Need some idea to keep your pooch cool this summer, summer can be fun outside with your dog, but heat can be hard on your furry friend. Dogs are more likely to suffer in the heat than humans, dogs are not always sensible to the heat while some dogs may not leave the house on a hot day and some will run around chasing balls and keep going until they reach the dangerous point overheating. The evident fact is that dogs are covered with fur and this coat offers protection from sun rays but not from heat unlike humans dogs don’t sweat and cannot regulate their temperature and cool themselves down.
10 TIPS TO KEEP YOUR DOG COOL THIS SUMMER IN 2022
1. Avoid walking in hot temperature
dog walking in hot temperature
In the summer season, it may be best to avoid going out for a walk in the middle of the day when the sun is at its strongest, instead, take your dog for a walk earlier in the morning or later in the evening when it’s cooler. Sadly many people continue to walk their dogs in the middle of the day when the temperature is soaring, dogs can also burn their pads in the midday sun. Dogs must not be encouraged to run around and chase balls because they don’t have the ability to cool themselves fast enough after such exercise in the heat. It is important to keep your pooch safe and avoid the heat when it is at its hottest, getting up a bit early t walk your buddy or going out in the evening is far better.
2. Find some shade
Dog with shade
You never see your dog avoiding the sun, but they need some shade too with the fur coat they wear they’re exceptionally at risk during the summer as they do not have the same internal temperature mechanism as humans. Large trees may not be available everywhere, but a collapsible tent are readily available which can be folded and unfolded as required, your dog should always have the opportunity to sit in the shade on a hot summer day it is essential to be aware of your dog’s whereabouts at all times.
3. Use cool dog beds for summer
Cooling dog beds are the perfect tool for keeping your dog cool, it also provides them with a place to lay that’s much cleaner than the ground. Many fancy dog bed options are available including an electric cooling pad. Cooling beds also prevent your pooch from dehydrating since they won’t be as hot as a normal bed, it also helps in preventing the dog from getting sick as the thick base keeps them off the ground and also maintain regular temperature year-around.
4. Do not shave coat on a hot day
Shaving a dog’s coat
Summer is in full swing and temperature is rising nationwide, as responsible pet parents, we want to do everything we can to keep our four legged cool. We humans might feel better when our hair is shorter but in long fur, the air can circulate which actually helps to lower body temperature. Don’t shave the coat without consulting your vet, because the extra fur that keeps the dog warm in winter may also keep them cool in summer. Shaving a dog’s coat on a hot day can cause sunstroke, sunburn and causes irritation.
5. Always carry water
Dog drinking water
Always ensure that whenever you leave home carry plenty of water because in summer dogs could easily become dehydrated. Some signs of dehydrated dog dry mouth and gum thick saliva, excessive panting, dry nose, lethargic head and visibly tired, parched skin lacking elasticity etc. The dog needs to drink one half to one half to one ounce of water for every pound of bodyweight they have, heart stroke is one of the life-threatening medical emergencies caused by an inability to cool down the body’s temperature. If you notice your dog overheating then the best thing you can do is make sure they have plenty of water to drink, keeping your hydrated during summer is very important.
6. Let your dog swim
Dog swimming
If you are fortunate enough to have a pool, lake, beaches nearby that will incline you to jump in with your pooch, one of the best ways to exercise and keep your dog cool in summer is to find a safe swimming place. If you don’t have access to a pool or lake, a small child’s wading pool can be placed and allow your dog to simply stand in water, it’s a good idea to encourage dogs to get wet to cool down. For the dogs that will swim getting out in the water is a good way to cool off, but it should be done for less time because when compared to running swimming is an intense activity.
7. Never leave your dog alone in the car
Dog in the car
It can be deadly to leave a pet in a car during summer because a car left outside in the sun can turn into a real oven in no time. Many pet parents mistakenly believe parking a car in the shade or opening a window will keep the car cool enough, by far it is not enough to protect your pooch from a heat stroke as it can turn into a worst-case scenario for your four legged friends. In some states, pet owners can be faced with violations or charged with animal cruelty and may be subject to fines if they leave a pet inside a hot car.
8. Use wet blanket and cooling mats
Dog cooling pad
Using a towel that has been dampened and kept in the freezer is the best way to cool your dog, even cooling mats can be stationed around the house, or in the car, for your dogs to cool down. Cooling mats are the ones that contain a cooling gel that activates when pressure is applied to the mat.
9. Create breeze
Dog sitting in the window
When the air is full of moisture, a dog may not be able to pant to cool themselves which can lead to heart stroke creating a breeze can make summer heat much more tolerable. Placing a window or fan will create a great breeze which is helpful in cooling by evaporation.
10. Try giving summer treats for dogs
Dog drinking juice
Just like us even our dogs will enjoy a cool summer treat some of the favourite summer treats include popsicles and icicles. If in case your dog doesn’t like fruit flavours consider making frozen bars with plain water. Sometimes just adding ice to the water bowl also help in lowering the temperature.
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