Summer is one of the most favorite times of the year for people. With its warm weather and fun activities, we sometimes wish that summer would never end. Unfortunately, hot weather can be quite miserable for dogs in the heat, as they are unable to sweat effectively like humans can. In fact, heat stroke is a common and serious concern for pets during the summer months. This condition can cause many devastating problems for your dog and can even be fatal. Nevertheless, the following useful tips can help you keep your furry friend cool and comfortable throughout the dog days of summer.
Tips to keep your dog cool during the summer
Make Sure Your Dog Has Access to Water
To avoid dog dehydration, it is essential that you offer fresh, cool water to your pet at all times, especially during the hot months of summer. Additionally, if you keep your dog outdoors, make sure that you place its water dish in a shaded area and change the water often. If you can fit it in your budget, consider investing in an automatic pet watering system.
Another great way to keep your dog cool during tips can help you keep your furry friend cool and comfortable throughout the dog days of summer is to fill a kiddie pool up with water and allow your pet to play in it. Many dogs love to lounge and play in water during the summer, and it can also be a great way for you to play with your pet while you are outside. Tips on How to Bathe a Dog.
Never Leave Your Dog Inside a Locked Car
Just as you would never leave a child inside a locked car, you should never leave your pet in your car either. The temperature inside a car can rise significantly within a very short time span. Furthermore, while many people think that cracking a window will help your dog stay cool, this is simply not true.
Temperatures can top 100 degrees or over in a locked car whether a window is cracked or not. Even if you think that you are only going to be gone for a few minutes, if you cannot take your dog with you, do not leave it in the car. It is best if you leave your pet at home.
Stay Inside During Extremely Hot Dog Days of Summer
Perhaps the best way to keep your dog cool during the hot days of summer is to keep it indoors when temperatures are unbearable. If this is not possible, always be sure to offer your pet a shaded area to rest during hot weather. If you own your property, let your dog dig a hole to rest in.
Dirt that is beneath ground-level is amazingly cool and can do wonders in helping your pet survive the summer. Finally, when it is extremely hot outside, asphalt has the potential of burning your dog’s paws. With that said, during the summer, limit your walks to the early-morning or late-evening hours.
Give Your Dog a Trim during Dog Days of Summer
If you have a dog with long hair, giving it a little trim can help to keep it cool as well. However, make sure you do not trim the fur all the way to the skin. This will leave your dog without any protection from the sun. A good rule is to leave the hair about one inch long. Find more pet grooming tips here!
These are just a few of the best tips for keeping dogs cool during dog days of summer. Other things you may wish to consider include purchasing an insulated dog house for your pet, allowing your dog to play in a sprinkler and buying a special dog cooling bed or crate cooling fan. Don’t miss these special pet holidays and pet health awareness months during summer!
