How To Keep Your Dog Cool in the Summer

With summer temperatures increasing, your dog could be at risk of overheating in hot weather. It is really important to make sure that you are keeping your dogs cool, and most importantly, safe. 

Heatstroke in Dogs

Unlike humans, dogs cannot sweat through their skin and can only sweat through their footpads. They also pant to keep themselves cool. High temperatures can cause heatstroke within minutes, which can be damaging or even fatal.

Signs of heat stroke can include:

• Collapsing
• Excessive panting
• Dribbling 
• Weakness
• Confusion
• Seizures
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Red gums
• Fatigue

If your dog is showing signs of heatstroke, you should contact a vet for advice immediately. To avoid such a situation, there are many things that you can do yourself and at home, to try to keep your dog cool.

Dogs in Hot Cars

Dogs should never be left in hot cars when the weather is warm, even if it is only for a short period of time or if the windows are slightly open. Dogs can get heatstroke very quickly, so it is always a good idea to leave them at home if you are going somewhere that you cannot take your dog. Even if it doesn’t feel too warm, a car can become very hot very quickly. Statistics show that if it is 22°C outside, within the hour a car can reach up to 47°C.

Keeping Dogs Hydrated

Make sure that your dog has plenty of water available to them as it is important to keep them hydrated. Sometimes, it may be beneficial to have multiple water sources in your home, or perhaps have one inside, and one outside. Make sure to check that they have enough water in their bowl throughout the day. 

Dog Walking on Hot Days

If you’re planning on taking your dog for a walk, it is a good idea to take water with you. A helpful product for dog walking in the heat is a portable water bottle that doubles as a water bowl. AMAZON AFFILIATE. On hot days, try to walk your dogs early in the morning or later at night, when it is cooler outside. Another thing to note is that dog’s paw pads can burn easily on hot pavements or sand. Test the ground with your hand before taking your dog for a walk. Generally, if it is too hot for your hand, it is too hot for their paws. 

Swimming is a perfect form of exercise for dogs during the summer. As long as you are in a safe place to do so, swimming outdoors is a good way to keep your dog active if it is too hot for a long walk. If you are at the beach, make sure to take fresh water with you as salt water isn’t good for dogs and can make them unwell. However, not all dogs like swimming, so do not force your dog to go into the water.

If your dog is going for a swim, make sure to stay away from the danger of fast flowing rivers and rough seas. Always check first. Also remember to stay up to date with your dogs latest injections/vaccinations. These vaccinations can give them protection against diseases like Leptospirosis, which can be spread through stagnant or contaminated water. If your dog has been for a swim, washing their fur when you get home will clear their fur of anything they may have picked up in the water. 

Dogs with Thick Coats

Dogs with thick coats will shed their fur so that they have a lighter coat in the summer, but it might be an idea to trim the fur of dogs with particularly thick coats, or, if you aren’t comfortable doing this yourself, take them to a groomer that is trained to do so. Try to brush your dog’s fur regularly to help remove shedding fur. Make sure not to trim the fur too short, or to the skin, as this would make them more vulnerable to sunburn. 

Can Dogs Get Sunburn?

Dogs, especially light-coloured dogs, can get sunburn, particularly on their noses, ears, and areas where the fur is thin or skin is showing. If possible, try to keep them cool indoors, or, to avoid sunburn, you can take them for walks in a shaded area. Avoid taking your dog outside when the sun is at its strongest. Alternatively, there are also different brands of dog-friendly sun cream that you can use to keep your dog protected. AMAZON AFFILIATE LINK.

Ideas for Cooling Treats

Giving your dogs cold treats can help them keep cool in the hot summer weather. Some ideas for treats are:

• Frozen kong – Fill a kong with a tasty treat and put in the freezer.
• Frozen mashed banana – Fill in an ice cube tray and freeze overnight.
• Frozen berries – When giving your dog frozen fruit, make sure to avoid fruit that is toxic to dogs.
• Ice cubes/ice chips – On their own or add to water.
• Meaty treats – Freeze wet food and add it to a puzzle feeder.

Bees, Wasps and Other Insects

During the summer months there are different types of insects that could potentially pose a threat to your dog. Many dogs like to chase bees, wasps, and other flying insects, but whilst a single sting may only cause mild pain and irritation, multiple stings can be dangerous. If your dog likes to snap at these flying insects, it could be at risk of being stung in the mouth or throat , which can cause swelling that blocks the airways. Some dogs, just like humans, can even be allergic to bee or wasp stings, so it is important to keep an eye out for signs of an allergic reaction. Signs to look out for can include swelling or difficulty breathing. If you think that your dog is having an allergic reaction, take them to a vet immediately. 

Products to Keep Dogs Cool – Fans, Cooling Mats, paddling pool

There are many products on the market that can help to keep your pets cool. One of these products is a cooling mat. These mats are specifically designed to stay cool throughout the day. And are often filled with a non-toxic cooling gel that is pressure activated. This means that when your dog is on the mat, the pressure will make the mat cold. Some of these mats can even absorb your dog’s body heat, helping them to cool down. They are also available in different sizes meaning that they are suitable for dogs of all sizes. AMAZON AFFILIATE.

Other options for cooling products include cooling collars and vests. The collars are essentially bandanas that you soak in cold water before putting on your dog, which can help reduce heat stress. Cooling vests keep your dog cool through the method of evaporative cooling. They are designed with materials that accelerate the rate of evaporation, helping to cool the air surrounding your dog’s body. Similarly to the collars, you simply soak the vest in cold water before putting it on your dog.

One of the simplest ways of preventing your dog from overheating whilst at home, is to get a paddling pool. Paddling pools filled with cold water are great for providing a space for your dog to cool down, whilst also providing entertainment. Even just getting your dog to stand in the water for a short period of time can be really effective. This is because dogs absorb and release heat through their paws and standing in the water can cool them down quickly.

Finally, another simple yet effective product to use during the warmest months of the year is cooling water bowls for pets. These can come as standard, or you can also get portable ones to take out with you for walks. Some of these work by being frozen and later filled with water, however, there are certain bowls that work differently. These bowls can keep water cool for up to 15 hours.