How To Keep Your Dog Cool In The Heat

How To Keep Your Dog Cool in Heat

As the temperature rises and the sun shines brighter, it's important to ensure that our furry friends are kept comfortable and safe during the scorching summer months. Dogs, like humans, are susceptible to the heat, and their well-being depends on our efforts to keep them cool. In this blog, we'll explore a range of practical and effective strategies to help your canine companion beat the heat and enjoy a happy, healthy summer. This page contains affiliate links that earn us a small commission at no expense to our readers. These small commissions help us continue to educate people and train man and woman's best friend.

Hydration is Key

The first and foremost rule of summer care for dogs is to provide an ample supply of fresh and cool water. Dehydration can set in quickly, so make sure your dog's water bowl is always filled and consider using multiple water stations around your home. If you have a young dog and are still potty training make sure to adjust your training schedule based on how much water they are consuming. We take extra water bottles with us when training and hiking with our dogs. These bottles also have a small compartment for treats or food.

Create Shade and Shelter

Dogs need a place to retreat from the blazing sun. Provide ample shaded areas in your yard or on your porch, ensuring your dog has a comfortable spot to relax away from direct sunlight. When your dog is in their crate it is crucial to check for proper ventilation and adequate air flow. Don't forget that if your crate is placed by a window it must be adjusted based on the time of day and sun's positioning. Avoid covering your dogs crate with any type of cloth when temperatures are elevated. Consider a raised cooling bed or shaded cot for your puppies rest and relaxation. These are great for the backyard, park, beach, or camping.

Time Your Outdoor Activities

Plan your dog's outdoor activities during the cooler parts of the day, such as early mornings or late evenings. Avoid vigorous exercise during peak heat hours, as dogs can easily overheat. Having your dogs on leash while biking or skateboarding can be very dangerous this time of day.

Cooling Mats and Beds

Invest in cooling mats or beds designed to absorb and dissipate your dog's body heat. These products can provide a cooling and comfortable surface for your pet to rest on indoors or outdoors. These types of beds, or cots are generally elevated and made of a mesh like material. As a bonus these beds work great for practicing your "place" command!

Treats to Beat the Heat

Whip up some homemade frozen treats using dog-safe ingredients like plain yogurt, mashed fruits, and peanut butter. These frozen goodies can provide both hydration and entertainment. If time is an issue something as simple as a couple ice cubes on the floor can provide relief and a few minutes of entertainment chasing a sliding refreshment.

Protect Those Paws

Hot surfaces like pavement, sand, turf, and asphalt can burn your dog's paw pads. Before taking your pup for a walk, test the ground with the back of your hand. If it's too hot for you, it's too hot for your dog. Look for grass or dirt areas instead, or better yet, get them some shoes! If you go for shoes, just make sure to be patient and help your dog get used to them. Start with one shoe at a time and provide a reward as soon as you put it on. Only have it on for a short amount of time then take it off. Build up to them wearing all four and then work toward building duration in all four. If your dog is very confident or tolerant you can skip right to the putting on all four, rewarding, and then taking off step.

Grooming for Comfort

Regular grooming not only keeps your dog's coat looking good but also helps regulate body temperature. However, consult your vet or a professional groomer before making any drastic changes to your dog's coat. Dogs with double coats have a unique type of coat that serves multiple purposes: to keep them both cool in hot weather and warm in cold weather. A double coat consists of two layers: a soft undercoat and a coarser outer layer. Each layer plays a crucial role in regulating the dog's body temperature in different climates. Regardless of your dog having a single or double coat, it's important to remove excess hair to allow air flow and avoid matting. We highly recommend this tool for the job. If your clothes and couch could talk, they would definitely thank you because this thing is a game changer.

Swimming and Splashing

If your dog enjoys water, swimming can be an excellent way to keep them cool. Supervise their water activities and ensure they are comfortable around water before letting them dive in. Using a kid's pool can be a great way to cool them off, but also get them used to water. Many dogs don't receive enough exposure to water which leads to fear of being bathed and swimming. So get those doggies in some water! Dogs have sweat glands on their feet that aid in maintaining their core temperature. When a dog's feet are wet, the water pulls some of the excess heat from their body. As the water evaporates, it carries this heat away, effectively lowering the dog's body temperature. However, it's important to note that dogs primarily regulate their body temperature through panting, as they have fewer sweat glands compared to humans, and the ones they do have are not as effective at cooling them down. Panting allows dogs to release heat by evaporating moisture from their respiratory tract. Remember to always teach your dog out to get out of a body of water before teaching them how to swim.

Indoor Cooling Strategies

Keep your indoor space comfortable by using fans and air conditioning. Set up a fan near their resting area to improve airflow and help keep them cool. Portable A/C units can be necessary when there is intense heat. I've used them in the past when I lived in apartments that didn't have a cooling system. They can be expensive though, so if you're on a budget, make sure you close all the windows and curtains to trap cool morning air in your house. This should help you and your pup get through most of the day.

Never Leave Your Dog in a Hot Car

Even a few minutes in a parked car on a hot day can be fatal for dogs. Never leave your furry friend unattended in a vehicle. If you do decide to leave your dog in a hot car, make sure the A/C is cranked up and leave a window cracked so people walking by don't break your window thinking your dog is trapped as they can then hear the A/C and feel the temperature.

Watch for Signs of Overheating

Be vigilant for signs of heat exhaustion, including excessive panting, drooling, vomiting, and lethargy. If you notice any of these signs, move your dog to a cooler place and consult your veterinarian.

Your dog's well-being depends on your vigilance and care during the summer months. By following these tips and taking proactive measures, you can ensure that your four-legged friend stays comfortable, healthy, and happy throughout the hottest days of the year. Remember, a little extra effort goes a long way in keeping your canine companion cool and content during summertime adventures.

#dogtraining #orangecountydogtraining #sandiegodogtraining #generalobediencedogtraining #newportbeach #sanclemente #newportcoast #missionviejo #dogtrainer #sandiego #ranchosantafe #delmar #lajolla #METAK9 #METAK9Academy #germanshepherd #labradorretreiver #goldendoodle #pitpull #puppies #goldenretreiver #doberman