How to Keep Your Dog Cool in Summer
How to Keep Your Dog Cool in Summer
7 Easy to Follow Steps
Heat stroke can be fatal for dogs, so planning ahead is important when it's hot outside!
Summer in the UK can be temperamental to say the least and hot spells can pop up unexpectedly. This means it's essential to have some plans in place to keep your dog happy and healthy during the summer months. As always, if your dog displays any signs of heat stroke, contact your local vet as soon as possible and act fast! This blog provides answers to how to keep your dog cool in summer and how to cool your dog down when they get a bit too warm!
1. Stay out of midday sun
Planning your walks so you only go out early morning or late evening will be much cooler for your dog. Walking in the midday heat is extremely dangerous for your dog, as they will be running around in a thick fur coat and will struggle to cool down afterwards. Also, pavements can become extremely hot and can easily burn your dog's paw pads. If the pavement is too hot for you to hold your hand on for 5 seconds, it's too hot for your dog to walk on.
2. Always have fresh drinking water available at all times
Drinking water will help regulate your dog's temperature and keep them cool. You can use a paddling pools or a large bucket of water and float some treats in there to create a fun game!
3. Make some iced treats for your dog!
Make our iced pupsicles using simple ingredients and a blender for a fun summer's day activity. You can also use Lickimats and Kong's to freeze paste's like our Organic Peanut Butter for Dogs or Liver Paste. Pop them in the freezer for 4 hours+ to create a cooling treat for a hot summer's day.
4. Use Cooling Vests or Cooling Bandanas to chill out
Using the power of evaporation, these fantastic cooling vests are genius at keeping your dog cool. Simply dip in cold water, pop it on your dog and go! The water slowly evaporates throughout the day onto your dog's skin and provides cooling relief from the heat. We sell a selection of cooling bandanas and cooling vests. Pablo's favourite is the Ruffwear Swamp Cooler Zip Vest! Available here with free delivery.
5. Regular Grooming
Brushing your dog at home will help remove any excess fur and will help your dog naturally shed their winter coat. Keeping your dog's coat nice and short in summer will be easier to manage and will make it easier for them to release body heat. We wouldn't wear a thick coat in summer so why should they? Add your dog to our grooming wait list here.
6. Keep your dog's paws cool
Stick to walking on grass, not pavements in summer. Putting down a soaked wet towel or using a cooling mat will provide a refreshing spot for them to lie on.
7. Find a swimming spot for your dog to play
Look up local swimming spots for your dog to play in! Whether it's a river, a lake or just a really large puddle... splashing around in water is great at cooling your dog down. Bring a toy that floats for added fun, like the Ruffwear Lunker shown below. You might even meet some other four legged friends there!
Keep things to remember:
- Never leave your dog in a car. If you see a dog in a hot car, dial 999.
- Always bring water with you. We have collapsible water bowls available here for easy carrying.
- Make sure your dog is microchipped or has an ID tag in case they run off or go missing.
Symptoms of heatstroke in dogs:
Heatstroke develops when a dog can't reduce their body temperature and it can be fatal. It is vital you act fast if your dog is showing any of the symptoms below. Signs of heatstroke can include:
- Heavy panting
- Glazed eyes
- A rapid pulse
- Excessive salivation
- Lack of coordination
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Loss of consciousness
How to treat heatstroke in dogs:
If you think your dog has heatstroke, you need to act fast. Take them to a cool, shaded area. Apply towels soaked in cold water to their head, neck and chest and let them drink water or lick an ice cube. Never place them directly into ice cold water or give them too much to drink as they may go into shock.
Contact your vet immediately if you suspect your dog has heatstroke.