Keeping Cool During the Dog Days of Summer

Imagine wearing a fur coat you can’t take off in the summer heat. That’s exactly what our dog buddies deal with. Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are serious hazards for pets, but there are many ways to help them stay cool and comfortable. Apart from the basics of limiting outdoor time, staying hydrated, proper grooming, and protecting their paws from hot pavement, here are a few suggestions for helping keep your pooch happy and healthy all summer long.

1) The Freezer is Your Friend

If your dog has a fillable toy like a Kong, you can put treats like peanut butter inside and pop it into the freezer to harden (but not until completely solid as that can be bad for your dog’s teeth). It will take your dog longer to get the treat out and keep them entertained indoors longer while cooling them down.

The internet is full of recipes for frozen dog treats. Consider having a special treat-making day and fill your freezer with healthy, cold doggie treats to have on hand for those long, hot days. Do consult your veterinarian first as some recommend not giving dogs anything colder than tap water. Talk to your pet care professional about the safest options for your dog.

Here are some recipes to get you started.

2) Cooling Pads

There are several electricity-free cooling pads on the market. If your pup likes to play hard then nap hard, a cooling pad is a great spot to chill out after exercise. You might even want to get one for yourself! Check out this list of the top 15 reviewed by Dog Product Picker.

3) Baby Pools

Kiddie pools are great for fur-babies too! Spend a few hours splashing around and playing with floating toys. This is an inexpensive investment you can reuse year after year.

4) Crate Fans

Not all fans are pet-safe. But there are many dog-friendly models available and some are specifically designed to attach to their crate. Your dog could have their very own little oasis to cool off in! Here is a list of recommended models along with their pros and cons.

5) Cooling Vests

If your dog will be spending time outdoors, you might look into a cooling vest to help regulate their temperature while on the move. These are great for camping and travelling with your dog. Remember: never leave your dog alone in a car even with a cooling vest and AC on.

6) DO NOT . . .

Shave your dog. Their undercoats protect them from sunburn and actually help them stay cool.

Give your dog ice water, ice packs, or ice baths as it can shock their system and can be fatal.

Spend time outside in the heat of the day. Opt for early morning or late evening when temperatures are at their lowest.

Leave your dog alone in a vehicle even with the AC on.