Useful Ways To Cool Down Your Dog
The heat is on so
you should keep in mind that dogs can be equally vulnerable to heat than us. If you feel like it’s getting too hot for your comfort, chances are that your dog can feel it too. We’ve gathered some helpful tips so you can keep your dog nice and cool during the summer months.
Remember, dogs don’t sweat like us, they cool down mainly by panting, and are more likely to experience dehydration, heat stress and heat stroke.
This is especially so for older or overweight dogs, dark furred dogs, and brachycephalic breeds (flat faced or short nosed dogs) such as Shih-Tzus, Pekingese, English Bulldogs, Pugs, French Bulldogs, and Boxers.
Signs of heatstroke in dogs include drooling, reddened gums, vomiting, diarrhea, mental dullness or loss of consciousness, uncoordinated movement, collapse.
Keep Your Dog Cool With These Tips:
- Avoid walking your dog during intense heat – early morning or evening walks are best for dogs as temperatures are lower
- Keep their feet cool – if the pavement is too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their paws. Opt for shaded routes and exercise your dog on the grass where possible. Keep sunny paths on your trails to a minimum.
- Water at all times – always have fresh cool water available for your dog when walking or at home. It’s advisable for you to keep it in a metal bowl and in a shady part of your home so the water stays relatively cool.
- Bring the shade – if necessary, create your own DIY shade using an umbrella, a piece of cloth, a shade screen or other heavy fabrics that can be fashioned into a shade screen.
- Frozen treats – give your dog homemade frozen treats. This can be a great way for you to introduce some fiber into your dog’s diet by juicing carrots or celery sticks and freezing them in an ice cube tray. Alternatively, you can also freeze some chicken or pig fat and use those as summer treats.
- Out in the tub – fill up a paddling pool and set it out somewhere shady and cool for your dog to splash about in to cool off. Some dogs might not like this, however. To check whether your dog likes being in a body of water, simply observe their behavior when you’re bathing them.
- Sun protection – Think about using sun cream or sunscreen on exposed body parts such as the nose and tips of their ears. Dogs can also experience sunburns on their skin like us humans.
- Improvise – wet some towels and set them out in the shade for your dog to lie on. You can also use these towels and drape them over your dog to help with their body’s natural cooling process.
Now what you’re armed with these tips, you should have no trouble staying cool with your dog. You can finally enjoy your summer play dates with your dog without worrying about the heat and its negative effects on your dog.