Tis’ the season for long days on the beach, bonfires, afternoons by the pool and backyard BBQ’s with friends! Summer is one of my favorite times of the year, and not just because I have even more of an excuse to drink iced coffee and take Lady to the beach.
However, I know the brutal summer temperatures can take a toll on my dog very quickly. This also applies to all the other dogs that will be outside enjoying the season with their families, including yours! If you want your beloved pup to stay happy and healthy, here are some easy tips to keep them cool and ensure everyone has a fun and safe summer season.
What Happens When a Dog Overheats?
Nothing good! An overheated and dehydrated dog can suffer from a number of life-threatening symptoms including dehydration, heat stroke and exhaustion, brain damage, and even cardiac arrest.
Obviously, dogs don’t have the ability to sweat like we do (with the exception of their paw pads), and the only mechanism they have for keeping themselves cool is by panting. This can only do so much when they’re out in the sun and heat for extended periods of time.
A dog that is getting overheated will begin to show symptoms such as:
- Excessive Panting and Hyperventilation
- Dry and Pale Gums
- Weakness and Confusion
- Vomiting
- Increased Salivation
If your pup has been outside in the heat for a while and begins to show these symptoms, get him in a cool spot where he can have some water immediately. If he doesn’t show any improvement, definitely rush him to the vet so he can receive fluids.
Of course, there are easy ways to prevent things like this from happening to your dog at all! Use the following tips and your dog is sure to stay cool and healthy all summer long.
6 Tips to Keep Your Dog Cool This Summer
1. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR DOG IN THE CAR!
I will place this first, put it in all caps, and say it louder for the people in the back! PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE YOUR DOG LOCKED IN A HOT CAR! EVER!
I emphasize this because you’d be surprised how many pet owners actually do this to their dogs. Even on cold days, it does not take long for the temperature within a car to reach an unbearable temperature. If you can’t sit in the car without the air conditioning for long, neither can your dog.
Can you imagine how scared and helpless those animals feel and they can’t escape? If you’re traveling and have to run into places that don’t allow dogs, just to leave your pup at home!
2. Provide Plenty of Water
Wherever your summer adventures take you, make sure you have some extra water on hand for your furry friend. Whenever Lady and I leave the house, especially during the summer, I bring an extra bottle for her and take frequent water breaks. This ensures she stays hydrated and has the energy to keep up with our summer activities.
3. Rest in the Shade
It’s always a good idea to have a nice cool spot in the shade for your pooch to cool down from the summer sun. If you can’t find a spot that naturally provides shade, bring an umbrella or a tarp along to create your own.
Since Lady is a small dog, she likes to make herself comfortable and escape from the sun underneath my beach chair. I’ll lay out a towel and put her toys and bowls under there with her. Use whatever works best for both of you!
4. Protect Their Paws
During the summer, the sun can make the surface of roads and sidewalks very hot. A dog’s paw pads can be very sensitive to this kind of heat, and there are many cases of dogs suffering from burns after an afternoon walk.
To prevent this from happening to your pup, I suggest testing the paved roads yourself by placing your bare foot on the ground for about five seconds. If the bottom of your foot starts to burn, it’s going to be too hot for your dog to walk there for an extended period of time.
Either purchase dog booties or socks to protect their little paws or alternate between walking on the road and the grass or a shady area. Walkee Paws are a great option since they protect your dog’s paws from extreme temperatures, chemicals, and dirt without the hassle of constantly falling off!
5. Give Your Pup a Cold Treat
There’s nothing quite like cooling off on a hot day with a delicious ice cream cone or cold drink. Why not treat your dog to a refreshing snack, as well?
Something as simple as a bowl of ice cubes could suffice, but in this house, we go big or go home! One of Lady’s favorite homemade dog treats is the frozen peanut butter yogurt cups, which are both simple and inexpensive to make! Plus, they keep her busy and cool while we’re outside enjoying the summer weather.
Another fun idea is creating your own ice lick for dogs! All you’ll need is a small Tupperware container, unsalted beef or chicken broth, and a freezer. You could also get creative and add other safe human foods such as peanut butter or fruits and vegetables.
6. Use a Cooling Pad or an Ice Pack
After a long day of fun in the sun, provide a nice cool spot for your pet to unwind by laying out a cooling pad or an ice pack covered with a blanket or towel. There are several brands of cooling pet beds that are filled with gel or water that respond to your pet’s body heat. One of my personal favorite cooling devices is the Gen7Pets Cool-Air Cot, which made with a durable mesh that allows airflow and prevents hot spots on your dog’s skin.
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What are you and your dog’s plans for this summer? Gain some inspiration from our list of incredible dog-friendly destinations and don’t forget to share your stories with us! Stick around and you’ll also find plenty of awesome pet product reviews and dog health and safety tips.
