With temperatures reaching triple digits in certain parts of the country, you might find yourself sweating like a snowman in the desert this summer. Luckily for us humans, sweat helps cool our bodies down. Dogs, on the other hand, aren’t so lucky. They’re unable to sweat, so it’s our duty to help keep our dogs cool in the summer. With the 5 helpful tips below, you can help keep your dog cool in the summer. Read on to learn more!
Keep Water Nearby
When temperatures get hot, it’s important for dogs to have constant access to water. In fact, it’s not unusual for dogs to need even more water this time of year, especially when exercising. But it’s also important to ration how much water they get at a time, otherwise, they may drink too much too quickly. Drinking too much water can lead to vomiting or bloating. So keep an eye on them.
If you’re traveling, you could pack portable and collapsible water bowls. Dogs shouldn’t drink from puddles or lakes outside because they could have bacteria or parasites. That’s why having a portable water bottle full of fresh water is the safest way to ensure your dog stays hydrated while you are away. Unlike the famous saying about horses, this summer, you should lead a dog to water AND make them drink. (Especially midday when the sun is hottest!)
Use an Elevated or Cooling Bed
If the ground is too hot for you to touch for 10 seconds, it’s too hot for your dog to walk on too. The ground absorbs heat from the sun, which is why lying in a hammock is cooler than lying in the grass on a hot day. Dog beds that are elevated off of the hot ground can allow a slight breeze and help cool your dog down in the summertime.
If you live somewhere with extreme heat or want an even cooler option for your fur baby, you could get your dog a cooling bed. Cooling beds are typically filled with water or made with special materials that keep the bed cool. Cooling pads are also a great addition to your dog’s bed or crate. Cooling beds and pads lower your dog’s temperature by absorbing heat from its body and redistributing it.
Frozen Treats and Toys
Everyone loves ice cream and popsicles in the summer — including dogs! Icy cold treats can help cool our bodies down, and they do the same for our furry friends. While you can’t give dogs normal popsicles or ice cream, you can freeze dog-safe fruits, vegetables, and toys for them!
Apples, watermelon, carrots, and cucumber can all be frozen for your dog to chew on when the temperatures rise. Not only will your pooch think they’re delicious, but they’re also healthy too! Another option that doesn’t involve cutting or prepping food is to put a bag of treats in the freezer. This means less work for you and a cool snack for your doggy that you can give out throughout the day. These all-natural sweet potato treats from Blue Ridge Naturals are a healthy option to help cool your dog down in the summer!
You can also freeze your dog’s toys. Kongs are a great toy that freezes well and can help keep your dog entertained and cool in the summer. The best part? You can fill the Kong with applesauce, peanut butter, or pumpkin before putting it in the freezer. Instead of using messy, pureed food, you can try using our Sweet Potato Bones.
Freezing toys, treats, and healthy snacks will help keep your dog cool in the summer but can also help with teething and training! Offering your puppy a frozen treat can soothe their gums, and using them as a reward for positive behavior in the summer is an added bonus! They’re sure to love their new frozen snacks, and you’ll love that they’re staying cool in the hot sun.
Frequent Breaks
Alongside avoiding being outdoors midday, you should also give your dog frequent breaks while they play outside in the summer. Offering breaks is a surefire way to ensure your dog isn’t overexerting itself, especially as the temperatures rise.
The best way to give your dog a break this summer is to make sure there is shade available for them to relax. Some dog breeds are prone to sunburn, especially dogs with white fur, so shade is essential to keeping your dog safe in the sun. If you take your pooch to the park or on a hike, stop every 15-20 minutes or so, on hot days to relax in the shade and cool off. If your dog loves to play and wants to play fetch and run around, take breaks every 10 minutes or so and offer cool water. If your backyard has no trees, you can put up an umbrella or canopy for you and your dog, the protection from UV rays can make all the difference.
Another great break option is to get wet! Let your dog hop in the pool, run through a sprinkler, play in the waves, or splash in a puddle this summer! A wet dog is a cool dog, so it’s worth putting up with the wet dog smell for a little while in the heat. Don’t want dog fur in your pool? We get it. You can also fill a kiddie pool with cold water and let your dog roll around without dog hair clogging your pool drains.
Know the Signs of Heat Stroke
While dogs can’t “tell” us when something is wrong, there are usually signs we can pick up on. Pay attention to your dog’s behavior and body language whenever you’re outside in the heat.
Pay attention to the size and length of their tongue. In the summer, dogs pant to cool down. As they get warmer, their tongue grows in width and length. If your dog is panting more than usual, move them into the shade, offer them water, and perhaps pour some water on their fur to help them cool down.
Other signs of heat stroke in your dog that you can look out for are excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, disorientation, or seizures. If you notice any of those symptoms, move your dog into a cooler environment and call your veterinarian. It can be helpful in the summer to carry a digital thermometer to check your dog’s temperature, especially if you live somewhere with extreme heat.
Keeping Your Dog Cool (in More Ways Than One)
All dog parents worry about their pups outside on really hot days. To help you monitor your dog’s condition, follow these 5 steps to keep your dog cool in the summer (or whenever the temperature rises):
- Keep your dog hydrated
- Provide an elevated or cooling bed
- Take frequent breaks
- Give frozen treats and toys
- Know the signs of heatstroke
It’s important to know how to cool your dog down in hot weather, but keeping them cool can also be fun. You can splash around in a pool with your dog, give them frozen treats like these all-natural Peanut Butter Stix, or relax in the shade with your pooch. Just because it’s hot out doesn’t mean you have to stay indoors, but remember that when you need a break from the sun, your dog probably does too. With these tips, you and your doggy can have a paws-itively wonderful summer!
