During the hot summer days, humans sweat to try to cool down their bodies. Dogs can’t do the same, and this is why they are panting to try to keep their bodies from overheating. Panting does help, but there are days where it just isn’t enough.
Fortunately, there are many things you can do to take good care of your furry friend when it’s hot outside. Take a look at these tips so you can know how to keep dogs cool in summer.
1. Keep your dog well groomed
You should always keep your dog well groomed, but this is even more important during the summer. But don’t go and shave your dog’s coat, as it will not really help them stay cool
Depending on the type of dog you have, just a little trim should be enough. Remember to brush your dog’s coat regularly to remove dead and loose hair.
2. Make sure your dog has a lot of fresh water to drink
Just like their human friends, dogs need to stay hydrated when the temperature rises. Make sure your dog has cool and clean water to drink, whether you are staying at home or going on an adventure together.
A water bowl left in the sun all day will not be very tempting to your dog, and it will not help them stay cool and hydrated.
3. Never leave your dog in your car
It’s not a good idea to leave your dog in your car during the summer. Even if you open a window, the temperature inside your vehicle will rise quickly, and your dog could overheat.
If your dog can’t follow you wherever you are going, you should let them at home instead of leaving them in your car, even if it’s only for a few minutes.
4. Leave your dog inside
Don’t leave your dog outside if it’s too hot. If you would rather stay inside in front of your air conditioner, your dog probably feels the same way.
If your home is not air conditioned, you should at least install a fan so you and your furry friend can stay cool and comfortable when it’s simply too hot to play outside.
5. Make sure your dog has a shelter in your yard
Just like us, dogs can get sunburned if they stay in the sun for too long. If your dog loves playing outside, make sure they have a shaded area or a shelter in your yard.
It could be a dog house, an umbrella, or simply a spot under your patio where your dog can relax and keep cool when the sun is beaming just a bit too much.
6. Get a pool for your dog
If your dog is not allowed in your swimming pool, why not get them their own pool? A large tub or a plastic swimming pool for kids should do the trick.
Change the water frequently so it doesn’t get dirty, or better yet, empty it when your dog is done using it for the day. Standing water will surely attract mosquitoes and other unwanted guests.
7. Walk your dog during the cooler parts of the day
Instead of taking your dog for a walk when the sun is high in the sky, wait for the cooler parts of the day such as dawn and dusk.
Your dog needs some exercise even when it’s hot outside, but walking or running around when the sun is beaming could lead to overheating and heat stroke.
8. Avoid walking your dog on hot surfaces
When you do take your dog outside for a walk, try your best to avoid walking on hot surfaces. You have shoes to protect your feet from hot paths and roads, but your dog doesn’t.
If it’s impossible to not walk on hot surfaces, it would be better to wait before walking your dog. Hot asphalt can burn the soft pads under your dog’s paws.
9. Prepare some frozen dog treats
You enjoy frozen treats during the summer, and your dog would probably like to have some, too. Instead of sharing your popsicle with your dogs, search for a frozen dog treat recipe.
Homemade frozen treats for dogs can be made with peanut butter, fruits, or yogurt, so you should be able to find at least one recipe that your dog will love. Maybe you will be tempted to take a bite yourself!
10. Buy some dog cooling products
Many companies are selling dog cooling products that will help you keep your dog cool during the summer.
It could be a dog cooling towel or pad, a cooling collar, a cooling bandana, or a cooling chew toy. If you don’t want to buy cooling products made for dogs, you could make your own cooling towel, for example, by wrapping a frozen water bottle inside a wet towel.