Pets are a part of our families. It’s no wonder that the average pet owner wants nothing but the best for their pooch. However, it can be challenging to keep your pet cool during the summer — especially if they have a thick or shaggy coat!
Therefore, if you wish to learn about some of the best tips for making sure your beloved pet doesn’t overheat, continue reading.
Watch What Time You Walk Them
If you want to keep your pet cool, make sure you are only walking them in the early morning or late into the evening. The sun is typically at its highest point in the middle of the day. Not to mention, the burning sun also heats up the pavement and concrete to ridiculously high levels. Stepping on this heated concrete can cause blisters and burns onto your poor pup’s delicate feet. Therefore, keep your eye on the temperature and adjust your schedule to accommodate the sun. You can still squeeze that daily walk in! Just be mindful on behalf of your animal’s wellbeing.
Never Leave Your Dog in a Hot Car
Here’s another way you can keep your pet cool. Never leave them in a hot car for any amount of time. This can be lethal. A car parked outside can reach triple-digit temperatures in minutes. If you need to run errands while out with your dog, remember that these tasks can wait. Drop your dog off at home first and foremost, before going on any outings that require you to leave your car.
If you do go anywhere, ensure you can take your pup. For example, some restaurants allow leashed dogs on their patio area. Hardware stores are also typically pet friendly.
Always Provide Water for Your Pet
Whether you’re playing fetch with your dog outdoors or leaving them home alone while you drive off to work, always provide a source of water for your pup. Ensure there’s enough to last them all day as well. If you’re out of the house all day, purchase an automatic water bowl. Not only does it keep the water in their bowl fresh, but this device also ensures they never run out. You won’t have to feel guilty if you ever come home and realize their dish is empty.
Get their Fur Trimmed
Don’t worry about this step if your dog has short hair, but if your four-legged friend’s fur runs on the shaggier side, make frequent appointments with their groomer! You don’t want to shave them down, as this can be harmful to certain breeds. They need their coat to regulate their temperature. Instead, cut their hair, so it’s out of the way and doesn’t get matted and tangled when they’re out playing.
Give Your Dog Frequent Baths
Just like people, baths can be quite relaxing and cooling for animals. Ensure you’re giving your loyal dog the recommended amount of baths. Most vets say that bathing your animal every four to six weeks is best. Washing them too often can cause their skin to dry out. While not washing them frequently enough can cause them to stink!
You can do this yourself in the backyard with your garden house. You can also take them to the groomers. Thirdly, some cities have dog washing stations that provide everything you need to make your dog squeaky clean. Going to a dog wash to keep your pet cool also comes with this great hidden benefit. You don’t have to worry about dog hair clogging your shower drain!
Buy Them a Swimming Pool
Certain big dog breeds love the water! Labs, for example, can’t get enough of it!
Gift them with a small swimming kiddie pool. This is one of the most fun ways to keep your pet cool! You get to see them splashing and running through the water like a child running through sprinklers.
Don’t Leave Them Outdoors For Long Periods of Time
Depending on where you live, the summers can range from tepid to absolutely scorching! If you live in an area where the summers are nearly unbearable, refrain from leaving your dog outside for too long. They belong inside with their family, after all! Allow them to go outdoors for potty breaks and play indoors when the weather gets in the triple digits.
Ensure Your Home Is Cooled
This leads up to the next tip. Ensure your home is nice and cool for the entire family — including your adorable and tail wagging pup!
Maintain Your HVAC System
Your heating and cooling system is responsible for upkeeping a comfortable temperature year-round. Therefore, you must maintain your HVAC system yourself to prevent it from breaking down prematurely. It needs constant cleaning. For example, the vents need to be monitored, and the ducts need to be cleaned of dust build-up.
Install a Fence
If your dog gets loose from your yard, they may not be able to handle the heat while lost and out on their own. Therefore, implement this surprising tactic when trying to keep your pet cool! Look into fence installation to make sure they stay in once place when playing and running.
Insulate Your Home Better
Bettering your home’s insulation is another way you can keep your pet cool. Roof repairs are a must if you don’t want to feel like you’re hanging out with your dog in the Sahara Desert this summer.
Maintain Your Humidifier
Humidifier maintenance is also significant for any pet owner. Your humidifier can improve the indoor air quality, which can help you breathe better, despite the pet hair, and dander you’re bound to find in your home when you’re a pet owner.
