As the temperatures rise, it's crucial to ensure our furry friends stay cool and comfortable. Dogs are highly susceptible to heatstroke, and for many of our canine friends, extreme exposure to heat can be life-threatening. If you’re wondering how to keep your dog cool in the summer, here are some practical tips and tricks to help you keep your four-legged best friend safe and happy during the scorching summer months.
Some Dogs are More Vulnerable
Some dogs are more susceptive to heatstroke than others. Here are a few examples to be aware of:
- Dogs who weigh more than 50kg
- Dogs who are overweight for their breed
- Dogs with longer coats
- Dog breeds with flat faces
- Highly energetic dogs
- Dogs with pre-existing health conditions
Each of the above categories of dogs can be particularly vulnerable. Dogs will also become generally more sensitive to feeling the effects of hot temperatures as they get older.
How to Reduce the Chances of Heatstroke
Keeping your dog inside and preventing them from exercising is not going to work; you’ll only end up with a bored, frustrated and potentially destructive pet.
Not knowing how to keep your dog cool in the summer can be extremely frustrating. We can’t always avoid travelling and, sometimes, through no fault of our own, we will find our homes becoming warmer than usual.
Here’s how to keep your pup cool throughout those long summer days and nights, in all situations.
At Night
Offer your dog a cool damp towel to sleep on.
Open windows, place a fan in the room or turn on the air-conditioning.
Keep the curtains or blinds closed during the day to help maintain a cooler room for the night.
Allow your dog the space to find their preferred place to sleep. When hot, they may prefer to sleep on a hard, tiled floor rather than on their warm bed.
It’s a good idea to establish the perfect sleeping spot from the very beginning, on your puppy’s first night at home – somewhere that stays cool in summer and is easy to keep warm throughout the winter.
When Exercising
Avoid walking in the hottest part of the day – usually early to late afternoon. Take your dog for walks first thing in the morning or late in the evening.
Avoid using a lead that clips to the collar – the pressure caused by pulling against the collar can prevent your dog from being able to cool down efficiently. Try using a harness on hot days.
Carry water and a drinking bowl so that you can keep your dog hydrated as you walk.
Try wherever possible to avoid walking on pavements. Pavements can become very warm on hot days, which can cause pain to the pads of your dog’s paws.
How to Keep Your Dog Cool in the Summer While at Home
Ensure that your dog has access to a shaded area indoors.
Look out for dogs who insist on going to sleep in conservatories, as these rooms can become incredibly hot very quickly.
Offer frozen treats to help keep your dog cool.
Ensure that there is a plentiful supply of cool water and try adding a few ice cubes to keep it cool.
Offer a paddling pool that your dog can splash about in.
Keeping Dogs Cool When Travelling
Never leave your dog in the car.
Ensure you check on your dog regularly.
Keep the air-conditioning on or ensure that there is sufficient ventilation.
Carry plenty of water with you so that you can offer frequent hydration.
Before travelling, check that your destination is dog-friendly so that they too can have some respite from the car.
Be Vigilant
Our dogs are part of the family, so we will inevitably recognise signs that they are struggling with the hot weather.
When entering a hotter period of the year, going on long journeys in the car, or leaving your dog at home on a hot day ensure that your dog’s wellbeing has been thought of in advance.
As with most elements of pet care, the more we plan the happier our fur babies will be.
Why Keeping Your Dog Cool is So Important
If you’re still wondering how to keep your dog cool in the summer or even having doubts about why this is so important, please don’t skim over the following information.
Heatstroke in dogs can be a serious and potentially life-threatening emergency but the outcome for dogs who have become overheated can vary greatly depending on the severity of the condition and how quickly they receive medical attention.
If you become concerned about your dog’s wellbeing or suspect heatstroke, offer small amounts of water, or a damp towel to help cool them down in a shaded spot until their breathing starts to return to a normal pattern.
Contact Your Vet for Advice
At Garden Vets we offer 24/7 care 365 days a year and are always available to speak with you to ensure the safety and wellbeing of your pet. If you become worried, contact our team for help and support.
Or, better still, why not sign up for our exclusive PetCare™ Plan today and give your pets the best ongoing care and support possible.
