8 Tips to Keep Dogs Cool in Summer
Summertime can be a lot of fun for you and your dog. But hot weather and humidity can be dangerous for your furry friend. To help you enjoy the sun in safety with your best friend, we've put together our top summer tips, that will keep your pooch cool and happy.
1. Keep your dog hydrated
Water is important for regulating your dog’s body temperature and digestion. Most dogs should drink about 1 ounce of water for every pound that they weigh, every day. But be aware that hot weather, exercise, dog’s age, and food will affect how much water your dog needs. For instance, the more your pup exercises or the hotter it is, the more water they'll need. When you’re going out, bring a portable, collapsible water bowl or a squirt bottle and give him small amounts of water every 20 to 30 minutes.
2. Frozen treats and toys
Frozen dog treats are really popular in the summer. They don’t only taste amazing but are also a great way to help your dog cool down from the inside out. Treat him with some wag-worthy frozen dog treats, such as dog ice cream, pupsicles, and frozen fruits or veggies. You can also fill and freeze a chew toy to make him a chilly snack.
3. Fun water activities
Water activities will keep your pooch ecstatic and cool all summer long. You can plan a trip to a beach, lake, river, local dog pool, or even just play in a kiddie pool in your backyard. It’s incredible how quickly water activities can lower his body temperature and make him feel better.
4. Try an elevated or cooling bed
You can help your dog stay cool with an elevated bed or a cooling bed. An elevated bed will give your dog a nice breeze beneath him and also lift him off of the hot ground. If you want to go a step, further get your dog a cooling bed or a cooling pad. They are filled with water or made from special material, that will help your furry friend stay cool outside on hot summer days.
5. Never leave your dog in a parked car
Don’t leave your dog in a parked car, even on mild days. Cars are made of metal and glass which absorb heat, so the temperatures in a parked car can rise fast, to the point that is dangerous for your pup. If you go somewhere dogs are not allowed, you should leave your dog at home rather than leaving him in the car.
6. Avoid the midday heat
We recommend exercising your dog in the morning or the evening when the temperatures are lower. If you are going on a walk in the middle of the day, you are increasing the risk of heatstroke and burning your dog’s paws on the pavement. To avoid burning their paws check the pavement by touching it. If it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for your dog's paw pads. Try keeping walks short and sweet on hot days or think about skipping a walk to be safe.
7. Regular grooming
It's important to groom your dog regularly, especially in the summer. Mads trap moisture from humidity and can irritate your dog’s skin. Regular brushing will not only help remove any mats, and tangles but will also help keep him nice and cool.