Keeping Your Pup Cool in the Summer
The summer heat is finally here, and it is going to be a hot one. With the dog days of summer upon us, we want to make sure your pup stays cool and has plenty of water during these scorching months. We have compiled some great tips on how you can keep your pup safe in the sun this summer!
Keep your Pup Hydrated
The first thing to do to keep your dog cool is to make sure they have plenty of water. Be mindful that as the temperature increases, so does your dog’s need for hydration!
If your dog is spending time outside, be sure to have plenty of fresh water available for them. It can be difficult to gauge your dog’s hydration needs, but you should try and keep a close eye on their pee color. If it is bright yellow or dark amber that means they are not well-hydrated.
Allow Your Pup to Go Inside for a Break from the Heat
Dogs spending a lot of time outdoors in the heat should have access to indoors. Your pup may not always want to go inside but should have the option if they become too hot.
Some dogs do well with a cool indoor place like an air-conditioned room or porch where there is shade and water available.
Use Cool Water on Hot Spots or Other Areas Prone to Overheating
When dogs get hot, they can overheat. Therefore, it’s important to keep a close eye on any area of their body that might get too hot like the belly, chest or armpits and make sure they have plenty of cool water available for drinking as well as cooling off with an ice cube rubbed on those areas where heat typically builds up.
Some signs of your dog overheating include panting heavily, drooling excessively and whining.
A cool bath is a good way to cool your pup quickly because their body temperature will drop as the water evaporates off them. Just make sure it is not too cold!
Offer Ice Cubes as an Alternative to High-Calorie Treats
Ice cubes are a fun treat in the heat. You can place them in your dog’s bowl to cool the water, or just give it to them to play with. The ice will cool them down from the inside out.
Ice not enough? Try freezing low-fat unsweetened yogurt and dog-safe fruit for a fun treat that has a few calories. Your dog will love the creamy texture and the activity will keep them busy for at least a few minutes.
##Keep Your Home Cool
The summer weather can lead to increased indoor temperatures too. To keep everyone inside your home comfortable, we suggest the following: tips:
- Open windows in the evening when the weather is cooler. The airflow makes resting and sleeping more comfortable.
- During the daytime, close your shades to keep sunlight from entering the home and warming the space. If you get full sun most of the day, consider placing Mylar (a.k.a. BoPET) in your widows to reflect light away from your home.
- Avoid turning on the oven or the stove. Instead of hot dinners, opt for salads, sandwiches, and other light fare that keeps the house from warming up.
By keeping your home cool, your pets (and family members) will be happier.
Avoid Walking Your Dog During the Hottest Part of the Day
Typically, between 12 pm and 4 pm, the day is hottest. Why? The sun is at its highest point in the sky, and it is difficult for anything to cool down.
Protect your pet from heatstroke by walking them before 12 pm or after sunset. This will ensure that your dog will not overheat. Of course, remember to keep walks short during the hottest months, and pay attention to forecasts for heat advisories.
Bring Activities Indoors
Lastly, just because it is hot outside, does not mean you can’t have fun with your dog. Just bring that fun indoors.
Play with your dog indoors with games like fetch, hide-and-seek, and tug of war. These activities require little equipment, and they will keep your dog stimulated during the heat of the summer when it is unsafe for them to be outdoors too long!