Summer is prime time for zoomies, splash sessions, and backyard sunbaking. But while your oodle may think they’re invincible with their teddy-bear curls and endless enthusiasm, the heat can be ruff on them. Here’s what every oodle paw-rent should know to keep their fluffy friend safe when the temperatures climb.

Heatstroke: the not-so-cool side of summer

Oodles are masters of mischief, but they’re not great at handling heat. With their thick coats, they can overheat quickly. Signs of heatstroke include heavy panting, drooling, red gums, wobbliness, vomiting, or even collapsing. If your oodle looks more like they’ve run a marathon than simply chased the ball twice, it’s time to act fast.

How to treat? Move them to a cooler spot immediately, offer small sips of water, and gently cool them with a damp towel (but don’t dunk them in ice water as this can cause shock. And if they’re still not perking up, skip the Google search and head straight to the vet. Heatstroke is serious business.

Sunburn: yes, oodles can sizzle too

Those cute pink noses, shaved bellies, or light-coloured patches can burn in the sun just like human skin. But here’s the catch: human sunscreen is a no-go. Many contain zinc oxide or other nasties that are toxic to dogs. Instead, grab a pet-safe sunscreen (yes, they exist, and yes, your dog will give you the stink eye when you put it on). Focus on their nose, ears, and anywhere fur is thin. Your oodle may not thank you for it, but future-you will when you don’t have a crispy-fried pup.

Water safety: pool paw-tection

Most oodles love a splash, but don’t assume they all know how to swim. If you’ve got a pool, supervise like you would with a toddler. Some oodles panic in the water, and others are so confident they forget how to get out. Make sure they know where the steps are and consider a pool ramp. And no, those cute floaties aren’t just for Instagram; they can actually help your pup stay safe, too, as it gives them something to hold on to in the water

Other hot-weather hazards

Summer isn’t just about watching for heatstroke and sunburn. There are sneaky dangers that can trip up even the best dog parents:

• Hot paws: Pavement, sand, and even wooden decking can reach blistering temperatures under the midday sun. DO NOT WALK YOUR OODLE ON HOT SURFACES!!! If it’s too hot for your hand to rest on comfortably for five seconds, it’s way too hot for your oodle’s paw pads. Burnt pads can crack, blister, and cause limping, which is painful and not exactly the holiday vibe. Instead, walk your pup early in the morning or later in the evening when surfaces are cooler. Stick to shady paths, grassy areas, or even invest in dog booties if your oodle is fashion-forward enough to tolerate them. Remember: paws are for walking, not for frying.
• Cars are a no-go: Even with the windows down, cars heat up faster than a pie in a bakery oven. In just minutes, the inside temperature can skyrocket to dangerous levels, turning your oodle into a panting puddle. The golden rule? If you wouldn’t sit in a parked car without air-con, your dog shouldn’t either.
• Hydration station: Dehydration sneaks up on dogs faster than you think. Keep fresh water bowls topped up and bring a portable bowl on outings. Adding ice cubes can make it more enticing, and some dogs even enjoy “pup-sicles”, frozen treats made from dog-safe broth or blended fruit.
• Shade and snooze time: Oodles are notorious for playing hard and forgetting to rest, especially at dog parks or beaches. Encourage shady chill breaks under a tree, umbrella, or canopy. Think of it as the doggy equivalent of putting your kid in time-out, but this time it’s for their own good.
• Exercise adjustments: Your oodle may love a long fetch session, but in summer, it’s better to keep it short and sweet. Swap midday ball games for mental enrichment indoors, like puzzle toys, hide-and-seek, or teaching silly new tricks. Their brain gets a workout, and you avoid the heat risks.

The tail end

Summer with your oodle should be all about beach walks, BBQs, and squeaky toy Olympics, not vet emergencies. With a bit of planning and some common sense, you can keep your curly-haired companion safe, cool, and wagging all season long.