How To Keep Your Dog Cool in the Heat of Summer
During the hot summer months, it’s important to know how to keep your dog cool. Our furry pals need a little extra TLC throughout the dog days, so make sure you’re ready to give your four-footer exactly what they need. If you’ve got a hot dog on your hands, we have some quick easy tips to make sure Fido stays comfortable.
Have Plenty Of Water Available
Dogs rely on water to keep them hydrated and help regulate their body temperature. It’s likely that your dog will drink more water than usual during the summer. Make sure you have plenty of cool water available throughout the house and on walks. You can even find collapsible water bowls for dogs that clip onto your dog’s leash for easy transport. If your dog seems pretty heated, you can always add an ice cube to the bowl as well for some rapid cooling comfort.
Know The Signs of Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion can be devastating for dogs, so it’s important to monitor your pooch carefully throughout the summer months. If you notice your dog exhibiting any of these symptoms, get him to a cool, ventilated area with access to drinking water as soon as possible. It’s also a good idea to contact your vet when in doubt just to stay safe. Some signs of heat exhaustion are:
- Excessive panting
- Lethargy (Laying down in the middle of a walk, not excited by treats or toys, etc.)
- Staggering
- Fatigue
Don’t forget to take your dog’s coat and breed type into consideration. While some dogs may be able to tolerate warmer weather, there are several breeds that are especially prone to heatstroke. In addition, sometimes shaving a dog’s coat can do more harm than good, so consult an experienced groomer and your veterinarian before taking out the clippers.
What to do if your dog is overheating Click Here
Pick Your Walk Times Strategically
It’s usually the coolest during the evening or early morning, so try to schedule the bulk of your walks during those periods. In addition, you can always quickly touch the pavement to determine whether or not it’s a good time to walk. If it’s too hot for your hands, it’s likely too hot for Fido’s paws.
Never Leave Your Dog In A Car
Even if it’s just for five minutes, never, under any circumstances, leave your dog in a car alone. A car left alone can heat up rapidly, which greatly increases your dog’s risk of heatstroke, and this can happen in as quickly as 10 minutes. In addition to heat risk, this can be a safety issue. Leaving your dog unsupervised is never a good idea, especially somewhere potentially dangerous like a car.
Keep The Fans Flowing
While we totally understand the need to save a little extra change on the energy bill, you’ll want to make sure Fido has access to plenty of cool air while at home or otherwise. Crank the AC, bring out some tower fans, do whatever you can to make sure your pooch has access to a cool, relaxing area. You can also get your pup a cooling mat to lay on if your home is covered in carpet. If your pooch seems to be hot year-round, it might be a good idea to invest in a cooling dog bed as well.
Give Your Pooch A Cool Treat
We all love spoiling our furry friends, so why not cool down your dog at the same time? There is such a thing as dog ice cream, which you can purchase at your local pet store or make from home with a quick Google search. Dogs can also eat a number of chilled fruits and vegetables in moderation. When in doubt, you can always stuff a KONG toy with peanut butter and pop it in the freezer for a long-lasting treat your four-footer will love.
Suit Up For The Sun
On a particularly hot day, a cooling dog bandana can help keep your pooch comfortable. These lightweight bandanas are simply dunked in water or kept in the fridge, keeping your dog cool with direct contact. You can always achieve more or less the same effect with a moist, cool towel. Rub down your pooch with a cool towel or cloth when he comes in from a warm walk.
Keeping your dog adequately cool throughout the summer months will keep him safe and feeling his best. With the help of these simple tips, you’ll have a pleased chilly dog on your hands in no time at all. Enjoy summer fun with Spot!
