How To Keep Your Dog Cool In This Summer?

When the summer arrives dogs not only feel hot and bothered, but they're also at higher risk of heatstroke. Keeping them as cool as possible during the warmer months is vital to keeping them safe.

1. 1. Stay hydrated

During a heatwave, ensuring your dog stays hydrated is paramount. Provide ample opportunities for your dog to drink cool, fresh water by strategically placing multiple bowls indoors. Adding ice cubes to their water can help keep it refreshingly cold.

2. Early Morning and Late Evening Walks

Dogs usually need daily exercise to stay stimulated, but it's risky to walk them in the intense midday sun. Activities like ball play and running also increase the risk of heatstroke. Venture outside early in the morning and later in the evening when the temperatures are lower for safety. While out walking or hiking, give your dog a small amount of water every 15 to 20 minutes so their stomach has time to absorb it. It isn't good to let them get too much water at one time.

3. Chilled Summer Dog Treats

Keep your dog hydrated by making them an icy treat. It can be as easy as putting your dog's favorite toys and treats in a metal dog bowl, filling it with water (and you can add a little bit of low-sodium chicken broth – no onions or garlic! – for an additional incentive), then freeze and serve.

To help with hydration, you can give your dog fruits or veggies that are predominately water. Be sure not to let them consume any pits or seeds. Some high-water-content options include cucumbers, zucchini, celery, watermelon, apples, or peaches. Not only do frozen dog feeders help cool off your dog, but they provide great mental enrichment. Enrichment helps burn excess energy, especially on hot days when outdoor exercise just isn't safe.

4. Make Pupsicles for your dog

Making pupsicles for your dog is a fun and refreshing treat, especially during hot weather. Here's a simple recipe:

● Prepare Ingredients: Mash the banana in a bowl until smooth. Add the plain yogurt and peanut butter, mixing until well combined. If the mixture is too thick, add a small amount of water or low-sodium chicken broth to achieve a pourable consistency.

● Fill Ice Trays: Pour the mixture into ice cube trays or silicone molds. You can also use small paper cups if you don't have molds.

● Add Treats (Optional): Place a dog treat or a small piece of dog-safe fruit (like blueberries or strawberries) into each compartment of the ice tray for added texture and flavor.

● Freeze: Place the ice trays or molds in the freezer and let them freeze completely, usually for about 4-6 hours or overnight.

These pupsicles are a great way to keep your dog cool and entertained during hot days. Adjust the ingredients based on your dog's preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy!

5. Use a dog paddling pool For Water Fun

A dog paddling pool in a shady spot can provide a refreshing escape for your dog. As dogs release heat through their paws, it's an effective way of cooling them down quickly. Fill the pool halfway with cold – but not freezing – water, and add some of your dog's favourite toys to encourage them.

While some dogs will dive straight in for a splash, others may need more encouragement. Dampening their coat also provides effective cooling, so you can quickly bathe them before letting them jump out. On the other hand, some dogs may get very excited in a paddling pool. It's possible to overheat in water if they are playful, so monitor your dog carefully and remove the pool if they're getting over-excited.

6. Use a breathable vest harness for your dog

The design of a breathable mesh vest harness usually incorporates lightweight, mesh-like materials that allow air to circulate around your dog's body. This helps to prevent overheating and keeps your dog cooler during walks or outdoor activities.

Unlike traditional harnesses that may be made of thicker materials or cover more surface area, a breathable vest harness minimizes heat retention. This is crucial in preventing heatstroke or discomfort caused by excessive heat buildup.

Air mesh dog vest

Pink Breathable Dog Harness

Printed Mesh Harness For Outdoor

7. Use Fans to Keep Your Home Cool

You can enhance your dog's comfort in their usual lounging spot by positioning a fan nearby. Adding frozen water bottles in front of the fan will provide an additional cooling effect. It's important to ensure your dog has the option to move away from the breeze if they prefer.

8. Provide Dog Water Stations in Home

Providing your dog with plenty of cool water to drink is essential in the heat. Just like us, they caan get dehydrated. Plus, nothing feels better on a hot day than a cool drink. Place multiple large bowls of fresh water around your home or yard, checking and refilling them daily. Position the bowls where your dog can access them easily, preferably in shaded or cooler spots.

9. Using Cooling Mat/Cooling Bandana or Wet Towel to Lay on

This tip is as simple as it sounds. Offering an ice pack, cooling mat or a wet towel to your pet will help to lower their body temperature when it's hot outside.

Use an ice pack wrapped in a blanket to put in your dog's bed or place of rest to help your dog cool down and relax on a hot summer day.

Cooling mats can be filled with cold tap water, ice packs that you may have to freeze overnight or cooling gel. They work best when laid on the ground for your dog to sit on.

While wet towels work best when they're drenched in cool water or draped over your dog. This even works for dogs who have longer coats!

10. Keeping Your Dog at a Healthy Weight and Preventing Overheating

Overweight dogs face greater challenges in staying cool during warm weather, especially brachycephalic breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, and French Bulldogs. These breeds already struggle with breathing in heat, and being overweight exacerbates this issue.

Help your dog by maintaining their ideal body condition. Measure their food portions, monitor treat intake (considering calories per treat), and avoid feeding them table scraps to help manage their weight.

11. Never leave your dog in a car!

Never leave your dog in a car because temperatures inside a parked car can rise rapidly, even on relatively mild days. This can lead to heatstroke and potentially fatal conditions for your dog within minutes, even if the windows are cracked open. Heat builds up quickly in enclosed spaces, posing a severe risk to your pet's health and safety. It's crucial to always ensure your dog has adequate ventilation and access to water, especially in warmer weather, to prevent such emergencies.

Should We Shave 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. This can have the opposite effect! Double-coated breeds, such as Huskies, Corgis, Labs, etc., should never be shaved unless directed to do so by a veterinarian.

If your dog has a single-layer coat (such as a Poodle, Labradoodle, Yorkie, etc.), shaving their coat will not cause damage to their fur like it would a double-coated breed. However, they are at a higher risk of sunburn with shorter coats

Enjoying summertime with your dog

By following these tips, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable summer for both you and your dog, making lasting memories together!