How to Keep Dogs Cool
We know the most important thing to a pet owner is the health of their furry best friend. We want to provide tips for our visitors to help better take care of their dogs. In this article, we will discuss ways to prevent your dog getting overheating or having a heatstroke. We also want to educate you on the signs of heatstroke, so you can take immediate action if any are present. Let’s take a look at 9 important ways you can take action and learn how to keep dogs cool in the hot months.
Here are 9 Tips on How to Keep Dogs Cool
- Keep Your Dog Hydrated
- Enjoy Some Water Activities
- Avoid the Midday Heat
- Always Provide Shade
- Provide Your Dog With Some Frozen Treats
- Know the Signs of Heatstroke In Dogs and What To Do
- Take Your Dog to Play Areas
- Never Ever Leave Your Dog Alone in A car
- Grooming Your Dog
1. Keep Your Dog Hydrated
Offering your dog some fresh and cool water is the simplest yet most effective way to beat the summer heat and learn how to keep dogs cool. It is recommended that you carry around a portable water bottle when you take your dog for a walk. If you leave your dog at home alone, always make sure there is clean, accessible water for your dog and that there is air conditioning indoors because the inside of a house can get very hot in 90-degree weather.
2. Enjoy Some Water Activities
As much as humans love the ocean or the pool on a hot summer day, dogs do as well. There is no better way to cool off than going for a swim. Don’t have a body of water near you, go to your closest store and buy a kiddie pool for your dog to enjoy, or just simply set up water sprinklers for your pup to play with. Water sports are a fun and effective way to stay on top of the heat if you are wondering how to keep dogs cool in summer.
3. Avoid the Midday Heat
The hottest time of the day is usually between 12 pm and 3 pm. The sun is in its highest position at this time, so make sure you avoid walks or any outdoor activities. Take your dog with you on a morning stroll or a late-night walk, but avoid the midday. Check the temperature when you take your dog on a walk, and make sure the asphalt is not too hot because it can burn your dog’s paws.
4. Always Provide Shade
Whether you’re going on a walk or just playing with your dog in the backyard, make sure every few minutes you take the dog under a tree to let it cool off. An insulated dog kennel is also a great place for a dog to stay hidden from the sun and keep cool when custom features such as AC are added to it.
5. Provide Your Pup with Some Frozen Treats
Who doesn’t love a frozen treat on a hot summer day? We head to the nearest ice cream shop once we see a little bit of sun. Like us, dogs would also enjoy a cold treat on a hot day. There are various recipes for simple dog treats that will help your dog stay cool. Bigger Bolder Baking has great frozen treat recipes that will keep your furry friend cool during summer days.
6. Know the Signs of Heatstroke In Dogs And What To Do
For any dog owner, their number one priority is the health of their pet and best friend. Educating yourself on the signs of a heat stroke could help avoid danger to your dog. Some common signs of heatstroke in dogs are excessive panting and salivating, vomiting and diarrhea, seizures, disorientation, and clear discomfort.
If you want some more in-depth information about the signs of heat stroke in your dog, check out this article. Learning how to keep dogs cool in the summer means you will be better prepared to prevent heatstroke and heat exhaustion in your dog.
7. Take Your Dog to Play Areas
Whether you’re going to an indoor play place for pets or a public park, these activities can help your dog keep cool. An indoor play place for dogs usually has climate-controlled rooms and would help your dog beat the heat by staying inside. A public park usually has a lot of trees, which would help your dog be covered by the shade from the branches. As a bonus, you could freeze your dog’s toys, so even if there is humidity, the ice-cold toys can help lower your dog’s body temperature.
8. Never Ever Leave Your Dog Alone in A Car
Although this suggestion may seem obvious, it is still worth mentioning. The inside of a car can get to be 20 degrees hotter than the outside. If you have to run errands, take your dog with you or hire a dog sitter to keep an eye on your dog.
Leaving your dog inside a car on a hot summer day can very quickly cause your dog to have heatstroke and other serious health issues. This is crucial to understand if you care about your dog and want to do better in learning how to keep dogs cool in the summertime and the hotter months.
9. Grooming
In the summer, you may assume that cutting your dog’s hair very short will be the best way to keep them cool. Though a nice trim may be more comfortable for your puppy, be careful not to cut your dog’s hair too short. Leaving an inch or so of fur will actually help regulate their body temperature since their undercoat acts as an insulator and keeps them from getting too hot. Shaving that layer of insulated undercoat will compromise your dog’s cooling system and may increase its chances of sunburn as well.
Thank you for reading 9 Tips On How to Keep Dogs Cool in Summer. We hope this blog provides you, the dog owners, with useful information on how to keep your dog healthy during the summer heat. Watch for signs of heatstrokes as stated above, and contact a veterinary specialist if any one of the signs is present. Learning how to keep dogs cool in summer and acting quickly when you see the signs of heatstroke or overheating could save your dog’s life.