Install an Air Conditioner
If you don’t have an AC unit in your home already, call an AC contractor immediately. You may not feel the effects of your lack of air conditioner when you’re out of the house. But your dog may be suffering!
Make Pupsicles
Aside from hiring an air conditioning service, you may also make this frozen snack for your dog — a pupsicle.
What’s a pupsicle, you may ask? It’s a pup-approved popsicle! Only use dog-safe ingredients to make these. For example, certain fruits and veggies are an excellent choice. Dogs are quite fond of:
- strawberries
- pineapple
- watermelon
Blend these up and pour the mixture into a bone-shaped silicone mold. Leave them in the freezer overnight. You can also freeze ingredients like peanut butter and yogurt.
Play With Your Dog Indoors
Get a rental air conditioner if you don’t want to commit to your own unit. Ensure your home is properly cooled and bring the fun indoors. If you have a set of stairs, roll a ball down the flight of stairs so your pup can get their energy out.
Play Tug-of-war
This is another indoor game you can play with your dog. However, before moving the games indoors, also ensure that your roof is properly insulated for the playtime. Look into roofing services in your area if you suspect most of your AC is being thrown out the window!
Buy a Doggy Treadmill
This tip may not be feasible for every pet owner, as this device is quite costly. However, it’s a wonderful way to keep your pet cool during those brutal summers. A doggy treadmill looks just like a human treadmill, but it’s smaller to accommodate your pooch. These treadmills are exceptional for when the weather gets cold too.
Bring Water to the Park
Invest in a portable water bowl for your dog. Bring this with you to the dog park, or if you’re traveling. These water bowls are collapsable and make it easy for you to provide your dog with fresh water in seconds. You can find these collapsable silicone bowls at any pet store.
Put Icecubes in Their Water
If you wish to try a simple way to keep your pet cool, this one will only take a few seconds out of your day every morning. When giving them fresh water, make sure to throw some ice cubes in there too. The cubes will melt throughout the morning, providing ice-cold water for hours.
Take Your Dog Swimming
Some cities have doggy approved beaches and lakes. Before taking your furry friend swimming, follow these precautions to keep them safe when trying to beat the heat.
- Strap a lifevest onto your dog. Buy one specifically made for dogs. Ensure it’s snug, but not too tight.
- Look for signs of algae on the water before immersing your dog. This algae forms when the weather is extremely hot. It’s also toxic to dogs. Inhaling excessive amounts can be lethal to your dog.
- Bring water from home for your dog to drink and try to prevent them from drinking the lake or ocean water.
- Keep an eye out for broken glass and metal in the water.
- Buy and carry a dog first aid kit in case the unthinkable happens. It’s best to come prepared with bandaids and rubbing alcohol.
- Keep your dog’s ears covered. Excess moisture in the ear canal can lead to yeast and infections.
Build an Amish Dog House in the Shade
If you want to spoil your dog with a nice house of his own, consider building an Amish dog house. These are spacious, comfy, and cozy. You may even be tempted to move in! When building this Amish dog house, always try to build it in the shadiest area of the yard — perhaps underneath a large tree! The shady area of your yard can feel dramatically cooler, thus helping you keep your pet cool year-round!
Learn the Signs of Overheating
Aside from implementing these tips to keep your pet cool, you should also understand what the signs of overheating look like in dogs. Knowing what these key symptoms look like can save your dog’s life. Make sure you have a reliable vet in your city and have their number memorized.
- sunken eyes
- dry mouth
- blue gums
- exhaustion
- fast and heavy breathing
- fainting
- vomiting
If you suspect your dog may be dehydrated, press a finger up to their gums until the area turns white. Remove your finger. If the area remains colorless, they may be dehydrated. Take them to the vet right away.
Final Thoughts
Your dog does not look human, but this doesn’t make them any less a part of the family than any other member. They deserve the royal treatment for all they do for you. From the late-night cuddles to those heartfelt kisses — you never feel alone when you have a dog in your home.
Once summer rolls around, ensure you’re doing your part to keep your pet cool. If you’re unsure how to spoil your dog like he or she deserves, follow these tips for the best results. Play indoors, talk to roofing specialists, and make them fun desserts! Your dog will feel loved, and you won’t have to worry about your furry pal enduring a brutal and hot summer ever again.
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