AIBU dog question !?

[dogquestion]

Hi,

i have a golden retriever who is struggling a bit with this heat (currently 26 degrees) it is obviously far too hot for her to go out walking so we have been walking when it’s cooled down enough for her (usually at 11 at night and 5 in the morning etc). She is spending the day sleeping and plodding around the garden. I got a paddling pool for her but she clearly finds it boring!

But I was wondering- would it be ok to take her to the beach in this weather? I would drive her there with the ac on and park right beside it and it’s a stones throw to the sea. She absolutely ADORES the water so I know she’ll spend the entire time swimming and rolling about in it and I’m thinking it might cool her down a bit as the water is freezing lol. We wouldn’t be walking about in the heat, she would just be playing in the water the entire time. I also put dog suncream on her too.

but just wondering would it still be too hot for that? Paranoid about heatstroke given that she’s a large long haired double coated breed. But I know how much she loves the water and it would make her day to take her if it is safe to do so. But would it be safe or too risky? And would other people look at me and judge me for being irresponsible taking a dog out in this heat?

TIA x

My DM's Goldie quite enjoyed having a wet towel over her, when she stopped trying to chew it or hump it! She also loves trying to catch the water from a water pistol in the shade.

Otherwise take her to the beach either first thing or last thing. First thing perhaps if it means she won't be quite so over excited all day long!

As PP said I wouldn't - could you invest in a splash pad? I bought one for my mums dog and he loves it! It's like a large plastic pad with a rind around that ends up spraying the water about so it's a bit more interactive than a pool smile

I've been told that getting dogs wet in the heat is a bad idea as the water gets trapped between the fur and skin, heats up, and makes them even hotter. E.g. never hose down a hot dog. Perhaps if you're ready with towels and straight into a cool car?

You'd be nuts at this time of day. The sand will be burning her paws and she'll still be in full sunshine!

Take her later in the day when the sun isn't as high and you can comfortably walk on the sand in bare feet.

The problem with water is that in full sun, it heats up really quickly - so if you're going to use it to keep your dog cool (which is fine) you need to keep them indoors or in a cool, shaded area so the water doesn't just immediately evaporate.

Taking a dog swimming in hot weather isn't in itself a danger, you just need to be sensible.

The only way to do this is to get to the beach VERY EARLY, then leave before 10 am.