The glorious summer season is upon us! As much as we welcome the sun and fun, it’s important to remember that the rising temperatures can a bit tough on a dog’s body.
Your beloved doggie can easily get overheated, because the only ways they release heat is by panting and through a limited number of sweat glands between their toes. Before taking pups on an outdoor excursion, check out the ways you can keep your pup hydrated and cool!
Whip up a batch of quick and easy DIY peanut butter popsicles for dogs.
(You can use peanut butter or another favorite food/treats.) Here are some recipes!!!
The whole point of sweating is evaporation. You sweat, it evaporates,
and with it goes heat. It’s physics. Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) has a much lower boiling point than water and thus evaporates much more quickly. If you suspect that your dog needs some help lowering his or her body temperature, give those paws a swipe with a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol. Don’t overdo it though; alcohol can get a little drying.
Green Pet Shop Cool Pet Pad cools your dog as soon as they lay on the
pad. Its pressure-activated, non-toxic gel formula works immediately! Get yours Here!
On a 75-degree day, the temperature inside a parked car can climb up to
115 degrees within an hour. Even with the windows down, a dog can easily overheat if left in these conditions. If you need to run errands, send your pup to a Doggy Daycare (Check out The Loved Dog) it’ll save you the trouble of worrying about your dog while you’re out.
Your pup’s paws can be as sensitive as the soles of your feet. If the
asphalt’s too hot for you to walk on, chances are it’s too hot for your pup too. On a walk, try to alternate between asphalt, artificial grass for dogs, sidewalk, and grass so that your dog’s delicate paws don’t get overheated. Do not ever cover your dog paws with booties as dogs release heat through the sweat glands in between their toes!
Some dogs get a bit finicky with their water if there’s an odd scent in
the bowl or if it’s been warming up in the sun for a while. Keeping a fresh, clean and cool supply of H2O in your dog’s dish will ensure that your pup drinks more often and stays hydrated.
Always grab a portable bowl and water bottle on your way out the
door, so that your pup can drink up even when you’re both on the go. Be careful with drinking frozen water when they are overheated as it cause to some breeds to twist their stomach. My dogs like to drink from the water bottle directly
Going to the beach and sitting out all day in the sun is something we
humans enjoy, but it can leave pooches severely dehydrated. Also watch for dogs drinking the salt water when swimming in the ocean, as most likely it will cause them to vomit. Combined with the heat will lead to sever dehydration. Even if you feel like the heat is bearable, remember, when dogs are exposed to moderately high temperatures over an extended period of time, their bodies might be unable to cool down.
Dogs don’t always know their own limits. If you can tell your dog
is breathing more rapidly or having some trouble chasing after a ball, slow things down and allow him to cool off. Outdoor activities are great but, instead of playing in the blazing afternoon sun, try tossing a ball around as the sun is setting.
If it’s really warm, a cooling vest with cold packs built into the
sides will make sure your dog stays comfortable and cool even on a long hike. There’s also a bandana
Despite their furry coats, dogs can still be exposed to and damaged by
UV rays. Coating their fur and skin in doggy UV protection sunblock will help prevent burns and keep them healthy.
Aside from panting, dogs cool down through the sweat glands in their
paws. Having them stand in a cool pool of water or giving them a quick foot soak can help lower their body temperature. It can also be helpful to put some cold water on your dog’s chest and belly. Never use ice to help your dog cool down, as it may lower their temperature too quickly and constrict blood flow, which will actually inhibit the body from cooling.
Simple adjustments to your dog’s daily routine can help keep them from
being outside during the hottest hours. Switch walking times to early mornings and evenings; that way your pup still gets the exercise he needs with less risk of overheating.
Does your dog like to spend his days in the yard? Whether it’s an awning
that he can lie down under or a tree he can rest beneath, make sure your dog has a place to get out of direct sunlight. Also add the cool pad to his/her resting area 🙂 There are tons of dog run ideas to create the perfect spot.
Know the signs of dehydration. We put together a helpful guide to help you spot the signs; save it, pin it, and share it!
