How to Keep Your Dog Cool During Summer
Here in the UK, we are currently having a heatwave! As the weather fluctuates from cold and rainy to scorching temperatures from week to week, us British cannot always manage to deal with what’s going on and just freak out.
One thing we can absolutely not get bamboozled by is keeping our dogs happy, safe, and cool, during summer when temperatures are hotting up.
Go for walkies early in the morning or late at night
Common sense, it’s much cooler early in the morning, as well as later on in the evening. Going out in the late morning or afternoon is where the day will be at it’s warmest and the least comfortable for your dog when you are taking them for walk.
Check the pavement before going anywhere
British towns and cities can reach scorching temperatures in the summer. Check with your hand to see if the pavement is too hot. If it’s too hot for your hand then it’s too hot for your doggie’s precious paws. You can also buy dog boots from pet stores which protect dogs’ feet.
Make sure your doggie is staying hydrated
Make sure their water bowl is always topped up with fresh drinking water. Carry a bottle of water with you when you are out for a walk – one for you and one for you pup! I have a bottle which has a water bowl attached, and also a clip so I can clip it onto my belt hoop.
Use a wet towel or a water spray bottle
Dogs cool from the bottom up as they sweat from their paw pads. A nice lie down on a towel damped with cool water helps keep your dog as well as a quick spritz of cool water from a spray bottle.
Go for a swim
Lots of dogs enjoy swimming, be it at the beach or in a paddling pool in the garden. You can also go swimming with your dog through exercises such as hydrotherapy. Make sure that you and your dog are safe at all times! If you take your dog to swim somewhere salty such as the sea, be sure to clean them off after as the salt can dry out the skin and cause irritation.
Keep an eye on your dog
When the weather is like this, it’s a good idea to check in with your furry friend often to see if they are panting excessively or seem lethargic. Dogs with short noses such as pugs, boxers, and staffies, can get heatstroke from little exercise.
Keep their coat trim
If your dog doesn’t moult then make sure their coat is groomed regularly and not too long as they can overheat. Dogs with pale coloured ears, nose and areas with less hair such as their tummies are very susceptible to sunburn.
Give your dog frozen treats
Dogs love treats, and when it’s hot out you can make doggy ice pops by freezing their favourite treats. If your dog likes Kong then you can stuff one and place it in the freezer for 10 minutes or so. For healthier woofers, slice some cucumber and freeze it for a super quick, cold treat.
NEVER LEAVE YOUR DOG IN A HOT CAR
Most of us know this, but every year we see so many cases where dogs have been left to die in hot cars. There is absolutely no reason to ever do this. Even with all the windows open, the glass windows of the car make it stifling.
My dog’s favourite thing to do on a hot day is lay down and take it easy in front of our huge fan. What do your pets like doing on a hot, summers day? Leave a comment below!
