8 Ways to Keep a Dog Cool in the Summer
While some dogs take the summer heat in their stride, others really struggle with this.
Wondering how you can keep a dog cool in the summer?
Here are 8 ideas to try:
1. Cooling Mats and Damp Towels
You want your pooch to be able to comfortably relax in the summer, which is where a cooling mat comes in.
These mats contain a special self-cooling gel that draw heat away from a dog's body, helping to keep their body temperature down.
Don't want to splurge on a cooling mat that your dog may not use?
Try placing a damp towel down instead. If your dog gravitates towards this and seems to enjoy lying on it, then, chances are, a cooling mat will go down well too.
Of course, you can skip the cooling mat altogether and just use damp towels. However, keep in mind that you will need to continuously dampen the towel in order to keep it cool throughout the day.
2. Provide Some Shade
When trying to keep a dog cool in the summer, it is essential that you provide plenty of shade.
An outdoor thermometer can help you to identify the coolest spots around your house, and you can then work on adding a bit more shade to these areas.
Natural shade, such as trees and shrubs, are great. However, if you don't have any of this in your garden, it may be worth investing in a collapsible shading tent, or even an umbrella, for your hot pooch to lie under. Bonus points if you also place a cooling mat or a damp towel in this area too!
3. Icy Treats
You probably love cooling off with an ice cream in the summer heat...
Well, your dog would enjoy something similar too!
Yes, there are many ice cream brands out there designed just for dogs. However, if you want to save some money but still treat your dog to an ice cream on a regular basis, you could make your own instead.
Try freezing some blended bananas, mixing this in with a dollop of peanut butter for extra flavor. You could also make icy treats with meat, kibble, or anything else you have to hand. Simply place these into a mold, add some water, and then freeze.
Don't have time to whip up some icy treats for your pooch?
Try adding a handful of ice cubes to your dog's water instead. Many dogs also like playing with ice cubes, making this another great way to keep a dog cool in the summer.
4. Cold Water
Speaking of ice cubes in water...
Make sure that your dog always has cold water available in the summer.
It is so much easier for a dog to dehydrate in the heat, meaning that your pooch will need plenty to drink to keep his hydration levels up.
If the two of you are out and about, make sure that you bring a few bottles of water with you so that you can keep your pup cool on-the-go.
5. A Cooling Dip
Many people think that the best way to keep a dog cool in the summer is by putting that dog into some cold water, whether this may be a pool, a pond or a lake.
This does work quite well, but, it can also be dangerous if your dog is too hot...
How?
Because this will lower your dog's surface temperature very rapidly. This may sound like a good thing, but it is actually your dog's core body temperature you want to lower, not the surface temperature. Lowering the surface temperature too quickly only causes the internal organs to heat up even more, which is where the danger comes in.
If you think your dog may be over-heating, allow him to stand in cool water for a couple of minutes, rather than placing his whole body into it.
Wading pools designed for children are great for this. They will help your dog to regulate his temperature safely, without the chance of over-heating.
You could also try creating a mist for your dog to lie in. This can easily be done if you have a hose pipe – misting attachments are readily available and reasonably priced.
6. A Light Breeze
If the air around you is extremely still and muggy, then chances are that your dog would benefit from a light breeze.
Wondering how to create that breeze?
All you need is a fan!
This will help to keep your dog cool, and can be used both indoors as well as outdoors.
7. Shave Them Down
If your dog's coat could do with a trim, this is a great way to keep a dog cool in the summer.
However, not every dog should be shaved...
Does your dog have a double coat?
This means that there is a dense and woolly coat close to the skin, with a longer coat above this.
If your answer is yes...
Then shaving isn't the answer for your dog. That double coat helps your dog to regulate his body temperature, keeping him warm in the winter but cool in the summer. If you shave it off, you interfere with this process, and your dog may end up feeling hotter than ever.
If your dog has a single coat...
Go ahead and get those clippers out! Your pooch will likely thank you big time once all of that extra hair is off.
8. Don't Over-Exercise
Yes, exercise is so important for a dog, but, if you are trying to keep a dog cool in the summer, you need to make sure that you don't overdo this.
Save the exercising for early in the morning or later in the evening, once the sun isn't quite as strong. Make sure that you also allow for plenty of breaks to prevent your pooch from over-heating.
Want to do a quick dog walk in the middle of the day?
Make sure that you check the pavement first.
How?
Simply place the palm of your hand down onto the pavement and hold it there for a while.
Does it feel too hot to handle?
If so, then it will be too hot for your dog's paws too.
Don't worry if your dog seems to really be struggling with the heat – it really doesn't take much at all to keep a dog cool in the summer. Simply give some of these eight tips a try, and you will soon find that your dog is looking and feeling much more comfortable!
