As summer approaches we all get that little guilty feeling when we look at our dog and see that no matter what, they have to wear a fur coat 24/7. They can’t shed layers like us or walk around in a swimsuit, although I’m sure some of you do have swimsuits for your dogs LOL… but that can be our little secret.
When summer starts to roll around I immediately start thinking of creative ways to keep the pack dogs cool, because I know when we’re out on walks even though its before noon, dogs can get overheated easily and its often hard for them to tell us another then heavy panting, white gums, and wobbling but by then heat stroke could already be setting in. So here are 5 things I do to help keep the hot dogs cool in the summer heat.
- Walk in the early morning or late afternoons. Now, this seems almost obvious to most people but every summer I still see people out walking there dogs on HOT pavement in the middle of the day. If you get your walk in before noon there is more shade and the pavement hasn’t heated up yet (depending on where you live of course). Think of it this way, if it’s 77 degrees outside the pavement can be as hot as 125 degrees…..YICKS!!! So be sure to get out and walk before its too hot or wait until late afternoon when the sun starts to go down. Trust me your dog will thank you for it.
- Dog Gel Cooling Collar. It’s a nifty collar that you can put in the freezer, it has a special gel inside that stays cold for hours. You can just put it on your dog’s neck like a collar and it will help keep them a few degrees cooler as it melts (not to be used instead of a collar, it only stays on with velcro). BONUS get two, one for on the walk and one for when you get home. Once you’re done using it you just pop it back in the freezer for the next day.
- WATER WATER WATER…..did I say WATER. Either bring an extra bottle for your dog and get yourself a collapsible bowl. Or if you don’t want to carry the water get yourself a Camelbak or a cheaper option to bring water with you, then your dog can either drink from the Camelbak or you can use the water to fill their bowl. Water helps keep a dog hydrated and cool and keeps them from overheating so if your out on a walk be sure to stop halfway, IN THE SHADE and offer your furry companion a drink. If you’re thirsty so are they.
- Cooling matt. Now obviously you can’t take this with you on your walk but if you’re at home with no A/C or going to the bark with the family its an awesome little mat that when you step on, it releases a cooling sensation, trust me your dog will thank you. And the best part is there is no water involved so your floor and your pup stay DRY!
If you want to get a free list of all the things I personally use to help keep my dogs cool during the summer just put in your information below and I will send you my list!
5. Two words KIDDY POOL. Even if your dog isn’t a swimmer or even if they hate water they may still like to get their paws wet. Dogs release heat through their paws, they can’t sweat so the pads of their feet help regulate their body temperature. They won’t have to completely submerge themselves to cool off all they need to do is get their feet wet. The best part you don’t have to completely fill the pool, just a few inches will do! For an extra bonus add some ice, dogs love to chew it and it makes the water nice and cold for them. (Caution, be sure not to give your dog ice water right after strenuous exercise, it could cool down their body to quickly and shock their system)
So there you have it 5 ways to help keep your pup cool this summer. If you have a dog with a short snout aka bulldog, boxer, Frenchie or any other short-faced dog breeds. Be sure to take EXTRA caution in the heat. Dogs with short snouts aka brachycephalic can have a harder time bringing in the air so in the heat it’s even worse for them. Because they’re not able to regulate their temperature as quickly as longer snout dogs.
Stay cool out there my friends!
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D