Summer has officially landed. But while we frantically grab our shades and towels to go bask in the sun, it’s important that your customers understand how best to keep their four-legged friends safe under the rays.
 
In fact, 25% of pet owners want to know how to better look after their dogs in the sun. To help, Stuart Simons, FURminator’s expert groomer, has shared his top five tips on how you can support owners as they look to keep their canine companions cool.
 
Slap on the sun cream: Encourage your customers to speak to their vets about sun cream for pooches, especially if they have light skin pigment or short hair, as this will make them more prone to sun burn. Advise that they also pay special attention to the tips of their ears and the top of their nose.
 
Look for shade: Fair haired dogs are at a greater risk of getting sunburned so they should be kept in the shade where possible. If left alone outside, dogs need somewhere away from the sun to rest – remind your customers to find a spot which won’t find itself out of the shade when the sun moves throughout the day.
 
Keep walkies for the evening: Recommend that your customers keep walks to a minimum during the hottest part of the day and avoid pavements. Dogs perspire through their foot pads so the longer they are standing on a hot floor, the less quickly they can cool down. Dogs also pant to try and cool themselves down. For Brachycephalic breeds, which have a broad head with a short muzzle, they tend to retain more heat as their cooling system isn’t as effective as dogs with a longer nose and so owners need to be extra careful when it comes to walking them in the heat.
 
Pop them in the tub: Pets will be sweatier from a day or two in the sun causing them to get a little whiffy, especially if they are a shorter haired breed. FURminator’s range of shampoos and conditioners offer a unique blend of the finest ingredients, and are free from parabens and artificial colours, giving dogs a more natural clean and leaving them smelling paw-fect!
 
Drink up: Highlight any travel bowls you stock, which owners can use on-the-go so they are always prepared with a nice cold supply of water when their dog needs it the most.
 
Encourage your customers to seek veterinary advice immediately if their dog appears to be excessively panting, has particularly red eyes or gums, feels weak or collapses. If someone comes into your store and their dog looks unwell you can also use a cool wet towel or ice pack to bring their temperature down.
For more information about taking care of dogs this summer, depending on their coat, check out Stuart’s recommendations below.
 
Wool Coats (Bichon, Poodle etc) – Fully coated dogs need to be brushed out so that the skin can breathe. Owners can apply a little sun cream on their dog’s nose but it must be pet safe and vet recommended. If the dog’s coat is shaved off very short, owners should check the skin pigment and apply doggy sunscreen if recommended by a vet.
 
Double coats (German Shepherds, Akita etc) – It’s advised that dogs with double coats should have a regular grooming schedule, as they aren’t necessarily bred for a hot climate and may need help to drop their excess undercoat. A good rake and brush out with a FURminator slicker will help them to release this undercoat.
 
Combination Coat (Cocker Spaniels and Shih-Tzu’s) – Owners should ensure these pooches are thoroughly brushed through and that their coat isn’t knotted or matted so that they can regulate their temperature properly.
 
Short Coats (Pugs, Labradors and Boston Terriers etc) – To help short haired dogs stay cool in the heat they need their undercoat fully raked out using a FURminator.
 
Bald (Chinese Crested) – For dogs with no hair, it is essential that a sun cream is used, so owners are advised to seek veterinary guidance before enjoying the sun to keep them safe and happy.
 
-ENDS-
 
For more information please visit www.furminator.net.