Heatwaves and our dogs........

Have you noticed your dog is different in the heat?

I don't know about anyone else, but my productivity drops dramatically when the temperature climbs. My brain slows down, my motivation disappears, and even simple tasks feel like hard work and don’t talk to me about lack of sleep…..argh!

The heat also makes me less tolerant. I like sunshine, but if I've had a poor night's sleep because it's too hot, I'm more likely to be tired, irritable and running low on patience.

It's a good reminder that our dogs often feel the same way.

When it's this hot, don't expect your dog to be operating at 100%. Help them stay cool, give them plenty of opportunities to rest, and remember they may not quite feel like themselves. Even dogs that normally love being active can struggle in the heat.

Some dogs genuinely enjoy sunshine. Zelda certainly does – on a warm day you'll often find her stretched out in a sunny spot, soaking up every ray she can find. The interesting thing is that she seems to have the sense not to do it when it's really hot.

But whether your dog loves the heat or hates it, remember that hot, tired and uncomfortable dogs can have less tolerance too. They have boundaries just like we do.

With schools closing early and children spending more time at home, it's worth paying extra attention to interactions. Make sure your dog has somewhere cool and quiet to retreat to, and make sure children understand when the dog wants to be left alone. A dog that is hot, tired and trying to rest really doesn't need to be poked, hugged or followed around the house – even when it’s not hot, to be honest.

If temperatures are forecast to be really high, aim to walk your dog very early in the morning (around 5–7 am) while it's still cool. If that's not possible, it's often kinder to skip the walk altogether than risk them overheating. One missed walk won't harm your dog…as I’ve certainly found it gets hotter later and lasts in to the evenings.

Instead, keep them occupied indoors with activities that engage their brain rather than their body. Scatter part of their breakfast around the house or garden for them to sniff out, stuff a Kong or other food toy, work on some simple training, play scent games with hidden treats, or give them something appropriate to chew. Mental enrichment is tiring in all the right ways and is a great alternative when the weather isn't safe for exercise.

So if your dog seems a bit slower, sleepier, less enthusiastic, or generally "not themselves" this week, they might just be doing exactly what the rest of us are: surviving the heat and waiting for cooler weather.

Be kind to yourself, and be kind to your dogs.