These days of sunshine and warmth are welcome for many.
BUT with this come the usual media warnings to dog owners about making sure their dogs don't overheat, how to avoid, and how to treat.
My Facebook and Instagram feeds have filled with illustrations of red thermostats and all sorts of Warnings and Alerts!
We have an elderly French Bulldog at home (not to be confused with Boxer Tilly above). But like Tilly, she is a brachycephalic (shorter skull, muzzle / flatter face) and therefore more prone to overheating. That's because shorter muzzles aren't as efficient sucking in air quickly to cool internal organs.
So we stay mindful only to walk her during the cooler parts of the day - or even just let her have the day off if it's all a bit too close / humid.
I didn't take Rosie with me to a recent local street party. I feel badly leaving her out of the festivities - she does enjoy a social gathering. But I came home with pieces of cool watermelon, which she loves, and which made for a healthy and cooling little treat.
There are a number of ways ensuring your dog doesn't overheat. Let me defer to the ever-reliable Google AI for a quick but dull summary:
"To keep dogs cool in warm weather, ensure they have constant access to fresh, cool water and shade. You can also provide them with cooling mats, damp towels, or a paddling pool. Limit exercise to cooler times of the day and consider using cooling accessories like vests or bandanas."
I am likely to run the hose over the dogs at home this weekend. One of the dogs doesn't like the hose, so I may gently douse him with a bucket - not in an ice-bucket challenge kind of way of course! Though I may also consider a quick trip to Argos for a little paddling pool. And pick up some watermelon again.