Now that the weather has changed for the better, here are some great tips to keep your dog cool this summer:

• Your dog should always be able to move into a cooler, ventilated environment if he/she is feeling hot. Never leave your dog alone in a car. If you want to take your dog with you on a car journey, make sure that your destination is dog-friendly you won't be able to leave your dog in the car and you don't want your day out to be ruined!
   
• If you have to leave your dog outside, you must provide a cool shady spot where he/she can escape from the sun at all times of the day.
   
• Make sure your dog always has a good supply of drinking water, in a weighted bowl that can't be knocked over.
   
• Carry water with you on hot days and give your dog frequent small amounts.
   
• Never leave your dog in a glass conservatory or a caravan. Even if it is cloudy when you leave, the sun may come out later in the day and make it unbearably hot.
   
• Groom your dog regularly to get rid of excess hair. Give long-coated breeds a haircut at the start of the summer, and later in the season, if necessary. 
   
• Dogs need exercise - even when it is hot. Walk your dog early in the morning or later in the evening. Never allow your dog to exercise excessively in hot weather. 
   
• Dogs can get sunburned too!!! Particularly those with light-coloured noses or light-coloured fur on their ears. Ask your vet for advice on pet-safe sunscreen

Heatstroke - First Aid

If your dog shows any symptoms of heatstroke, move him/her to a shaded, cool area and ring your vet for advice immediately.

Heatstroke can be fatal and should always be treated as an emergency.

Dogs suffering from heatstroke urgently need to have their body temperature gradually lowered:

• Immediately douse your dog with cool (not cold) water, to avoid shock you could put your dog in a shower and run cool water over him/her, or use a spray filled with cool water and place your dog in the breeze of a fan.
   
• Let your dog drink small amounts of cool water.
   
• Continue to douse your dog with cool water until his/her breathing starts to settle never cool your dog so much that he/she begins to shiver.

Once you have cooled your dog down you should take him/her straight to the veterinary surgery.