Dogs and summer don’t go along unless you step in to create a difference. It is hard for dogs to handle the heat and might also experience heatstrokes, so your duty as a dog owner is to keep them cool.
If you think ahead and prepare well, you and your dog both will have a relaxed, fun summer. We have some fantastic tips to help you keep your dog cool during a hot summer day.
Never Forget the WATER!
Water is essential at all times, but it must never be forgotten on a hot day. Just remember how thirsty you become on a hot summer day. Well, it’s the same with dogs too.
Give your dog plenty of water to drink, especially during the day. When outdoors, make sure you have a bottle of water and a bowl readily available for them.
Keep filling their water bowls now and then so they can take a sip whenever they want to. This will help them stay hydrated on hot days.
Avoid Long Walks
Dogs can’t cope with the heat so avoid taking your dogs for long walks during hot summer days.
Consider a short walk during late evenings when the temperature has dropped, or try some activities at home to keep them active.
Even if you take your dog for long walks, remember to take breaks in the shade to let them cool down.
Keep Your Dog’s Paws Away from Hot Surfaces
Surfaces such as sand and tarmac can heat up in the sun during summer. This can make your dog’s paws painful as they move about.
To avoid this, you can take yours to more grassy and shaded areas during the summer days. Also, try your best to keep them from having to move much on hot surfaces during such weather.
Never Leave Your Dog Alone in a Car
Even if your car is parked at a spot with shade and open windows, leaving your dog alone in the car can be a bad idea.
Dogs become uncomfortable and distressed. This can quickly turn into a heatstroke.
Plan your schedules so your dog won’t be left alone in the car or any other enclosed space. Travelling on a hot day with your dog in a car must be avoided as much as possible.
Have the air conditioning on and cool your car before letting your dog in for travel.
If you need to travel due to unavoidable circumstances, make sure not to let the direct sun fall on them. You can also put shade covers for the windows to protect your dog from the hot sun.
Also, It is best to consider travelling either early morning or evening when the temperatures are slightly lower, and there is almost no traffic, so you and your dog won’t get stuck under the sun for long periods.
Let Your Dog Take a Dip In the Water
If you have a pool at home, you should consider letting your dog take a dip to help them stay cool during a hot summer day.
Though this seems like a great idea, remember to be cautious. If your dog is hot or starting on a heatstroke, it may worsen if you try to lower the temperature too abruptly.
To avoid this, you can let your dog test the water slowly by just allowing him to stand on cold water with his feet for a while. You can also check his temperature at this time.
Allowing your dog to stand in cold water will help them to dissipate heat as their foot pads are one of the places they sweat.
Groom Your Dog Regularly
It is essential to groom your dogs regularly to keep their fur free of knots and clean. This will also help them stay cool during hot days. You could also plan a pampering session for the dog to feel more relaxed.
Encourage Activities that Keep Your Dog Out of the Heat
Taking your dog out during summers for a prolonged duration is strongly not advised. But this could make it hard for you to keep up with their surplus energy. So getting them involved in some kind of activity is vital to keep them active and healthy.
This can be done by allowing your dog to run and play in shaded areas away from the heat. Or, if you have space indoors, making a fun obstacle course for them is also a great idea to get them to use their energy.
You can also plan their dog training sessions during summers, where the trainer would ensure your dog gets its daily dose of physical activity it needs in the right surroundings.
Keep an Eye for Signs of Heatstroke
When dogs cannot reduce their body temperature, they develop heatstrokes, which can be fatal. Not just during hot days, but heatstrokes can happen even during warmer temperatures.
Be aware of the signs of heatstroke, so you know how to manage it and prevent it from aggravating.
Signs of heatstroke to look out for:
- Lack of energy and enthusiasm
- Heavy panting
- Confusion
- Shaking
- Loss of coordination
- Weakness
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Foaming at the mouth
- Drooling
- Seizures
You must act quickly and contact your vet if you think your dog has had a heatstroke.
To help your dog feel better while you are contacting your vet, you can do the following:
- Move your dog to a cool and shaded place.
- Make them remain calm and still.
- Give your dog some cool water to drink (keep the quantity less).
- Place your dog near a fan.
- Put them on top of a cooling mat.
- Pour cool water over their feet, head, and ears. Never use too cold water or ice as this might cause shock and can lead to shivering.
Never forget to seek medical attention as soon as possible when you start noticing the signs of a heat stroke.
Conclusion
Helping your dog stay cool on a hot summer day is all about being mindful. First, of course, it is crucial to keep them out of the sun by restricting their outdoor activities. Next, your should ensure they are well hydrated and get plenty of rest.
Also, to keep them active, you should plan some fun indoor activities or outings for them. For example, you can take them to dog-friendly restaurants, join a dog group or maybe identify a good dog trainer and enrol them in dog training classes.
Hope you found this guide helpful to keep your dog healthy and happy during summers and also reduce the risk of getting heatstroke.
A comfortable dog means a happy you. With these handy tips, you and your dog both can enjoy the summers equally.
