Summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors with your dog, but it's important to take precautions to keep them safe and healthy in the heat. Here are some tips on how to feed and exercise your dog in hot weather

Diet

• Feed your dog a diet that is high in water content. This will help them stay hydrated and prevent dehydration. Good sources of water include wet food, fruits and vegetables, and frozen treats.
• Avoid feeding your dog foods that are high in fat or sugar. These foods can make it harder for them to cool down.
• If you are feeding your dog dry food, make sure to add water to it to make it more moist.

Exercise

• Take your dog for walks or hikes in the early morning or late in the evening when it is cooler outside.
• Avoid taking your dog for long walks or hikes on hot, humid days.
• If you are going to be gone for an extended period of time, make sure to leave your dog with plenty of water and a cool place to rest.

Other essential tips to bear in mind

• Make sure your dog has plenty of fresh, cool water to drink. You may need to change their water bowl more often in hot weather.
• Travelling with dogs in car or any vehicle, it is very important to never leave them inside without air conditioning as temperature in any vehicle in summer months can exceed 30c, 35c or even 45c. For example, outside temperature of 22c can cause the temperature to rise quickly inside a vehicle to above 40c which can be extremely fatal
• Keep your dog out of the sun during the hottest part of the day.
• If your dog starts to show signs of heatstroke, such as heavy panting, glazed eyes, rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, vomiting, or seizures, immediately take them to a veterinarian.

Fun Games for Dogs in Hot Weather

• Frozen Kong: Stuff a Kong with your dog's favorite treats and freeze it. This will keep them entertained for hours.
• Water balloon toss: Fill water balloons with water and toss them to your dog. They will love chasing them and trying to pop them.
• Swimming: If your dog enjoys swimming, take them to a lake or pool to cool off.
• Fetch: This is a classic game that dogs love. Throw a ball or toy for your dog and let them chase it.
• Hide-and-seek: This is a great game for mentally stimulating your dog. Hide around the house and let your dog find you.

Here are additional tips & tricks to keep in mind & apply as necessary for your dog & the environment you are in

• Grooming: Stuff a Kong with your dog's favorite treats and freeze it. This will keep them entertained for hours.
• Check for ticks and fleas: Fill water balloons with water and toss them to your dog. They will love chasing them and trying to pop them.
• Take your dog to the vet for regular check-ups: If your dog enjoys swimming, take them to a lake or pool to cool off.
• Create a cool oasis for your dog: This is a classic game that dogs love. Throw a ball or toy for your dog and let them chase it.
• Take your dog for walks in the shade: This is a great game for mentally stimulating your dog. Hide around the house and let your dog find you.
• Avoid hot surfaces: If your dog has a thick coat, you may want to consider trimming it to help them stay cool.
• Keep your dog hydrated: Make sure your dog has plenty of fresh, cool water to drink at all times.
• Be mindful of your dog's coat: If your dog has a thick coat, you may want to consider trimming it to help them stay cool.
• Watch for signs of heatstroke: Heatstroke is a serious condition that can be fatal if not treated. If you notice any of the following signs in your dog, immediately seek veterinary attention:
• Heavy panting
• Glazed eyes
• Rapid heartbeat
• Difficulty breathing
• Vomiting
• Seizures

Hope these tips are useful for you in caring for your furry little friend. You can also find more tips & useful advice at websites like: RSPCA for UK