7 Tips To Keep Your Dog Cool This Summer 🍉

Summer is here, and while we all love the warmer weather, it's essential to keep our furry friends safe and cool. Your dog relies on you to help them beat the heat. Here are some tips to ensure your pup stays comfortable during those hot summer days. 

How to Know Your Dog is Overheating 

Dogs can’t tell us they’re too hot, but they have their own ways of showing it. Keep an eye out for these signs: 

- Dehydration: Loss of skin elasticity, loss of appetite, reduced energy levels, dry nose, dry sticky gums, and other symptoms. 

- Panting: Excessive panting is a clear sign your dog is trying to cool down. 

- Thick Saliva: Noticeably thick or sticky saliva. 

- Vomiting or Diarrhea: If it happens without any other apparent reason, heat might be the culprit. 

- Lethargy: If your usually energetic dog seems listless or uninterested in play, walks, or other activities. 

A trick to check your dogs skin elasticity is to gently hold the skin between the shoulder blades. If your dog is properly hydrated the skin will bounce back immediately. When a dog is slightly dehydrated, the skin will go back to its original position slowly. If the skin holds in its position, that means your dog is dehydrated.

Hydrate Your Dog 

Offer your dog a cool drink of water right away. Dehydration can happen quickly, so keeping them hydrated is crucial. But be careful—they shouldn’t drink too fast. Consider using a slow feeder or placing large objects (too big to swallow) in their bowl to slow them down. 

Another effective way to ensure your dog is receiving some extra hydration during those hot days is to add some bone broth topper to their dry food.

Bring Your Dog Inside 

If your dog is showing signs of overheating, bring them indoors immediately. Air conditioning is the quickest way to cool them down. No AC? No problem! Find a fan and let them relax in front of it. 

Give Cold/Frozen Treats

Just like us, dogs appreciate a cold treat on a hot day. Try freezing one of their favourite toys or their wet dog food in ice cube trays. We recommend Go! Solutions wet food recipes for dogs for a tasty and cooling treat. You could also offer a brothsicle for a healthy cooling treat.

Provide Shade 

Dogs are smart and will often seek out shade when they’re too hot. Ensure your outdoor space has plenty of shady spots, like under trees, bushes, or umbrellas. Also, remember that pavement and rocks can get scorching—make sure they have grassy or dirt-covered areas to walk or lie on. If you plan on being outside, or around the pool, for an extended period of time, cooling mats, vests, and bandana's will help keep your pet cool while having fun with the whole family.

Let Them Play in the Water 

Many dogs love water and will gladly splash around to cool off. If you have access to a lake, pool, or beach, let your dog take a dip. No nearby water? A sprinkler hose in the yard works wonders too! It's a bonus if you have kids who can join in the fun. 

Keeping Your Dog Cool

Remember, hydration and shade are your dog’s best friends in the summer heat. Avoid direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day and always provide plenty of water. Also provide cool, healthy treats, shaded areas, and keep an eye out for the signs of overheating.

Keep your pup safe and enjoy the summer together with these tips from PetMax.ca!