Dog days of summer! Amazing photos show how dogs kept their cool during Britain's hottest summer
From tucking into giant ice lollies to splashing in the sea, these adorable dogs certainly knew how to keep their cool during Britain’s record-breaking summer.
Pet Remedy invited its followers to send in photographs showing how their four-legged friends enjoyed the “dog days of summer”.
The joyful collection features dogs making the most of beach trips, caravan holidays, shady spots and cooling treats as temperatures soared across the country.
Pasha, owned by Angela Donnachie, looks full of the joys of summer as she gleefully rolls around in the garden with her paws in the air.
Little Peanut may be small, but she was more than ready to tackle a huge ice lolly. Owned by Hannah Darby, the pint-sized pup looks delighted with her supersized frozen treat.
Sparkle the West Highland terrier appears to be flying through the air as she races across a cloudy beach beside the sea. The action shot, taken by owner Julie Day, captures the little white dog with all four paws seemingly off the ground.
Fleur the Otterhound looks as cool as a cucumber while enjoying a caravan holiday with owner Alison Fitzherbert-Stewart. Rather than roughing it, Fleur settles into her very own camping chair and watches the world go by in comfort.
Adventure dog Siera takes the plunge during a spectacular seaside trip with owner Helen Bougourd. The panoramic photograph shows the pup swimming in the sea, surrounded by beautiful coastal scenery.
Cara tackles an ice cream with great gusto, while Ezra, owned by Katie Norman, enjoys the shade of an umbrella during a relaxing day at the beach.
Enzo, owned by Amy Jones, peeps up at the camera from among hundreds of towering sunflowers, creating the perfect picture-postcard reminder of an unforgettable summer.
The UK recorded its hottest summer since records began in 1884, according to provisional Met Office figures.
The average temperature between June and August reached 16.5C, beating the previous record of 16.1C set only last year.
Britain experienced five widespread heatwaves, while temperatures climbed to at least 30C on 40 days. The mercury peaked at a sizzling 38.1C at Kew Gardens in London on August 13.
The heat caused serious problems for dogs and their owners, disrupting normal walking and exercise routines.
Canine first aid specialist Rachel Bean warns that dogs should not be walked when temperatures rise above 20C because they can be at risk of potentially life-threatening heatstroke.
But Pet Remedy’s pictures prove that, with a little imagination and plenty of care, there were still lots of safe ways for dogs to enjoy themselves.
Andrew Hale, emotional wellbeing expert at Pet Remedy, said: “From these amazing images, and all the others sent in, it was clear that people found some very novel ways to keep their dogs cool and safe in the sun.
“It wasn’t an easy time for dogs or their families, with the heat making normal walks and routines difficult.
“But these dogs clearly found a way to have a whale of a time, whether they were swimming in the sea, relaxing in the shade or enjoying a cooling treat.
“The pictures are full of joy and show just how much thought people put into helping their dogs stay happy, comfortable and safe.”
