You probably already have some tricks to keep yourself cool during the summer, but your pup needs your help to do the same! It can seem like a lot to manage when your furry friend has a lot of fur and energy and you have little time in the day! Thankfully, there are ways that you can implement playtime and other strategies that will help your dog stay cool and comfortable during the summer heat!
What can be done to ensure that your pup stays at a cool temperature when there’s only so much time in the day? It only takes a bit of effort if you really think about it. Indeed, with a little foresight and creativity, you can help keep your dog cool when you are nearby and away!
Ensuring your furry friend stays cool during the hot months of the year is critical! Without proper care, your dog can fall ill from dehydration or get overheated! Here are ways to help your pup stay cool this summer to avoid these issues and keep your dog healthy in the summertime.
Keep Your Pup Hydrated
Staying hydrated is just as critical for dogs as it is for humans! Your dog is made up of about 60% water. This means that for your pup and all pups out there, drinking extra water is critical come summertime!
Use Frozen Treats
To help your dog stay cool, give them frozen treats like doggy ice creams to say cool. Some dogs even like to munch on ice cubes! Anything you can do to bring your pup’s temperature down will go a long way in keeping them healthy.
Find Shady Spots
Get your dog a cooling dog bed and plop it under a few trees in the backyard or in a shady spot inside your home. You can also take care of your dog’s body temperature by setting up shaded areas for them to sit inside and outside!
Go For Evening Walks
You can also help keep your dog cool in the summer by waiting to go for walks until the evening. Wait until the evening to go for walks to keep your pup calm and get the daily exercise they need to stay healthy! It’s harder to exercise when it’s hot out, and your pup might get overheated if they move too much in the sunshine.
Take Your Dog Swimming
You might also take your pal to a dog park or another public place that provides water for dogs to swim in. Lakes, rivers, creeks, etc., are areas where dogs can enjoy splashing around in the water. Just stay out of their way when they shake off to dry! If you have a kiddie pool at home, this works too! Any way you can safely and enjoyably play with your dog around water is perfect for helping them stay cool!
Guide Your Dog To Take Breaks
If you notice your pup exerts a lot of energy, try to get them to lay down for a while and take breaks as needed. Dogs need to rest and recover from intense heat exposure, so be the one to guide them to rest when needed! If your dog likes to watch videos of other dogs on TV, play these videos to keep your dog interested in the TV and less interested in running around.
Pay Attention To Signs Of Thirst
If your dog is panting, if their tongue is sticking out, or if they’re licking an empty water bowl, they are showing that they’re thirsty! Make sure you’re on the lookout for these signs. You can fill your dog’s water bowl when they need a refill! Other signs of thirst include drool and a dry snout.
Encourage your dog to drink more water when you see these signs. If they are hesitant to drink water, you might need to toss a few treats into the water. Sometimes this can happen if a dog is tired. Do what you can to motivate them to drink more water.