SUMMER, SUN, HOT Paws!

We've all been there: a few barefoot steps over hot asphalt - and every step burns. We'd rather slip back into our flip-flops quickly. Our four-legged friends are no different. The hot asphalt can also cause them agonizing pain. Therefore, pay particular attention to signs such as tugging at the lead, restless standing still with whining or running backwards. This is usually not disobedience, but an escape from severe pain.

You can easily test yourself whether the asphalt is too hot for your dog: place the back of your hand on the ground for seven seconds. If you can withstand this without any problems, the surface is fine. However, if it gets too hot for you, it's better to switch to alternative paths - off to the meadow or into the cool Schatten.Gibt there's no other option, then it's time for dog shoes for those precious little paws - they provide reliable paw protection on hot asphalt.

Just a quick shopping trip or a short break at the car park - but where to take the dog? "He can wait in the car for a bit" is something you often hear. But in summer temperatures, this is an absolute no-go! The car can become extremely hot after just a few minutes - oxygen becomes scarce and the heat unbearable. For dogs, this means pure stress, which in the worst case can lead to circulatory collapse or even death.

The better alternative: leave your dog at home or with a friend during this time. Or take a companion with you who can wait outside with your four-legged friend while you shop. And at rest stops? Look out for shady spots or special dog runs - they're a safe and relaxed place to take a break.

It's not just us humans who need more fluids in high temperatures - our dogs also need significantly more water on hot days. Therefore, always make sure that the water bowl at home is well filled. Your furry friend should also be able to drink when you're out and about: Portable or foldable bowls are the ideal companions for this. This way, you can make sure that your furry friend is always well supplied - no matter where you're out and about.

Dogs can also burn their skin and get sunstroke. Light-haired dogs in particular tend to sunburn on exposed areas of skin such as the nose, the tips of the ears or the belly. Your four-legged friend should therefore avoid direct sunlight and seek out shady spots. However, dog-friendly sun cream can also be helpful.

On hot days, your dog will also enjoy a refreshing cool-down - but this should be well thought out. Showering your dog with ice-cold water is not a good idea, as it puts a strain on their circulation and can even lead to a shock. It is better to cool the dog down slowly: for example, with a wet towel that you place under his belly and paws. A shady spot, a cool tiled floor or a paddling pool in the garden can also help to gently regulate body temperature. This will keep your four-legged friend relaxed and at a comfortable temperature even in the heat.

Our tip for those with a sweet tooth: Homemade dog ice cream. This is the perfect refreshment for warm summer days. Did you know that you can also make delicious dog ice cream from our ADULT Tetra Pak ? Simply freeze and start licking!

In summer, you should time your walks differently: a long walk in the morning and evening, and only a short walk during the day to do a quick business. Because it quickly gets too hot and exhausting for our furry friends in the blazing sun. So a cool apartment or a shady spot in the garden during the day is just the thing

We should also give our sporty four-legged friends - as well as the two-legged athletes - a summer break. Agility, dog dancing and hiking tours should be postponed until cooler days. This is also good for fit muscles

High temperatures don't mean that your dog just has to lie around lazily all day - on the contrary: with the right activity, your dog can also be kept busy in summer. Instead of physically strenuous activities, calm, varied ideas are now called for: brain games, foraging, stuffed food toys or small water games in the garden will keep your four-legged friend busy. This way, it won't get boring even on hot days.

Caution for little water rats: Many dogs love to swim - but painful muscle inflammation can occur in the tail area, the so-called water rod, especially after extensive splashing around. When swimming, dogs use their tail to steer, which puts a lot of strain on the muscles. If it is overloaded, this can lead to pain. Typical symptoms are pain when wagging, so the dog only wags slightly or lets the tail hang completely.

Summer, sun, hair off: This may sound logical at first - but it's not. Many people think that the thick fur of some dog breeds such as huskies, golden retrievers or Bernese mountain dogs is too warm in summer and should therefore be clipped. However, the coat actually fulfills a double protective function: it insulates against the cold in winter and against the heat in summer.

This is also proven by a study, in which long-haired dogs were photographed with a thermal camera before and after clipping under sunlight. The result: with a full coat, the dogs' bodies were cool (light blue) in the images - but significantly warmer (orange to red) after clipping.

The rule of thumb "less fur, less heat" applies to us humans - but not to dogs. Instead of reaching for the clippers, it's better to cool your four-legged friend down naturally: with a trip to the lake, plenty of shade and rest on hot days. The dense undercoat can be gently combed out with special brushes if necessary - this is usually completely sufficient.

Especially so-called brachycephalic dogs - i.e. breeds with short muzzles such as pugs and bulldogs - struggle greatly in the summer heat. As their breathing is already difficult under normal conditions, it becomes even more difficult under extreme heat and the necessary panting. This makes quiet phases, shady retreats and a cool environment all the more important so that they don't overheat and can recover sufficiently.

Your next beach vacation is coming up and your four-legged friend will of course be joining you. We've put together a few helpful tips for you so that you can fully enjoy your time out together. This way, your stay by the sea will not only be relaxing, but also safe and enjoyable for your dog:

• Make sure your dog is fully vaccinated (especially against rabies) and - especially when crossing borders - make sure you have an EU pet passport.
• To prevent infection with leishmania or heartworms, seek veterinary advice in advance on which preparations you can use to protect your dog from the parasites.
• Watch your dog for overheating: excessive panting and listlessness are signs of this.
• Make sure that your dog does not drink salt water from the sea.
• It is recommended that you are aware of veterinary practices and veterinary clinics in the area in case of an emergency.

You can find more tips for the perfect dog vacation in this blog post.

Your VEGDOGteam wishes you lots of fun and shared summer happiness!