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As the weather starts to heat up, it's important to ensure the well-being of our furry friends. Dogs are especially susceptible to overheating, and as responsible dog owners, we need to take proactive measures to keep them cool and comfortable.
In this blog post, we'll explore seven effective ways to help your dog beat the heat and enjoy the summer months safely.
Make sure your dog always has access to fresh, clean water. If they are reluctant to drink, try adding something to the water to make it more palatable. I like to use a small amount of
Fresh-K9 to make water extra tasty.
Give your dog some homemade frozen dog treats as a nice cooling snack.
A simple recipe would be to blend up some fruit (such as banana, blueberries or strawberries) with a little yoghurt and freeze the mixture in silicone moulds or ice cube trays.
Dogs can quickly overheat in the sun, so it's important to provide them with a shady place to rest. Consider putting up an umbrella or creating a shaded area with a sheet or tarpaulin.
Not all dogs are sensible in the sun, so if you are giving your dog access to sunbathe in the garden, ensure that they are regularly moving to cooler spaces to avoid overheating.
Cooling mats are designed to keep dogs cool on hot days. They work by absorbing heat from your dog's body when they lie on them, which helps to keep them cool. Once the mat has absorbed your dog’s body heat it will need time to cool down again, so you’ll need to ensure it’s kept in a cool place.
Many dogs love to swim and play in water. Consider setting up a small paddling pool in your garden for your dog to cool off in. You can get doggie pools that are reinforced to reduce the risk of being torn by your dog’s nails, or you could use a firm plastic children’s pool.
Both of my girls enjoy a paddle and a bit of carrot bobbing in a makeshift pool I created from a potting tray.
Try to keep a room in your house as cool as possible for your dog. Keep windows, doors, and curtains closed during the hottest parts of the day to prevent hot air from entering your house. During cooler times, such as in the early morning or late evening, open windows and use cross-ventilation to allow fresh air to circulate throughout your house.
Try to schedule your dog's exercise for early in the morning or late in the evening when the temperature is cooler. If it’s still too hot to walk your dog, consider setting up enrichment activities at home instead, such as hunting for hidden treats in a cool room.
When the temperature rises, keeping your dog cool becomes a top priority. By implementing these seven strategies, you can enjoy the summer together, knowing that you've done everything possible to keep your dog safe, cool, and content.
