It’s summertime! That means outdoors and indoors it may get hot, hot, hot! You don’t want the warmer months to get you and your dog’s spirits down while your temperatures go up. It’s important to find ways to stay cool during the summer.
Here are some cool ways for your dog to beat the heat in the summer:
1. Keep Your Dog Hydrated
Staying hydrated is key to keeping cool during the hot summer months. Make sure your dog always has access to cool water. Keep water bowls clean. You can place them in the shade or add ice cubes to keep the water cool. Take water on walks as well as keeping it available around the house and yard.
2. Keep the Air Cool and Flowing
Keeping the air conditioning on is a good way to keep the air cool. But if you don’t have AC, there are other ways to keep the air cool. Using fans to circulate the air will help prevent the room from feeling stiff and hot.
3. Move Beds Away from Sunny Windows
Your dog may love their comfortable bed, but it may not be in the coolest spot in the house. Move your dog’s bed out of direct sunlight so it does not become unbearably hot when they want to take a nap. If their bed is not in a cool room with fans, move the bed to a room with circulating air and fans to keep them cool.
4. Stay Inside During the Hottest Part of the Day
Venturing outside when the temperature is at its peak can be dangerous to your pup. Even if they have water, being outside can dehydrate them quickly and if the ground is too hot, it can burn their feet. It’s best to stay inside during the hottest part of the day and save outdoor fun for when it’s cooler.
5. Walk at Cooler Times of Day
Walking in the mornings and in the evenings will help keep your dog safe from the hot weather. Before taking your dog on a walk, check the ground to make sure it is not too hot for your dog to walk on. If you don’t feel comfortable holding the back of your hand to the ground for at least seven seconds, then it is not safe for your dog. Remember to bring water on walks as well!
6. Take Breaks Regularly
Whether walking your dog, or playing in a yard, be sure to give your dog regular breaks. If at home, take your dog inside to cool off and relax. Let their body temperature lower back down to normal. While on walks it’s important to take breaks too, even if you can’t go inside. Give them breaks to drink water and relax in some shade before you continue with your activity.
7. Hang Out in the Shade
Having shady spots in a yard, on a hike, at the park, or on a walk is important to make sure your dog has areas to relax in. Getting out of direct sunlight can make your dog feel cooler and let them escape the heat.
8. Play in Water
Getting splashed with some water is a great way for you and your dog to stay cool on a hot summer day. Set up a sprinkler, or a kiddie pool filled with water for your dog to play around in. Even spraying a hose on a light setting can be fun for your dog!
Signs of Heatstroke to Look Out For:
While keeping your dog active is important, it's crucial to be aware of the signs of heatstroke. Symptoms include excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, vomiting, and collapse. If you notice any of these signs, move your dog to a cool place, offer water, and contact your veterinarian immediately.
Keeping your dog cool in the summer heat is important for their health. Make sure they are comfortable, have cool spots to relax in, and know how to safely have fun in the summer!
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