Summer Safety: Protecting Your French Brittany During Training and Exercise in the Heat

As a French Brittany owner, you’re well aware of your pup’s energetic nature and love for outdoor adventures. However, when the summer heat arrives, it’s essential to take extra precautions to ensure your furry friend stays safe and comfortable during training and exercise sessions. In this blog post, we’ll explore various ways you can protect your French Brittany from the heat, discuss the signs of heatstroke, and offer suggestions for safe and enjoyable summer activities.

The French Brittany Breed and the Importance of Summer Care

French Brittanys are a highly active and intelligent breed, with a natural instinct for hunting and retrieving. Their boundless energy makes them excellent companions for outdoor training and exercise. However, during the hot summer months, it’s crucial to pay extra attention to your dog’s needs and make adjustments to keep them cool, healthy, and comfortable.

Cooling Down Your Dog: Products and Tips

There are several ways to help your French Brittany stay cool during the summer heat, including using cooling mats and misting systems and providing frequent access to water and shade. Here are some tips to consider:

Use cooling products: Invest in cooling mats, vests, or bandanas designed to help regulate your dog’s body temperature. These products can be particularly helpful during outdoor training sessions or long walks.
Provide ample water: Ensure your dog has constant access to fresh, clean water, both at home and during outdoor activities. Bring a portable water bottle or collapsible bowl when venturing outside. At all our NSTRA trials there are several big water buckets in the fields that dogs can drink from or jump in to cool off. Wet hair waving in the wind is an excellent way of getting rid of excess body heat especially in arid climates.
Seek out shade: Look for shaded areas to rest and play, especially during the hottest parts of the day. If shade is limited, consider setting up a portable canopy or umbrella to create a cool spot for your pup.
Avoid hot surfaces: Be mindful of hot surfaces like asphalt and sidewalks, as they can cause burns on your dog’s sensitive paw pads. Opt for grassy or dirt paths when possible, and consider investing in dog booties to protect their feet. These can help protect the pads in hunting season as well if you get good ones
Plan your training or exercise when it is cool: Early mornings are often the very best times to work the dogs before the sun is up and things warm up. Yes I mean early like before you want to get out of bed.

Recognizing Heatstroke and Taking Action

Heatstroke is a serious concern for all dogs during the summer months, and it’s essential to know the signs and what to do if your French Brittany shows symptoms of heat exhaustion. Some common signs of heatstroke include:

Excessive panting or difficulty breathing
Increased heart rate
Drooling
Weakness or collapse
Vomiting or diarrhea

If you suspect your dog is experiencing heatstroke, take immediate action by moving them to a cooler area, offering water, and applying cool (not ice-cold) water to their body. Contact your veterinarian as soon as possible, as heatstroke can be life-threatening if left untreated. One of our favorite life saving measures is to pour rubbing alcohol on the ears and pads of the feet and the belly. The alcohol rapidly evaporates and cools the skin quickly which cools the blood. This is an important part of your K9 first aid kit for so many reasons, but this is a big one.

Safe and Effective Summer Exercises for Your French Brittany

Here are some examples of enjoyable activities you can do with your French Brittany during hot weather, while still keeping their safety in mind:

Water play: Encourage your pup to splash around in a kiddie pool or play fetch with water toys at a local dog-friendly beach or lake. Swimming is an excellent low-impact exercise that helps keep your dog cool.
Early morning or evening walks: Schedule your walks during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or evening, to avoid the peak heat.
Indoor games: Beat the heat by engaging in indoor play, such as hide-and-seek, puzzle toys, or obedience training sessions.

Key Insights for Summer Training Sessions

Keeping your French Brittany cool, healthy, and comfortable during summer training sessions requires a proactive approach and awareness of potential risks. Always monitor your dog for signs of heat stress, adjust your routine to accommodate the weather, and prioritize their well-being above all else. By following these tips and insights, you can ensure your beloved pup enjoys a safe and happy summer season.