Summer heat? Ways to keep your dog cool and comfortable!

Summer can be a wonderful time to enjoy the outdoors with your dog. Long walks, playing in the yard and swimming are favorites, but the heat can also be dangerous for your dog. Overheating and heat stroke are serious risks that we ofcourse want to prevent. That’s why it’s important to know how to keep your dog cool. In this blog I share some practical tips to ensure that your dog stays cool and comfortable during the heat.

1. Provide shade

On hot days it is extremely important that your dog always has access to a shady spot, especially if you spend a lot of time outside together or the dog is outside alone. For example, you can set up a parasol or stretch a shade cloth in the garden. Inside you can close the curtains to keep the room cool. A cool, dark place allows your dog to escape the heat and cool down.

2. Hydration is extremely important

Drinking enough water is essential for everyone, especially on hot days. Make sure your dog always has access to fresh, cool water. Place several water bowls in different places in the house and garden and change the water regularly.

3. Avoid the hot noon hour

Plan walks and outdoor activities in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler. The asphalt and sidewalk can become very hot during the day and burn your dog’s paws. A good rule of thumb is to test the asphalt with your hand; if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog. By avoiding midday you reduce the risk of overheating.

4. Use cooling mats and cooling vests

There are several products on the market that are specifically designed to keep dogs cool, such as cooling mats and cooling vests. Cooling mats are often filled with a gel that feels cool to the touch, and cooling vests can be soaked in water and then worn on your dog. These products can make a big difference, especially for dogs with thick coats or dogs that easily suffer from the heat. You can purchase these, for example, from Hunter Co.

5. Play with water

Many dogs love water, and gentle play in a kiddie pool or with a garden hose can be a great way to cool them down. Make sure you always supervise and make sure your dog doesn’t drink too much water while playing. Swimming in a safe and clean lake or pool can also be an excellent way to let your dog cool off and have fun at the same time. Be careful not to make your swimming too active: calm paddling cools your dog down much more than being super active in retrieving balls from the water.

6. Refreshing snacks

Pamper your dog with frozen treats such as ice cubes with chicken stock or frozen pieces of fruit. This is not only tasty, but also helps to cool your dog in the heat. You can also make your own ice cream for your dog with ingredients such as yogurt, banana and peanut butter, provided you are sure that your dog does not have any food allergies. Also make sure that ingredients such as peanut butter do not contain xylitol, which is very dangerous for dogs!

7. Watch for signs of overheating

It is important to recognize the signs of overheating so that you can intervene quickly if necessary. Symptoms of overheating include excessive panting, drooling and red mucous membranes, lethargy, vomiting and a rapid heart rate. If you notice these symptoms, immediately take your dog to a cool place, give him water and contact your vet for advice.

Do you have any other tips for keeping your dog cool in the heat? Share them in the comments below! Also, don’t forget to follow me on social media for more helpful dog tips and stories.