Hot-Diggity-Dog! It's summertime! Here are some tips to keep dogs cool in the summer heat, no matter how hot it gets.
The best part?
These hacks will help keep dogs cool of any age, breed, or size!
Plus, you'll learn tips to help you spot signs of heatstroke and dehydration which can help save your dog's life.
Let's get straight to it. 👇
Here are the tips to keep dogs cool outside in hot weather! 1. Stay hydrated 2. Take frequent breaks to cool down 3. Give frozen treats and toys 4. Provide shade outside 5. Go swimming (or anything water related) 6. Exercise at cooler times of the day
Stay hydrated
Did you know that water accounts for about 60% of a dog's body weight.
A general rule of thumb is dogs should drink anywhere between 1/2 to 1 oz of fresh water per pound of body weight.
Factors that will change how much water your dog will need to drink every day:
Size (of course). Be sure to use the calculation above.
Food. For dogs who eat dry food like kibble, they'll often need more water. If you're feeding dehydrated food, raw, or canned then your pup will naturally get more water from their food.
Exercise. The more your pup exercises, the more they'll need water.
Weather. The hotter (and even extreme cold) days will require more water for your four-legged friend.
Medications. Specific medications can change how much water your pup needs. Be sure to check with your vet.
Age. Puppies need to have their water intake more closely monitored (especially when potty training), whereas adult dogs mostly self-regulate their water intake.
Remember, dogs are sloppy drinkers. So if you measure out this amount per day, you may need to add more to account for all the water that ends up on the ground.
AVOIDING BLOAT FROM WATER INTAKE
To help your dog avoid getting water bloat, use ice cubes with just a little water right after exercise.
That way, they'll start slow. Then you can slowly add the water as needed.
Take frequent breaks to help your pooch cool down
Our canine friends can't tell us when they need a break. At least not with words. (we'll cover this later)
So it's on us as humans to take breaks more frequently than what your dog would on their own. It's vital to have breaks throughout play to keep dogs cool in the summer!
How often you should take breaks will depend on the level of energy your pup is using.
For walks and general play, you should take a break every 15-20 minutes (depending on the temperature)
Taking sufficient breaks with your pup will ensure they don't get heat exhaustion or any other heat-related health issues.
Give frozen treats and toys
There's a reason popsicles are such a hit in the summer. Because they help cool you down!
Of course, they taste great as well. But how often do you see someone with a popsicle in January? Although you shouldn't give your dog normal popsicles (especially not the stick), you can give them some tasty frozen treats that are pup-approved.
Frozen fruits and veggies: Freezing fruits and veggies is one of the easiest and healthiest frozen treat options for your pooch. Some favorites include: apples, watermelon, strawberries, blueberries and bananas.
Provide shade to keep everyone cool
With temperatures over 100 for the past week, shade can be your (and your pup's) best friend. Although the temperature in the shade is the same as not in the shade, the lack of direct UV exposure makes all the difference. Just like humans, pups can experience sunburn and increased feelings of overheating when in direct sunlight.
Making sure your pup has adequate shade in your yard, on hikes, or while walking will help them stay cool. Here are some cooling shade ideas for your furry friend.
Patio umbrella
Canopy cover
Trees (thanks, nature)
Dog door (inside is the ultimate shade)
Go swimming to keep cool
When your pup is baking like a toasted cheeser, you've just gotta find a body of water to swim in! Whether it's a lake, river, stream, neighbor's pool, local dog pool (yes, those exist), or even just a kiddie pool in your backyard, swimming is one of the best ways for your pup to stay cool.
Exercise at cooler times of the day
The beauty (well, one of the many beauties) of being a human is we have opposable thumbs.
That means we can pull up the weather on our phone, tablet, TV, or computer. You can even see an hour-by-hour breakdown of the temperature forecast. You did know that already, right? SO, you should plan your pup's main exercise times for the least warm parts of the day to keep your dog cool. In most cases, that'll be in the mornings and evenings.
If you follow all these tips, you'll be able to keep your dog cool on the hottest of summer days.
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