Sunshine and Sighthounds
Heat and Your Sighthound: How to Keep Your Cool When the Temperatures Rise
If sighthounds were buildings, they’d be those old prefab classrooms – freezing in winter, roasting in summer, and completely useless at regulating their own temperature. With very little body fat and the thinnest of coats, our sleek companions need a bit of extra help when the heatwave hits.
Keeping your sighthound safe in warm weather is crucial, but it’s not just about dodging heatstroke. When we cut down on walks and exercise to protect them, our clever clogs can quickly become bored, frustrated, and full of pent-up zoomie energy. Unless they’re a typical greyhound, in which case, they’ll only be delighted to snooze through any heatwave!
We’ve compiled some of our best savvy tips to keep your dog safe, cool, and mentally buzzing, without risking overheating.
Safety First: Keeping Your Sighthound Cool
Walk early or late: Stick to early morning and evening strolls when the sun is low and pavements are paw-friendly.
Take it easy: Ditch the strenuous games – now’s not the time for endless ball-chasing marathons.
Cool-down stations: Lay out cold, damp towels for lounging, provide shady spots, and ensure constant access to fresh water.
Know the signs: Excessive panting, red gums, vomiting, dizziness, and wobbliness can all point to heatstroke. If you spot any of these, don’t wait – get them to a vet immediately.
If it’s over 18°C, it’s time to be cautious – and over 20°C, it’s short sniffy walks only! Remember, your dog’s wellbeing matters more than a day at the beach or a mountain hike.
Beating Boredom: Indoor Fun for Hot Days
When walkies are limited, it’s time to flex that brilliant sighthound brain! Here’s how:
1. Tug of War and Training Games
A short game of tug can work wonders. Play for five minutes, then take a five-minute break. Let your dog win sometimes – it’s brilliant for their confidence (and let’s face it, we all love a little victory).
Or refresh some basic training cues. Keep it light, positive, and full of treats – short sessions are key.
2. Nose Work and Sniffy Games
Hide treats or toys indoors and let your dog sniff them out. Start simple, letting them watch you hide the prize, then build up to harder challenges. Cheering them on like they’re Olympic sniffer champions is encouraged!
Hot tip: tasty morsels like bits of hotdog or cheese can really up the excitement.
3. Balancing Act (or, Let’s Be Honest, Maybe Just "Stationary Suggestion Time")
Look, asking a sighthound to balance a treat on their snout is a bit like asking a cat to do your taxes. Possible? Maybe. Likely? Not really.
Instead, focus on achievable, stress-free mental games:
Encourage your sighthound to settle on a cooling mat or towel ("Place" command – think polite suggestion, not military drill).
Reward them simply for being calm and staying put for short bursts.
Build it up slowly – a few seconds at first, then a bit longer as they humour you.
It’s less about obedience and more about rewarding natural patience and contentment... with plenty of treats, of course!
4. Puzzle Time
Stuff a Kong with yoghurt or mashed banana and freeze it. Or whip up some homemade puzzles:
Loo roll tubes folded with treats inside.
Towels rolled up with kibble scattered through.
A homemade forage box filled with safe recyclables and hidden treats.
Perfect for natural scavengers like our lanky friends!
Cool Treat Ideas
Frozen Kongs and Lickimats: Ready to go with yoghurt, frozen berries, or mashed banana.
Doggy Ice Pops: Blend dog-safe fruits or veg with yoghurt, freeze, and serve as cooling, lickable snacks.
Broth Blocks: Freeze low-salt stock with bits of dog biscuits or veg inside for a cooling chew.
Always supervise and offer these treats in the shade or indoors.
Quick Reminder: Sunscreen for Snouts
If your sighthound has a pink nose or white fur, they’re sunburn magnets. Use a pet-safe sunscreen – and a few treats to distract them from plotting their revenge.
If you’ve got a garden hose, pop it on mist to create a DIY cooling station. Better yet, set up a paddling pool filled with toys and floating treats for a splashy, safe cool-down.
Stay Safe, Stay Cool
When it’s hot, less is more. Short sniffy strolls, gentle play, shady naps, and lots of fresh water are the way to go.
And remember – if your dog seems even slightly off, don’t wait – get them to a vet immediately.
