Summer is here and with the warm weather sticking around, many of us have been spending more time outside.
While the temperatures have been pretty enjoyable for most, the same cannot be said for our beloved dogs with some at risk of dehydration, heatstroke and even sunburn.
It is hugely important to be wary of the potential dangers of soaking up the sun with your furry friend, with leading canine expert Anna Bain from ProDog Raw sharing the most common mistakes owners make when it is hot outside.
"Our dogs' needs are complex and the vast majority of owners make a number of extremely common mistakes without even realising," she told the Mirror.
Don't let your dog swim anywhere
Lots of dog love spending time in water as they look to stay cool and refreshed.
However, the experts state that you should not let your dog swim just anywhere, with some waters posing risks.
Some waters contain harmful parasites and bacteria as well as chlorine in swimming pools potentially causing irritation to dogs' skin and eyes.
You should also avoid waters with heavy currents if your dog is not a strong swimmer as well as staying away from canals and other areas of stagnant water. You should also check streams, rivers, and lakes for blue-green algae before swimming as this is toxic to dogs.
It is also wise to carry plenty of fresh drinking water to make sure your dog remains well hydrated, deterring them from drinking water that is not fresh as this could easily cause an upset stomach.
Remember to use sun cream
Assuming only humans need suncream could not be more wrong, with short haired dogs still able to suffer sunburn.
You should consider purchasing a dog-specific sun cream.
It is important to contact your local vet if you are worried your dog is sunburnt - there skin may be irritated, peeling and red.
Always do the five-second test
It is important to avoid hot pavements as this can result in burnt paws - which can be hugely painful for our pups.
To check whether or not it is too hot, use the five second test. Simply place the back of your hand on the pavement and if you can hold it there fore five seconds without it burning, it is cool enough for your pooch.
You should try to walk your dog in grassy or shady areas to be extra careful or purchase pad protectors.
Protect your pooch from the BBQ
Putting the BBQ on is a common think during the warm weather.
But it can actually be dangerous for dogs to be around open flames, lighter fluid, and other hot pieces of equipment.
It is therefore important to keep a close eye on your dog during BBQ time, keeping them away or taking safety precautions such as fencing off anything hot.
Don't walk them during the daytime
Taking your dog out during the say when temperatures are at their peak can be dangerous.
The warm weather ca result in heatstroke, with risks increase if pooches exercise in the heat.
Anna recommends taking your dog out early in the morning or waiting until the evening when things are a little cooler.
Avoid toxic summer snacks
Sharing food with your pup is common but there are some things you should never give your dog.
A lot of foods are unfortunately toxic for dogs, such as grapes, raisins, coffee, chocolate, and walnuts – things often enjoyed during the summer months.
Make sure to socialise
Dogs may see their furry friends a little less during the summer months as many avoid day time walks as temperature soar.
However, it is important to continue socialising as much as possible, with the expert suggesting taking an evening walk with dog friends or visiting a shady area such as a dense woodland for a wee catch up.
This should help to keep your dog stimulated without any risk of heatstroke.
Don't sunbathe for too long
Many dogs enjoy basking in the sunshine - much like their humans.
However, it can become unsafe if dogs sunbathe for too long. Instead, urge you dog to take some time in the shade on inside in the cool.
You can also invest in a cooling mat or paddling pool - placing them in a shaded area - to help keep your pooch cool.
Some dogs often love basking in the sunshine and whilst we may laugh at their similarity to us, this isn't safe for long periods of time.
If your dog does show signs of heatstroke (becoming lethargic, uncoordinated, and unwell), be sure to contact your vet right away.
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