By PennyPaws Magazine
They’ve crossed countries, escaped harsh beginnings, and found a forever home with you. Now summer’s here—and with it comes the need for special care, especially for our Romanian rescue dogs still learning what it means to be safe, loved, and understood.
From sweltering streets in Bucharest to shaded barns in rural Transylvania, Romanian dogs come with varied histories—and few of them include chasing tennis balls in a British garden or snoozing under a parasol. With a little knowledge and a lot of patience, you can help your new companion adjust to summer life without stress.
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Meet Me in the Middle: When Summer Heat Meets Street Savvy
In Romania, summers can reach highs of 35°C—but for dogs on the streets or in shelters, survival means sticking to shade, staying still, and conserving energy.
“It’s important to remember that just because they’re from a hot country doesn’t mean they’re used to exercise in the heat,” says Louise Byrne, a UK-based Romanian rescue fosterer and trainer. “They’ve often spent summers huddled under old cars or shelter overhangs, not strolling in open fields at midday.”
Here in the UK, temperatures over 20°C can be deceptively tough—especially with higher humidity and unfamiliar environments. The excitement of a new home may mask early signs of heat stress, so proactive care is essential.
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Top 10 Summer Care Tips for Romanian Rescues
1. Hydration Stations
Leave water bowls in multiple rooms, and try adding bone broth ice cubes for extra encouragement.
2. Cooling Mats & Damp Towels
Place these in shady corners or crate areas—many dogs gravitate to tiles or lino flooring on hot days.
3. Garden Time Only (For Now)
Use a secure garden to offer gentle, self-paced exploration. Avoid dragging a nervous dog into unfamiliar territory too soon.
4. Suncream for Pups?
Yes! Dogs with light noses or exposed skin (especially short-coated breeds like the Romanian Lurcher or whippet crosses) may need pet-safe sunblock on ears and noses.
5. Frozen Fun
Try stuffing a Kong with soaked kibble, yoghurt, or meat paste and freezing it. It keeps them cool, mentally enriched, and calm.
6. Paws Off Pavement
If you can’t hold your palm on the ground for 7 seconds, it’s too hot for a dog’s paws.
7. Cooling Vests & Bandanas
These soakable wearables can make a huge difference, especially on vet trips or short toileting walks.
8. Use Fans Safely
Keep air moving in their chill zones, but don’t aim it directly—some rescues are startled by strong airflow.
9. No Car Journeys Unless Essential
Even with windows open, the heat inside a car can escalate dangerously within minutes.
10. Watch for Heatstroke
Early signs include excessive panting, glazed eyes, staggering, or vomiting. Move them to shade, offer water, and call your vet immediately.
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The Two-Week Rule: Why Waiting is the Best Walk
“People are desperate to show their new dog the world,” says Ana Maria Stoica, a Romanian rescuer based in Târgoviște. “But for the dog, the world is already too big. What they need is safety, not scenery.”
That’s why the Two-Week Shutdown is gold standard practice. It’s not punishment—it’s peace.
Why wait two weeks before walks?
• Your dog is likely exhausted from travel (which can take 3–4 days in vans).
• They’ve just been uprooted from their language, people, smells, and rhythms.
• Their nervous system needs time to regulate and attach to you as a safe presence.
Instead, focus on:
• Quiet bonding time indoors
• Building predictable routines (meal times, toilet trips)
• Low-pressure affection and gentle enrichment
“We had a dog who didn’t wag her tail for three weeks,” says rescue adopter Emily Crane. “But by week four, she was zooming around the garden like she’d always been here. Giving her that calm time changed everything.”
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Breed Watch: Summer Needs by Coat Type
Romanian rescue dogs often come in every shape and size, but here are a few common types and how summer may affect them:
• Shepherd Mixes (Carpathian, Mioritic, German-type): Often have thick undercoats. Brush gently but regularly to avoid overheating and matting.
• Short-Haired Lurcher & Whippet Crosses: Prone to sunburn and don’t tolerate long sun exposure—shade is essential.
• Scruffy Terriers & Medium Mutts: Often have wire coats that trap heat; consider a light summer trim (but never shave to the skin—it ruins coat insulation).
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Fun Facts About Romanian Dogs in Summer
• Some street dogs instinctively dig shallow ground nests to stay cool in hot soil—a behaviour they may continue in your garden!
• The name “Grivei” is Romania’s version of “Fido”— a common name for dogs across villages.
• Rescue dogs often nap heavily during their first month—this isn’t laziness; it’s nervous system recovery from trauma and overstimulation.
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Final Words: Patience is Power
Your Romanian rescue has already walked an incredible path to reach you. They may not be ready for beach trips, festivals, or café outings just yet—but in time, they will become your summer shadow, your hiking buddy, your sun-watching companion.
“The biggest mistake we see is people wanting too much too soon,” says Louise Byrne. “But those who slow down, observe, and honour the dog’s pace? They’re the ones who build something unshakable.”
So pull out the paddling pool. Offer a frozen treat. Sit beside your new best friend in the shade.
This summer, let love set the pace.