Keep Your Pet Cool During Summer

Keep Your Pet Cool During Summer

Summer months can be tough on pets, especially dogs, and keeping them cool is crucial to their health. Dogs are not able to regulate their body temperature in the same way that humans do, and they can suffer from heatstroke in just a few minutes. The warmer weather these past couple of weeks got us thinking about the summer months, and we think it’s the perfect time for a refresher on pet care during hot weather. To help you prepare, we have gathered some tips on how to keep your pet cool.

Keeping Pets Cool at Home

One of the easiest ways to keep your pet cool is to provide them with a set-up at home that is designed for hot weather. Here are some suggestions:

1. Setting up a shaded area in the garden: A dedicated shaded area will encourage your dog to stay out of the sun while still enjoying the garden.
2. Cooling mats or damp towels: Cooling mats can be used to lower your pet’s body temperature, while damp towels can be an alternative for chewers who might damage the cooling mat.
3. Doggy paddling pool: A fun way to keep your dog cool is to invest in a doggy paddling pool, which can be placed in the shade and filled with water for your pet to drink and play in.
4. Get the fan blowing on them: Placing a fan in the room where your pet likes to nap can help them stay cool during the day.

Limiting Exercise

During hot weather, it’s essential to limit your dog’s exercise, as it can lead to overheating. Instead of taking them for a walk, try some enrichment activities, such as:

1. Frozen treats: Making your own dog-friendly frozen treats can keep your dog entertained while keeping them cool.
2. Playing games with their food: Invest in a puzzle mat to hide your dog’s food, providing them with enrichment while they eat.
3. Playtime with toys: Playing with your dog for a few minutes can provide them with all the enrichment they need on a hot day.
4. Teach them new tricks: Teaching your dog some new tricks is a great way to bond with them while keeping them mentally stimulated.

Never Leave Pets in Cars

Leaving your pet unattended in a car on a hot day is a big no-no. Even with the windows open, the temperature inside the car can reach dangerous levels. Therefore, it is best to leave your pet at home instead of taking them with you.

Protecting Your Pet When Outdoors

Protecting your pet from heatstroke when you are outdoors is crucial. Here are some tips:

1. Walk your dog during the cooler parts of the day: Early in the morning or late in the evening, when the temperature is lower.
2. Bring plenty of water: Make sure to bring enough water for both you and your dog to stay hydrated.
3. Invest in a cooling vest: Cooling vests are designed to keep your pet’s body temperature down while they are out and about.
4. Ensure your dog will have a body of water to cool down in on summer walks. Whether it’s a beach, river, anything they can have a drink from and cool themselves down in!
5. Watch out for signs of heatstroke: Symptoms of heatstroke include panting, lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you notice any of these symptoms, take your pet to a veterinarian immediately.

The most important advice that we would recommend to protect your dog during the summer months is that:

No dog has ever died from missing one walk, but dogs have died from one walk in hot weather.