How To Keep Your Dog Cool This Summer
As summer approaches, it’s important to remind ourselves of how to protect our canine companions from avoidable conditions like heatstroke. Of course, we want our pets to enjoy the warmer weather and have plenty of time in the great outdoors, but the onus is on us to do it responsibly. Let’s look at some of the top ways to keep your dog cool this summer.
Plenty Of Water
Dogs are great at hydrating themselves to avoid overheating, but to do this, they need access to plenty of fresh, cool water. When going for a walk, bring a bowl and a bottle of water with you and offer your dog regular opportunities for a drink. Not only will this help them regulate their temperature, but it will also prevent them from lapping at dirty puddles for hydration.
Provide Ample Shade
We all love the sunshine, but be sure to enjoy it in moderation. If you plan on spending extended periods outdoors, make sure that you provide a shady area for your dog to shelter. You don’t need to chase your four-legged friend around with a parasol, but by having a shaded spot available, they can use it as they choose.
Walk In The Morning Or Evening
We all know that the pavement can get too hot for paws during summer, with the high temperatures causing nasty blisters. For this reason, we recommend taking your dog for a walk during the cooler parts of the day, early in the morning or in the evening once the pavement has cooled. Even for countryside walks where the ground is cooler, walking in the morning or evening will make it more enjoyable for your pet, with less chance of heat exhaustion.
DIY Icy Treats
Like us, dogs love frozen treats in summer, so get creative and see what you can create at home. Instagram and Pinterest are great places to go for inspiration. From dog-friendly ice cream to frozen fruit, there are plenty of delicious ways to cool down your pet.
Cooling Mats
For those with Taylor & Tails dog beds, the vegan leather provides a cool surface for your pet. However, dogs with fluffy, plush beds struggle to regulate their temperature as the fabric holds heat. If you have a heat-trapping dog bed, live in a particularly hot area, or your dog is more susceptible to overheating, a cooling mat can be a great tool.
5 Tips To Prevent Your Dog From Overheating
- When taking your dog for a walk, bring a collapsible drinking bowl and bottle of water with you.
- Keep an eye out for signs of overheating, such as heavy panting and a lack of energy. If you see any of these signs while walking, take a break in the shade and give them some water.
- Before walking your dog, place your hand on the surface of the footpath for a few seconds to check the temperature; if it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for their paws!
- Bulldog breeds., boxers, and pugs, as well as older and overweight dogs, are more susceptible to the heat. Simply by running around, these dogs can get heatstroke. Stick to cooler hours of the day for walks, such as early mornings or evenings.
- Never leave a dog alone in a hot car, even with the windows open. When it's 22°C outside, a car can reach 47°C in 60 minutes. If you see a dog alone in a car on a hot day, don’t hesitate to call 999.
Get in touch today to upgrade to a Taylor & Tails dog bed suitable for year-round use.