Keeping dogs cool in the UAE summer - in pictures

From dips in the sea to special doggy ice cream, local canines have plenty of options to beat the heat

Dogs have plenty of options to keep cool in the UAE this summer. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Agent the Dachshund goes swimming to cool off in Umm Al Quwain. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Ringo the black miniature pinscher mix is hosed down to stay cool at home at The Springs, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

At Business Bay, Hamad Mughawer treats his English cocker spaniel Oscar to a cup of Hugo and Celine doggy ice-cream to stay cool. The Swedish brand features flavours such as Slick Salmon and Magic Moose, and is available at retail shops across the UAE. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Emi, a Havanese, also eats Hugo and Celine doggy ice-cream to stay cool at Business Bay, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

My Second Home in Dubai Investment Park Dogs is an indoor doggy daycare that offers supervised recreational activities for dogs. Chris Whiteoak / The National

My Second Home features several socialisation zones including an indoor pool and the world's largest indoor dog park. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Swimming is better with a friend at My Second Home in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

For keeping cool at home and around the neighbourhood, My Second Home recommends having bottled water and a portable drinking bowl on hand. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Having spent a few summers in the UAE, we’ve developed a repertoire of tips and tricks on how to stay cool, such as frequenting air-conditioned cinemas and malls or an evening swim in the community pool. But when your family includes a dog, it is essential to know how to keep them safe in the heat and offer summertime treats.

The National photographer Chris Whiteoak visited several dogs and their owners to find out how they keep their four-legged friends comfortable. Agent, a dachshund, wore a canine life vest as he took a swim in the sea at a beach in Umm Al Quwain.

At Business Bay, Hamad Mughawer treated his dogs Emi, a Havanese, and Oscar, an English cocker spaniel, to some special doggy ice cream by Swedish brand Hugo and Celine. My Second Home pet resort, in Dubai Investments Park, is full of pups enjoying recreational options, such as swimming in the pool and playing in the world's largest indoor dog park. Find out more at mysecondhomedubai.com.

Tips for your canine friend

Natalie Stones of Animal Action UAE recommends ways to keep your canine cool this summer:

• Use cooling pads or freeze rolled wet towels that can be laid out on the grass or ground during your dog's outdoor play time.
• Fill a small kiddie pool with water - preferably the night before so the water is cool in the morning and stays cooler longer, or add bags of ice cubes - and have your dog fetch balls you throw into it.
• When you water your grass or plants, let your dog enjoy a spray from the hose, specifically on the belly, chest and head.
• Never walks dogs when it is too hot. Touch the back of your hand to the ground and if it is too hot to keep your hand there for five seconds, it is too hot for a dog to be walked on that pavement, so stick to grassy areas.

Learn more about what Animal Action UAE does in the community at www.facebook.com/animalactionuae, where you can also find furry friends who need foster homes and forever homes.

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