The summers are getting hotter year after year. As you know our furry friends can only use panting to keep cool, and can’t sweat through all of their skin, only their paw pads.
So, how do we help them cool during the hot and sunny days?
In this article, we’ve put together our top summer dog care tips, so you can enjoy the sun in safety with your best friend.
Check out this video for some quick tips:
1. Keep your dog hydrated
Always have enough fresh water available to your dog. Put ice cubes in the water bowl if you could.
2. Keep the indoor temperature down
If you do not have air conditioning, fill up 1-2 pop bottles with water and freeze them overnight. Warp them up with a towel and put them near your dog’s bed to help lower the temperature indoors. To add up the cooling effect, you can also put down damp towels for them to lie on.
3. Use an elevated or cooling bed
Elevated beds get your dog off of the hot ground surface and experience a nice breeze beneath them. It sets up like a breeze and is also good for your dog’s joins.
Treat your furry friend to the comfort he deserves with the Coolaroo Steel-Framed Elevated Dog Bed.
This bed is elevated off the ground and is made from a breathable fabric, which helps increase airflow and keep your pet cool.
Not only does this bed help create a healthier environment, thanks to the fabric that’s resistant to fleas, mites, mold and mildew, but it also helps create a more comfortable resting spot by reducing stress on your pet’s joints.
To take it one step further, you can try out a cooling bed.
Cooling beds are either made from special material or are filled with water. These beds are made specifically for helping to keep your dog cool on hot days.
Give your hot pet a cool retreat with the Arf Pets Self Cooling Cat & Dog Bed.
It’s designed with a safe and sturdy nylon cushion that features an innovative cool gel interior, providing your pet with a long-lasting solution to help keep her happy and healthy in warm and hot temperatures.
This mat requires no water, batteries, refrigeration, or electricity—so it’s perfect for your home, the kennel, the yard, the car and more!
4. Treat your dog to a swimming pool
Give your dog the ultimate summer treat with a dog swimming pool. However, if your dog is new to swimming, gradually introduce him to the water.
Let him explore on his own. If he is a bit hesitant to start, throw a toy or tennis ball in and he will soon get himself into it.
Have a cooling zone ready in your yard for your pup with the Frisco Outdoor Dog Pool.
Made out of PVC material, this portable dog pool is easy to set up on any flat surface outside in the yard.
No pumping is needed. Simply unfold and fill with clean water to give your dog a cool chill spot that’s perfect for those hot summer months.
5. Give your dog frozen treats or toys
Just as humans love to have ice cream on a hot summer’s day, dogs will also enjoy their frozen treats and toys because it helps cool them down.
Remember, you should NOT give your dog normal popsicles or ice cream. But you can make them tasty frozen treats that are pup-approved.
Here’s some popular frozen dog treats your pup is sure to love!
- Frozen Fruits and Veggies
- Pup Ice Cream
- Frozen Kongs
For example, to help your pup stay cool on a hot day, freeze a Kong before you give it to them.
Some of the easy fillers you can freeze with Kongs are:
- Peanut Butter
- Plain Yogurt
- Applesauce
- Pumpkin
Give your furry friend a reliable and fun plaything with the KONG Classic Dog Toy.
The KONG Classic’s unique all-natural red rubber formula is ultra-durable, with an erratic bounce that is ideal for dogs that like to chew, while also fulfilling a dog’s need to play.
6. Adjust your dog-walking schedule
Try taking your dog out in the early morning, or late afternoon, to avoid the hot sun and reduce the chance of damaging their feet and prevent overheating.
7. Don’t leave your dog in your car
Temperature can ramp up easily on a hot sunny day. Do not leave your dog in cars, – even parked in the shade with the windows open, the temperature can rise very quickly and your dog would become very uncomfortable.
Final note: Stay safe and beware of heatstroke in dogs
Heatstroke develops when a dog’s body temperature overheats and they can’t reduce their temperature properly. In extreme cases, it could be fatal.
Signs of heatstroke include:
- Heavy panting
- Excessive drooling
- A rapid pulse
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Loss of consciousness
- Collapse
If your dog show symptoms of heatstroke, you need to act fast.
Take them to a cool and shaded area. Apply towels soaked in cold water to their head, neck, and chest, let them drink water with ice if possible.
Further questions
How hot is too hot for dogs to go outside?
If the humidity is too high, dogs are unable to cool themselves and their temperature will ramp up to dangerous levels. Your dog may be exposed to the risk of heatstroke. Dogs’ temperatures should not reach over 104 degrees.
Another way is to put the back of your palm against the hot surface for 5 seconds — if it’s too hot for you, then it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
Will wetting a dog cool it down?
Instead of putting your dog in a shower, Wet your dog’s coat or drench a towel in cool, but not really cold, water and drape it over your dog. This will effectively help lower their body temperature.
Do fans keep dogs cool?
For dogs, the cool air that a fan provides doesn’t work in the same way as humans, unless they are wet. If your dog is wet, a fan will help lower their body temperature to a more comfortable level.
Should You Shave Your Dog’s Coat to Keep Them Cool?
If your dog has a double coat, do not shave them in an effort to keep them cool during hot weather. Double-coated breeds such as German Shepherds, Huskies, or Labs, should never be shaved for the sole purpose of cooling.
Eric is a dog lover and a blogger. He loves spending time with dogs more than with humans. You will find him training himself for the next marathon when he is not writing. And he loves Thai food~
