Summer will be here before we know it, and so will hot weather for many parts of the country. Depending on where you live, your summers may be tropically sticky and humid hot or dry and parched hot. Either way, summers can be challenging – especially for our four-legged friends.
Don’t wait for the heat to take its toll. Take charge and ensure that you and your furry friend have a blast this summer without the risk of overheating.
Here are nine ways to keep your dog cool this season.
Shade is king. To ensure the safety and comfort of your furry friend during hot and sunny days, it’s essential to provide them with access to shaded areas in your yard. Direct sunlight can quickly cause dehydration, heat exhaustion, and even sunburns in dogs, which can be dangerous and uncomfortable. Create covered areas in your yard where your dog can relax and cool down, such as a covered porch, a shaded tree, or a doghouse with proper ventilation.
Clean and fresh water. It’s essential to ensure that your dog always has access to fresh, clean water, especially during hot weather. To achieve this, you can place multiple water bowls around your home, indoors and outdoors, and refill them regularly. Remember that dogs may drink more water when active, so monitoring their water intake and adjusting accordingly is essential. If you notice your pup is not drinking enough water or showing signs of dehydration, such as lethargy or dry gums, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Don’t overdo exercise. Pet parents and their pets should avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest parts of the day. This prevents heat exhaustion and other heat-related illnesses. Instead, schedule your walks or playtime during the early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler, and the sun is not as intense. This will help keep you safe and allow you to enjoy the outdoors without discomfort or risking your health.
Paddle pool fun. Many dogs love to splash and play in the water, which is a great way to cool off and stay active when it is hot. A shallow kiddie pool offers an inexpensive and fun solution. Fill the pool daily with fresh water and provide your pup with opportunities to cool off and have fun. Don’t leave your dog unsupervised in the yard with a filled pool or allow the water to get too hot – drain the pool and turn it over once playtime is over.
Frozen treats. Freezing dog-friendly treats like chicken broth or fruits in ice cube trays is a great way to help keep your furry friend cool and refreshed during hot summer days. It’s also a tasty and healthy treat that they will love. Use dog-safe ingredients and monitor their intake to ensure they don’t overindulge.
Avoid hot surfaces. During the summer, the sun can cause pavement, asphalt, and sand to reach extremely high temperatures, leading to severe dog injuries. These surfaces can become so hot that they can cause burns or blisters on the sensitive skin of your dog’s paw pads, causing pain and discomfort. Use dog booties that protect your furry friend’s feet or stick to grassy areas that don’t overheat to prevent injuries. Remember that even if the air temperature doesn’t seem too hot, the ground can still be scorching, so it’s always better to err on the side of caution and protect your furry friend’s paws. Test the heat by placing the backside of your hand on the pavement – if it is uncomfortable – it is too hot for your pup.
Get a cooling pad. Cooling pads are great for adding a layer of comfort to your pet’s bed. They are made to absorb and dissipate heat, making for a very comfortable spot for your pet to cool off after being outdoors. In addition to a cooling pad, consider a mesh, elevated bed for outdoors—these beds allow the air to flow underneath, meaning less heat is trapped and absorbed by your pup.
Don’t shave your long-haired dog. Shaving off your dog’s heavy coat may seem like the right thing to do in the summer, but it is counterproductive. This is because the coat provides insulation from both hot and cold temperatures. It works by trapping air close to the body at the same temperature as the body. Stay on top of grooming and brushing your pet to prevent mats, and consider a refreshing water spritz to cool off the outer coat when the temperatures begin to climb.
Keep your home cool. Most dogs will be comfortable with indoor temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees F. Run ceiling fans to circulate air and draw south—and west-facing shades to keep the heat out. If you do not have central air, use a window or floor fan close to your pup’s bed to keep him cool.
Be summer heat smart and have a plan
The most important thing to remember as a dog parent is to be mindful of the health and well-being of your canine companion as summer temperatures rise. If it is too hot for you outside, it is most likely too hot for them. If there are heat warnings, ensure you have a plan to keep yourself and your pup cool and safe.
