5 Tips to Keep Your Dog Cool This Summer
Summer is right around the corner! It’s important to know a couple of tips to keep your fur friend cool during summer. Especially here in South Florida, things get pretty darn hot so I though I would share 5 tips on how to keep your dog cool and prevent overheating during the hot summer months.
The first thing most people think about is shaving off their dog’s hair. Be careful when shaving your dog since many breeds use their fur as ventilation during summer. Definitely consult your veterinary before shaving your dog’s hair.
1. Cool Treats
Just as much as you like a cold piece of watermelon on a hot day, so does your dog! Watermelon provides hydration and is a ´n awesome treat for your pup. You can also freeze some strawberries and feed them as a treat. In Florida, May and June is Mango season, so if your dog likes mangos, freeze some and use them as a refreshment during those hot summer days. Just remember that dogs typically do not eat fruits, so feed your dog everything in moderation!
Another awesome refreshment is a peanut butter kong. You can just stuff the kong with peanut butter and pop it in the freezer overnight. Trust me: Your dog will love it!
2. Early/Late Walks
This one is very important since hot asphalt can actually burn your dog’s paws. Try to go on very early and late walks with your dog to avoid skin destruction on your dog’s paws. One way to check if the pavement is too hot: Rest your hand on the asphalt for 10 seconds to check if it’s too hot. The American Kennel Club (AKC) actually determined that if the outside air temperature is 77°F, the asphalt will be around 125°F. If your schedule doesn’t allow you to go on early/late walks, you should try to select shaded routes, or consider dog shoes (as mentioned below in tip #5).
3. Backyard Fun
If you have kids, you probably already have one: setup a kiddy pool or a sprinkler in your backyard. This is not just fun for your kids but it is also fun to watch your dog cool off in the water. Definitely make sure that the pool is made from a durable material since your dog’s teeth or nails might pop a blow-up pool. This one is made from a high-density fiberboard. It comes in different sizes and can be folded if it is not needed anymore. Another option is to set up a good ol’ sprinkler. A sprinkler always does the trick!
4. Hydration
Make sure your dog has 24/7 access to water. If you don’t already own a collapsable bowl for your dog, get one! They are super convenient and pretty cheap. You can take this collapsible bowl wherever you go. As an extra refreshment, add a few ice cubes to your dog’s water. However, you should not give ice cubes to your dog as a treat since it can damage their teeth.
5. Protect his Paws
If your schedule doesn’t allow you to go on early/late walks, you can try to protect your dog’s feet with shoes. I have ordered these right after my dog burnt his paws after going on a hike. Let me tell you, he looked absolutely ridiculous. He was literally walking like he was stepping out of them. He hated the shoes even more than he hated the pain. I did return them but I know that some dogs do not mind them. If your dog is one of them, I can absolutely see the benefits of wearing shoes outside (especially when you mainly walk on asphalt or pavement, without much grass in the area). For my dog this did not work out, but it can never hurt to try different things.
These are 5 tips to make sure you dog does not overheat during summer. However, it is important to always keep an eye on your dog and recognize signs of overheating. If your dog is panting a lot, lies down, seeks shade or shows any other signs of overheating, consult your veterinary immediately.
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