Summer is great, except for the excruciating heat. A cool dog is a happy dog. Here’s all you need to know about keeping your dog cool and happy during summer.
Summer is great, except for the excruciating heat. A cool dog is a happy dog. Here’s all you need to know about keeping your dog cool and happy during summer.
With summer comes vacations and endless fun. It’s also a great time to clean up the pool and dive in.
Then, there are the fun trips to the park, flying kites with the kids, licking ice cream, and playing Frisbee with the dog.
However, you’ll have to watch out for the heat. That game of Frisbee could result in a serious case of heatstroke for your dog if you play for too long in the heat.
It’s pertinent that you understand how to keep your dog cool during summer so you both can have a great season.
How hot is too hot?
It’s pretty safe for dogs even when it’s around 90oF, as long as there’s adequate air circulation, water, and a shade for them to stay under.
When it gets too high, you should really keep them out of the sun and find ways to cool them down.
At such high temperatures, there’s very little panting can do to help them. It’s worse for some dogs than others. But, generally, do your best to keep your dog cool when it’s hot. [1]
Some breeds of dogs find it difficult to breathe in hot weather and tend to become more aggressive to visitors.
However, these moods can be adjusted, and once they're made comfortable again, they will return to their sweet, bubbly selves.
Tips for keeping your dog cool in a hot apartment
Dogs need to be outside most of the time, especially if your apartment is hot. However, there are ways you could stay home with them and keep them cool.
Check out the following tips –
ü Fill their bowl with cool water
Add ice cubes to the bowl of water to keep it cool throughout the day. Expect to see them lapping at the cool water throughout the day. Besides, lots of water will save them from getting dehydrated.
You could also try something different such as making frozen treats for your dog to chew on while keeping itself busy and easing the hot temperature.
ü Trim their coats
That thick, rich fur probably adds to your dog’s beauty and character. Unfortunately, it can be a little hot for them. Trim the extra fur to make them feel cooler when the summer comes.
ü Let them soak in a tub
You can also add ice cubes to the water as it can help cool them down faster. Another great option here is to get them a doggie pool. Something simple and portable that you can fill with cool water and let your dog splash around in. Otherwise, let them swim in the main pool, but with adequate supervision.
ü Place them in a room with marble tiles
Marble tiles are cold. You should consider this when carving out a designated space for your dog. After all, it wouldn’t be just for the dog. They’re rather very chic and will look pretty good in your home.
So, if you've got an area of your home with marble tiles, make your dog lie down there for a much-needed cooling sensation.
However, be wary of the hazards related to such flooring. Another great option with fewer slip hazards and just as much cooling properties are natural stone tiles flooring.
ü Fix your HVAC
During the winter season, your heater must have done a lot of work. During summer, it’s time for the AC to take over. Don’t wait till then to fix it up.
Regular HVAC maintenance will ensure your AC is ready for the hot summer months. Make that a priority. Otherwise, keep a fan close to your dog.
Tips that will help to keep your dog cool all through summer
Once your dog becomes uncomfortable in the heat, there are measures you could take to make it feel more comfortable and avoid the risk of heatstroke.
These include –
ü Provide enough fresh water for your dog.
ü Place a paddling pool for your dog to splash around when resting under a shade.
ü Don’t walk your dog over hot streets, sands, and other hot surfaces. Plan the walks you take your buddy on. Go early in the morning or late in the evening when the weather is much cooler.
ü Don’t leave your dog in a closed vehicle or an environment where there is no proper air circulation.
ü Make them lie on damp towels to stay cool.
ü Let them play in the yard with the garden sprinkler on.
ü Come up with a game that doesn’t involve your dog running about.
ü Keep the dog out of the dog house. Literally and figuratively. Dog houses don't allow much airflow, so your dog shouldn't be there during hot seasons.
ü Pay close attention to symptoms your dog displays. It might be a sign of heatstroke.
Dogs and SPF
Turns out humans aren’t the only ones at risk of sunburn. Dogs are also prone to sunburn and the associated effects. It’s usually worse for hairless dog breeds or those with white or thin coats, such as the American Hairless Terrier and Dalmatians.
Go ahead and get some sunscreen for your dog. Be on the lookout for those that are specially formulated for dogs.
They should not contain any zinc oxide or para-aminobenzoic (PABA) acid. These substances are toxic to dogs when ingested and we all know how much dogs love licking their fur.
Another good rule of paw (pun intended) is to go for waterproof, unscented dog sunscreen with an SPF of 30. [2] You can check for these specially formulated sunscreens in pet shops.
However, if you’re worried about using sunscreen on your dog, contact your veterinarian first.
Heatstroke in Dogs
Heatstroke is a risk to watch out for in your dog during hot seasons. Puppies and senior dogs should be watched closely as they are more susceptible to having a heatstroke.
Dogs don't sweat like humans. They don't sweat through their whole body, instead, they do this through the glands of their paw pads. Also, it's only just a small part of their cooling down process.
They eliminate most of the heat by panting. However, sometimes, not even this is enough. So, their body temperature continues to rise, often resulting in heatstroke.
Symptoms of heatstroke in dogs
Ø Discomfort
Ø Heavy panting and salivating
Ø Unconsciousness
Ø Lack of coordination
Ø Vomiting and diarrhea
Ø Seizures
Ø Glazed eyes
Ø Difficulty breathing
Ø Rapid heartbeat. [3]
When you notice any of these signs, take your dog to a cool environment, and reach out to your veterinarian.
You could also take some measures before you get to the vet, such as making them lick ice cubes, rubbing their head, chest, and neck with a damp towel, and giving them cold water to drink.
Always visit your vet regularly to make sure your dog is doing well at all times.
Ultimately, summer can be a great time for dogs and people. There’s so much fun stuff to do. The heat is the only downside.
However, if you can find ways of managing this heat, then you and your canine best friend should pull out the summer shorts and get ready for a fun-filled season.
