Harkin's Hounds Gloucester

16/08/2026

Always check your dog boarder is licensed.

13/08/2026

The weather is stifling and the dogs are really not liking the heat. This week’s temperatures are soaring. Earlier starts are needed to ensure dogs can be walked so I have asked clients to let me know drop off times so we can get moving when safe. If it is too hot then we won’t be taking any risks and we won’t be walking. Safety first.

13/08/2026

Mr Baxter does like water 🤣🤣

12/08/2026

It's good to be back. My usual gang arriving and coffee. Going to be spending the day keeping everyone cool.

11/07/2026

The heat puts pressure on many of the underlying conditions in our pets. The kidneys have to go into overdrive, the heart faces overwhelming pressure, and the lungs are worked to Olympic level. Pets facing this heat can exacerbate underlying conditions. That heart murmur may explode into a whole array of symptoms, the low grade kidney disease could become advanced.

Keep them cool, preferably below 19c, make sure they’re hydrated using water fountains and multiple water sources, add electrolytes if appropriate, wet them with COLD water periodically, monitor their clinical signs, and DO NOT, for dogs, think about walking in this hot weather.

www.animallovepetfirstaid.co.uk
I’m a vet helping pet professionals and pet owners to do their best ❤️

07/07/2026

01/07/2026

When your dog visits daycare or boards they should have plenty of access to fresh clean water. Washing their bowls daily prevents the buildup of biofilm—a slimy layer of bacteria, saliva, and food residue.

Unwashed bowls harbor harmful pathogens and unsavoury visitors like E. coli and Salmonella.

Wash bowls with hot, soapy water after every meal, and change your dog's water and wash their water bowl daily.

We use stainless steel instead of plastic, as plastic is porous and prone to microscopic scratches that trap bacteria. They are also safer from getting smashed or cracked.

24/06/2026

We have completed Animal Love Pet First Aid Canine Heat Related Illness webinar.

Some top tips to cool your dog down in the event of heatstroke and before getting veterinary attention

Use COLD water to cool
• Go for sparsely haired areas - legs, paws, ears, abdomen, head
• Water to run off body continually
• Could submerge body - care with face
• Or shower body
• Care with hose water!
• Do not cover the body with wet towels
• Cold wet towel UNDER belly – keep refreshing it
• Use fans
• Use ice packs groin, armpit, spine
• Honey or jam on gums
• Rapid ice cold-water cooling – ice water for those bleeding and fitting

Image courtesy of Animal Love Pet First Aid

21/06/2026

Week commencing 22 June is set to be a scorcher again according to the weather forecast. With temperatures rising up to 31 throughout the day.

I do have fans but my home is not air conditioned so we do try to keep rooms as cool as we can with curtains and windows closed during day. Kitchen and living room are very cool.

I have invested in an air cooler and a big fan so we should be more comfortable.

Regarding walks I will not be walking dogs at high temperatures. As a reminder of what those might be, please refer to the temperature chart attached. Flat faced and larger breeds may be more susceptible to heatstroke stroke.

I recommend walking your dogs very early in the morning before they get dropped off during this exceptionally warmer weather. Please bear in mind I am licensed for up to 7 dogs including my own and it is just not possible to walk them altogether and therefore beat the heat.

If you feel you would be more comfortable keeping your dog at home that is no problem. I am happy to accomodate another day or another time where I can.

Wishing you all a very wonderful weekend. If you fancy finding out more about heat and dogs from a first aid perspective, Animal Love First Aid have a fantastic webinar for £5. Sophie is a vet.

Click here to find out more
https://www.animalloveonline.co.uk/order?ct=c7e54b04-9af7-44c4-b62d-efedb9613102&fbclid=IwVERDUASiJVNleHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAwzNTA2ODU1MzE3MjgAAR7GJ_m0TtXbmEi0UoYqhqzH9IHUZc1t8-hS1TonK0jHnwVzFbh9t54aaiR-jQ_aem_wVzq2frX2Fey8Ez0kqeC6w

19/06/2026

Hot weather on way. Get clear on what to do. Only a fiver.

So the hot weather is back again. Please please learn about how heat affects your dog and the risks to them. Tepid water, covering with cold wet towels, these are old school pieces of information. Get yourself up to date and heatstroke ready with my webinar which you can work through for £5. Information has changed and moved on!!

https://www.animalloveonline.co.uk/order?ct=77984b55-9961-4364-a2dc-c9a298f049de