Summer is a fantastic time of year to spend some quality time outdoors with your pup. But remember that hot weather can be hazardous for dogs as well as people, and it's important to make sure your four-legged friend stays safe. In this post, we'll share 8 ways to help you keep your dog cool this summer.
1) Provide Plenty of Fresh Water
Make sure to provide plenty of fresh water in the summer heat to keep your dog hydrated and reduce the risk of heatstroke. It's also important to bring fresh water when walking your dog to prevent them from overheating. It's a good idea to purchase a dog water bottle or collapsible bowl or so you can easily provide water on the go. We recommend testing your water bottle or bowl before using it on a walk to make sure your dog is comfortable drinking from it.
2) Create Some Cool Mist
One of the best ways to help your dog beat the summer heat is by creating some cooling mist! If you already have a hose in your yard, consider investing in a misting attachment that's designed to spray a fine mist of water. A misting fan is another good option for keeping your dog cool outside. Handheld battery-operated versions can be clipped to collars or leashes, but larger models will require an electrical cord.
3) Make Frozen Dog Treats
Why not make some tasty frozen treats this summer to help your furry friend cool down? Simply fill an ice cube tray, popsicle mold, or rubber toy with your dog's favorite treats, top up with water, and freeze. Our tiny, tasty CocoTherapy Coco-Charms are ideal for making frozen treats with. Packed full of raw coconut oil and available in lip-licking Blueberry Cobbler and Pumpkin Pie flavors, they're truly delicious, healthy organic treats your pup will love! If you want to get creative, you can also try experimenting with other delicious ingredients like peanut butter (xylitol free of course), banana, or blueberries. Substituting organic coconut water or bone broth for water is also a great way to add more flavor to your frozen treats.
4) Put Up a Sunshade
Ensure your dog has access to plenty of shade outdoors by putting up a sunshade in your yard. This is especially important if there are no shady trees or covered areas on your property. Sunshades and canopies designed for pets are readily available online. You could also make a DIY sunshade by placing a large umbrella in an empty flower planter then filling it with soil.
5) Switch to a Cooling Dog Bed
Fluffy, comfy dog beds are ideal in winter, but they're not so great when temperatures rise. The solution? Switch to a cooling dog bed that will help your pal stay comfortable during the summer. Metal-framed elevated dog beds are an excellent option as they allow air to circulate around your pup. Cooling mats or thin mattress-style dog beds are also great choices for summer. Looking for the perfect bed to keep your dog cool? Check out Rover's article, The 8 Best Cooling Beds to Get Your Hot Dog Chilling.
6) Set Up a Doggy Paddling Pool
Splashing around in water is a fun way for your dog to cool down in summer. So, why not set up a paddling pool and let your pup take a dip? If you're using an inflatable kiddie paddling pool, make sure your dog's nails are trimmed. If your dog's nails are too long or sharp, the fabric may rip or snag. A better option is a hard plastic pool that will withstand teeth and claws. If your dog is a water baby, you may want to consider treating them to their own dog swimming pool.
7) Walk Your Dog During Cooler Hours
Keep exercise light during the summer months and walk your dog in the early morning or late evening when it's cooler outside. On extremely hot days it's best to keep your dog inside as they can quickly overheat and become dehydrated. It's also a good idea to keep walks short in summer and avoid exploring new routes that will keep your dog outside in the sun for too long. Twenty minutes exercise on a hot day is plenty for most dogs.
8) Protect Your Pup's Paws
Asphalt can warm up to high temperatures during summer and walking on a hot sidewalk for just a few minutes can badly burn your dog's paws. Before setting off on a walk, place the back of your hand on the sidewalk and hold it there for 7 seconds. If it's uncomfortable to hold your hand to the ground for a full 7 seconds, it's too hot for your dog to walk on.
Preventing Heatstroke in Dogs
Dogs don't sweat like we do. Instead, they eliminate heat from their body through panting. But when the weather is hot, panting is not always effective at regulating body temperature. Make sure to protect your furry friend by limiting their time outdoors in the heat and practicing the tips in this post. It's also important to keep a lookout for signs of heatstroke. Common signs include heavy panting, vomiting, disorientation, excessive drooling, and increased heart rate. Get your dog to a veterinarian as quickly as possible if you notice any of these symptoms. For more information about preventing heatstroke in dogs, check out this article from the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).
That’s it for today’s post. We hope you enjoy the summer safely and have plenty of fun with your dog!
