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8 Tips for Keeping Your Dog Cool During Hot Summer Days

by Emmeline Smith 18 Feb 2024 0 Comments

An essential guide to keeping dogs cool in hot weather this summer! In this blog you will read about some essential for keeping your dog cool this summer days.

Frenchies in the sunshine with sunglasses

How can you ensure your dog is comfy even when the temperatures outside are soaring?

It is essential for your dog's health and overall happiness that you keep them cool throughout the warm summer months. In this article, we are going to go over some active and practical ways that you may protect your dog from the heat and keeping dogs cool in hot weather.

However, hydration should always be your priority. To maintain their body temperature and level of hydration, like people, dogs require sufficient water. During the day, you should ensure your dog has unrestricted access to clean, cold water.

In addition, make plans for outside activities during the mornings or evenings when the temperature is lower, and choose shady areas for fun.

Grooming is an additional active measure that can be used to beat the heat. Brushing your dog's coat regularly is essential to remove any excess fur and prevent your dog from overheating.

On top of that, during the sweltering summer days, you should always appreciate the value of a refreshing treat or a quick swim in a kiddie pool to provide fast relief from the heat.

If you take these preventative measures, you will be able ensure that your dog has a summer that is both safe and pleasurable for them.

Cavoodle dog in a kids paddling pool

Top Hot Weather Dog Care Tips

We have compiled a list of the most critical hot weather dog care tips so you and your pet can enjoy the warm weather.

1. Plan Out All Of Your Walks:

If the temperature outside is exceptionally high, you should hold off on taking your dog for a stroll because canines cannot tolerate the heat as well as people.

Even on a warm day, dogs have a higher risk of overheating, which increases significantly if they are active. Think about taking your dog out for a stroll early in the morning or late in the evening, when the temperature is substantially lower, or engaging in mentally stimulating activities inside the house instead.

When preparing for a stroll, watch the forecast and take frequent rests in the shade.

2. Constantly Be Mindful Of Water:

Always ensure your dog has access to water, especially when the weather is warm.

When you go out with your dog, you should always bring a bottle of water and a bowl so they can drink from one of those.

Dog with water bottle having a drink on a hot day

3. Use several methods to drain their energy:

Employ your dog's mental and physical energies less strenuously in warmer weather. This applies to psychological and physical activity. If they like to run for hours, doing so at greater temperatures could hurt them.

Instead, freeze their meals or use frozen treats in toys or food puzzles to keep them busy. Hide toys or treats in a small area and let them use their noses to find them. Consider offering treats or toys to get your dog to swim in a shaded paddling pool. Make sure your choice can be done quietly and out of the sun.

4. NEVER leave dogs in cars:

Even in the shade with the windows up, dogs can quickly become frightened and develop heat stroke if left alone in a hot car. Always have a plan to avoid leaving your dog in the car or other enclosed spaces. Call 000 if you notice a dog in a hot car.

Hot days are not suitable for driving with a dog. When traveling, cover the windows with shade covers to avoid direct sunlight. Cool your car and turn on the air conditioning before putting your dog in.

Avoid hotter hours and travel with less traffic to avoid significant delays. Non-splash travel bowls are offered to keep your dog hydrated.

5. Shade and an excellent place to lie:

Dogs instinctively seek the most excellent location to lie down. In the absence of one, portable sun blinds, patio umbrellas, and pop-up canopies can provide shade. You may also string a tarp or cloth!

Smaller than a shaded pet bed may be better. Your dog will have consistent shade in the heat and air circulation from their elevated position.

Cooling beds are another option. This heavy-duty plastic bed comes in various sizes. The ground-level bed is filled with cooling gel. This bed is ideal for older or arthritis-afflicted pets.

6. Lay on an ice pack, cooling pad, or wet towel:

This suggestion is straightforward. Give your pet an ice pack, cooling mat, or wet towel in hot weather. An ice pack wrapped in a blanket on your dog's bed or resting spot will help him cool off on a hot summer day. Ice cubes in their water bowl is also a great idea!

Cooling mats can hold tap water, overnight ice packs, or gel. Your dog sits best on them when laid on the ground. Drenched in chilly water or draped over your dog, damp towels work best. This even works for long-coated dogs!

Dog with a bowl of ice cubes on a hot day

7. Avoid exercising on hot days:

Each day, before taking your dog for a walk or run, checkthe temperature and relative humidity outside. It is strongly advised that you avoid physical exercisewith your dog on days when the temperature exceeds 30 degrees Celsius and the relative humidity ishigh.

Even on milder days, check the temperature of the pavementbefore bringing your dog for a walk. When exposed to direct sunshine, asphalt can become quitehot.

Using your palm to determine whether or not the temperatureof the ground is too hot for your dog is a good way. If it's too hot for your hand, it'll be too hot foryour dog's bare paws.

Even though it doesn't seem like much, taking your dog for awalk on a hot day can put him in danger of heatstroke. Overweight dogs and dogs suffering from variousmedical disorders are also at a higher risk.

8. Recognise the signs of Heatstroke:

Heatstroke symptoms can appear fast and include:

  • Even when not exercising, there is a lot of panting.
  • Breathing issues, especially in flat-faced dogs
  • Tiredness
  • Unwillingness to move or stiffness
  • Dribbling
  • Confusion
  • Walking in a zigzag pattern

If you suspect your dog has heatstroke, contact yourveterinarian immediately while cooling them down. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical forsavinga dog's life.

According to research, while one in every seven dogsbroughtto a vet with heatstroke dies, 98% of those seen early with minor symptoms are likely tolive.

Why is it important to keep your dog cool in summer?

When it's boiling outside, it can be challenging fordogs tomaintain their average body temperature, and they are more susceptible to heat stroke than weare.

However, heatstroke is a potentially life-threateningcondition that occurs when a dog's core temperature increases to dangerous levels, which canlead toorgan failure and tissue damage.

Heatstroke is a potentially lethal condition thatclaims thelives of one out of every seven dogs that are rushed to the veterinarian with the state.

Which dogs are more at risk?

Heatstroke is a condition that can affect any dog, but some dogs are more likely to get it than others.

According to some studies, some characteristics of dogs increase the likelihood that they may suffer from heatstroke.

  • Excessively fat
  • Oval in profile
  • Livelier in spirit
  • A mature age
  • Larger, especially those weighing more than 50 kilograms
  • Have fur that is either longer or thicker.
  • Have health difficulties, such as dehydration or heart or respiratory problems, among other possible complications.

Conclusion

In conclusion, maintaining an excellent environment for your dog throughout the warm summer months is an important responsibility that can have a significant impact on both their level of comfort and their overall health.

However, protecting dog from the blazing heat requires adopting proactive measures such as giving them access to an abundance of clean water, planning their time spent outside strategically, and giving them frequent grooming sessions.

Keep in mind that all it takes to make your dog happy, even on the warmest days, is a quick swim in the pool or a tasty treat that will quench his thirst. Therefore, it is imperative that you take these preventative steps to guarantee that your dog has a happy and healthy summer, free from the aches and pains that are caused by the severe heat.

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