool.
He said: ‘While they may not be the quickest way to keep our pups cool in the heat, they will certainly provide a lovely refreshing treat.'
He added that it's important for owners to ensure they keep an eye on pooches while they lick and munch on ice and to ensure they give cubes which are the appropriate size for the dog.
Stock image. A pet expert has issued urgent advice for dog owners on how to keep their animals safe and cool during the hot temperatures
‘Don't give your bijou breed a big ice cube as they can pose a choking risk,' he urged.
For smaller pups, ‘It's better to give them smaller cubes or even ice shavings – this is also helpful for those dogs that eat quickly.'
To make ice cubes even more enticing, flavourings can be added to encourage them.
Rob suggested ‘some pet-friendly peanut butter, salmon, lean chicken, or tuna to the ice cube tray, along with the water.'
An even niftier way of getting some ice cold water into pups is to use a free toy, which will have the added bonus of keeping them mentally stimulated which can be a helpful distraction in the heat.
‘They can also be filled with wet food, before freezing, for a slow feed to savour on a warm sunny day.'
‘And another way to bust your pup's boredom and reduce any discomfort in the heat is by filling a bowl with some low-sodium meat stock scattered with a few treats, then freezing it to make an ice lick.
‘Frozen carrots and apple slices also provide a tasty, healthy, and refreshing snack – just remove any seeds and the core.'
Rob Steele from PetSafe reminded owners to ensure they always have a bowl of water out in an obvious and reachable spot so dogs can dip in when they need it
Rob reminded owners to ensure they always have a bowl of water out in an obvious and reachable spot so dogs can dip in when they need it.
‘Adding ice cubes is a great way to keep water chilled and to encourage consumption.'
The four legged pooches can also be tempted into drinking more water using a pet water fountain, thanks to their bubbling flow.
This will help pups stay hydrated so they don't overheat in hot temperatures.
Another way to help dogs cool dog, particularly if they're not tempted by cool food or tasty frozen treats, is to lay them down on a chilled damp towel.
A gentle mist spray bottle can also he used from time to time to to keep them feeling chill.
‘But take it slowly and gently – try the first few squirts away from him to gauge his reaction, as some dogs may be scared.
‘But pretty much all of them would love a paddling pool to splash around in to stay cool.'
For further information visit PetSafe
