8 Tips to Keep Your Furry Friends Cool in the Summer

The summer season is a pleasant time of year, filled with sunlight and beautiful weather.

if your dog does enjoy being outside when it’s warm out, you’ll have to keep a few factors in mind. Take a look at our favorite eight tips to keeping your furry friends cool this summer season.

1. Keep an eye out for any signs of heatstroke.

If your dog starts panting, acting lethargic, drooling heavily, exhibiting signs of a fever, vomiting, or collapsing, it’s likely that he or she is currently having, or about to have a heat stroke. If this is the case, rush your dog to the vet as soon as possible, as the heat stroke can cause permanent organ damage.

2. Always hydrate your dog.

If the temperatures are high outside, you’ll want to keep a fresh supply of clean water in your dog’s bowl for him or her to stay hydrated. Always be mindful that your dog will need fresh water consistently, so it might be a good idea to keep two water bowls out during the summer instead of one.

3. Provide your dog with many ways to cool off, not just one way.

Though it’s a good idea to provide your dog with a doghouse in the backyard, it’s also a good idea to ensure he or she has multiple areas of shade to lie under when the weather gets too hot. Keep in mind, dog houses can get pretty hot, too. This defeats the purpose of cooling down your pup.

Try placing a fan or two in the yard so your dog can lie in front of them. You can also put ice cubes in his or her dog bowl and provide him or her with a cold treat once in a while.

4. Do not leave your dog alone in a hot car.

Even if the windows are cracked, that car can get extremely hot; DO NOT leave your dog in a hot car. Cars can get in the high temperatures within a matter of minutes, and this is not good for your dog.

Also, do not leave your car on with the air conditioning running and your dog in it. If your car ends up stalling, the air conditioning will no longer work, and your dog could die within minutes.

5. If you go on long walks, go on them with your dog in the morning or evening.

Temperatures reach their highest during the middle of the day, and this can overwhelm your dog. It’s best to get your walks in during the early, cool hours, or the late, chilly hours.

6. If it’s super hot out, do not leave your dog outside for more than a few minutes.

Even if your dog is in the shade, the extremely high temperatures can have a drastic impact on your dog’s well-being. Let them go outside to go to the bathroom and bring them back in to cool down.

7. Don’t walk your dog on hot sidewalks.

If the sidewalks, pavement, or sand is too hot, keep your dog off it. If the surfaces are too hot, your dog’s paws can potentially crack or burn, and that’s very painful for them to endure.

If you’re wondering how to tell if the pavement is too hot for your dog to walk on, take your shoe off and test it yourself. If you can’t walk on it for more than a few seconds or minutes, chances are, neither can your dog.

8. Brush your dog regularly.

If your dog has long hair, you’ll want to brush him or her regularly, as an untangled coat can cool your dog down. Getting a haircut is also an option for your dog, but be sure to leave at least one inch of hair on him or her at all times to protect them from the sun.

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