How to Keep Your Dog Cool this Summer

Summer months are for exploring the outdoors to enjoy the warm days and sunshine. For us dog owners, you may worry about bringing him out in the heat. Heatstroke is easily avoidable for our pets with the proper precautions. Whether you take them for a walk around the block, a ride around the beach, or just out in the yard to play, the heat can be harder on them than you may expect. Here are the best tips to keep your furry best friend safe from the heat.

Stay Hydrated

Like their parents, water accounts for most of a dog’s body weight. A rule of thumb is that dogs should drink between 1/2 to 1 ounces of fresh water per pound of bodyweight a day. As you may have noticed, dogs are sloppy drinkers. You may need to add more to account for all the water that ends up on the ground or around their mouth.

Circulate Cool Air

Open the windows all the way, turn on a box fan or keep the air conditioning at a reasonable temperature for the day. You, and your dog, will appreciate having a cool place to relax and escape the heat indoors. If you think none of these tactics are successful, invest in a cooling vest or mat. Along with circulating the cool air, if you are outside for long stretches, make sure you have a nice setup in the shade.

Never Leave Dogs In A Parked Car

It’s common sense, but temperatures inside cars can reach astronomical levels quickly on a warm summer day. On an 85-degree day, it can reach 102℉ within 10 minutes (even with the windows cracked). Around 30 minutes, it could be up to 120 inside the vehicle. Leave your friend at home, or go places where they can come with you outside of a car.

Try Giving Your Dog Cool Snacks

If you are at home or out in the garden, pool, or backyard, try giving your dog a few ice cubes or freeze one of his chew toys. Other than the obvious cold snacks, below are more ideas to keep your dog cool he will very much enjoy!

  • Pupsicles.
  • Frozen Fruits and Veggies. Broccoli, cucumbers, watermelon, strawberries, blueberries, bananas.
  • Frozen Kongs.
  • Pup Ice Cream.

Check the Pavement

On very warm days, the pavement may be too hot for your dog’s paws. We should always check the ground on our walking route to keep paws safe. The general rule is if it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. If that is the case, stick to grass or dirt areas during your walk/exercise.

Know the Signs of Heatstroke in Dogs

You need to approach the hot weather carefully with your pup. Here are the key signs of heatstroke in your dog:

  • Excessive panting and/or salivating
  • Obvious discomfort
  • Vomiting and diarrhea
  • Disorientation
  • Seizures

If you believe your pup is going through any of these symptoms in the heat, move your dog to a cooler environment ASAP and contact your local veterinarian for further instructions. If you’re spending the day in the sun at the beach, park, or a friend’s house with your dog, consider bringing along a thermometer so you can monitor your dog’s temperature. When your dog’s temperature stays elevated (104-109℉), even after stopping activity and getting out of the heat, that’s a sign you need to intervene immediately.

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