How to keep dogs cool over summer

Our dogs may love the sun as much as we do, but the heat isn’t always the best thing for them. Though dogs can regulate their body temperature fairly well, they often require some extra care and attention during the hotter months, especially as they can be at particular risk of things like heatstroke caused by running and playing.

And of course, it can be especially tricky to keep dogs cool considering their natural inclination to want to lay out in the sun – not to mention, play in it.

As such, it’s important to know what steps to take this summer to help keep your beloved pet family member cool, in order to avoid serious potential issues like heatstroke, sunburn and heat exhaustion – which can be potentially fatal for our four-legged friends.

How to keep dogs cool in summer:

Take them out for a walk at cooler parts of the day

Dogs need a walk every day to keep them physically healthy and mentally stimulated – but this can feel harder to achieve safely during the summer, when temperatures are at the hottest right in the middle of the day.

To keep them as cool as possible on their walk, Dr. Samantha Webster a vet at Joii, working with Animal Friends Pet Insurance, explains that it’s best to take them out either at the very beginning or the end of the day.

“It’s really important that you consider the time of day at which you take your dog for their daily walk. You should always avoid midday, as this tends to be the hottest time. Instead, try to walk them early in the morning or later in the evening (perhaps after work) when the sun is less strong and the ground is much cooler,” she says.

One of the biggest reasons for this – as well as avoiding heatstroke – is to prevent their delicate paws from burning. “If you can’t avoid the heat of the day, try to walk in grassy areas such as local fields or forests so you can avoid hot pavements,” Dr. Samantha says. “Booties can help protect your dog’s paws from hot surfaces, but you may need to take some time to train your dog to tolerate them.”

If you’re unsure if it’s too hot to walk your dog, try the ‘seven-second rule’ – which involves holding the back of your hand on the pavement for seven seconds. If it’s too hot for you, it’ll be too hot for your dog to walk.

Also, if your dog loves enjoying your garden, it can also be wise to “encourage them to take breaks in the shade to prevent overheating,” Axel Lagercrantz, CEO of Pets4Homes, suggests.

Make sure they have access to water (but not too much)

Hydration is obviously a key part of keeping your dog cool in the hot summer, but it can be tricky to get enough water into a dog that doesn’t naturally choose to drink much.

Dr. Webster urges: “Ensure your pet has access to water but don’t allow them to drink too quickly, as there is a risk they may inhale it. And if they won’t drink, at least keep their tongue wet by putting water on it carefully.”

Make your dog a ‘pupsicle’

Sometimes it can be easier to get your dog to eat an appetising treat to help them cool down than a bowl of water, so pet expert Lisa Melvin at Pet Range suggests making them a ‘pupsicle’ they won’t be able to resist.

“For a healthy, hydrating snack that’s perfect for a summer treat, why not make your dog their very own pupsicle? Whizz up a handful of their favourite fresh fruit or veg in a blender and freeze in silicone moulds, so you can easily pop them out into your dog’s bowl whenever they need to cool down,” she says.

Pick up some pet cooling products

Some canines enjoy sitting by the fan or an open door or window when it’s hot, but if that doesn’t feel like enough to help them cool down, you can also pick up various cooling product that might assist them, too.

“Cooling vests and mats, for example, are designed to absorb and dissipate heat from your dog, providing immediate relief from the heat,” Axel Lagercrantz, CEO of Pets4Homes, says. “Cooling mats can either be put in the fridge and cooled manually before being given to the dog, or filled with cold water.

“Cooling vests, on the other hand, work by lowering the temperature of your dog’s skin and blood, which subsequently cools the whole body,” he continues. “They stay cool for a couple of hours – but it’s very important to remember to remove the vest once it becomes warm or dries out; otherwise your dog may end up overheating due to the additional layer.”

Utilise baths and paddling pools

A paddling pool, at the right temperature, can cool your dog down no end – and provide hours of fun, too.

“The cool water can provide them relief from the sun, and is a fun way for your pooch to cool off,” Axel says. “Make sure you set it up in a shaded area, and keep an eye on your dog to ensure safety. Alternatively, many dogs enjoy running through sprinklers to cool down on a hot day; and this has the added bonus of keeping your grass watered.”

However, you should avoid using the hose on your dog in an attempt to cool them down, Rover.com’s Canine Behaviourist Expert, Adem Fehmi says.

“When playing with water in the garden, it is best to avoid hosing your dog with cold water, as the temperature change can shock your dog and potentially create a negative association around water or hoses,” he explains.

If you wish, you can even bathe your pups at a cool (not cold) temperature, to help reduce any excessive feelings of heat.

“If your dog enjoys being bathed, a cool bath at home during the day can work wonders to reduce their body temperature,” Adem says.

Use ice cubes to keep dogs cool

Ice cubes can be a valuable tool when it comes to keeping your pet cool in the heat, PDSA Vet Nurse Gemma Renwick explains.

“Posts circulate on social media every summer claiming that the cold temperature of ice cubes can confuse a dog’s heat-regulating system, resulting in their body actually warming up – but this is untrue. Providing your pooch is fit and well, supplying a few ice cubes to play with or in their water bowl is a great way to cool them down,” she says.

“But if your pet is small, or has a tendency to wolf down their food, ice shavings may be more suitable.”

You can even help your dog to sleep easier on seriously hot days, by using ice to cool their bed down. Gemma advises, “on warmer days, place an ice pack wrapped in a towel in your pet’s bed to keep it (and them) cool. But be sure to always supervise your furry friend to ensure they don’t chew the ice pack or cooling mat, as the contents can be harmful.”

However, if you suspect your dog is suffering with heatstroke, it’s important to be very cautious about this cooling method. “The most important thing to remember is to never give ice to a dog suffering from sunstroke, as this can cause their system to go into shock. Take them to a vet as quickly as possible to seek expert advice,” Dr. Webster says.

Keep them well groomed at all times

Though a dog should be able to regulate their body heat fairly well, keeping their fur short can make staying cool a lot easier for your pet.

“Grooming will help your dog to regulate their temperature in the heat – especially if they have long or thick hair,” Gemma says. “Although dogs don’t sweat through their skin like humans, a tangle-free coat will allow your furry friend’s skin to breathe better.”

However, Axel warns that getting rid of their fur entirely isn’t the answer either. “Avoid shaving your dog, as their fur provides protection against the heat,” he says.

Keep them in your coolest rooms

It may sound obvious, but keeping your pet as cool as possible in your home means ensuring that they are spending more time in cooler rooms of the house.

Justin Bland, dog expert at Pointer, says: “Definitely avoid any room with no air circulation like a greenhouse or conservatory, this can be harmful for your dog, and utilise open windows or fans (if you have them) if it helps to cool down a room.”

In fact, Axel, suggests that airflow is key to cooling your home down for your pup (and you).

“To help keep your dog cool inside, be mindful of the airflow in your house. Getting good airflow helps lower the temperature inside. You can do this by opening windows and doors opposite each other. Fans are also great at lowering the temperature inside; position fans at your dog’s level to create a nice breeze and help them cool down,” he says.

This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.