15+ Tips To Help Your Dog Beat The Heat
Summertime is such a great time for family bonding and activities. For you, your kids, and your dog! While enjoying summer break with your family, it’s important to keep your dog cool during the hot months and know the dos and don’ts with your pup in the rising temps. If you’re worried about how to do that or have considered rushing to the nearest store to buy a kiddie pool just to find out they’ve been sold out (I’ve been there lol), there’s good news! I’ve made a list of ways to keep your dog cool. Some of these may be familiar to you, while others might be new, but I hope at least one will help you out this year!
The Dos and Don'ts with your dog
Before we dive into the fun activities that can help keep your dog cool and happy, I want to emphasize the importance of being aware of the potential dangers that certain times of day can pose when you plan to take your dog out. Whether you’re driving them somewhere or going for a walk, choosing the right time of day to take your dog out is crucial.
Recognizing the signs of heat stroke in dogs is also very important. Heat stroke in dogs begins when their body reaches above 105°F and can manifest itself in many different ways, such as:
-Excessive Drooling -Dehydration
-Convulsions -Rapid Breathing
-Vomiting -Muscle Tremors
-Bright Red/Blue Gums -Heavy Panting
Flat-faced dog breeds, also known as ‘brachycephalic’ breeds, are more prone to heat stroke, as are long-haired breeds. If you own either type, be especially aware of their needs!
The American Kennel Club states that confinement in a vehicle is the number one reason dogs develop heat stroke.
Be mindful of car rides
Car rides in the summer are the best car rides of the year, all the windows down and hair and fur flying! If you plan on staying in the car with your dog with AC, I wouldn’t worry about the next tip, but if not, this one is for you.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics article, a car’s temperature increases about 3.2°F every 5 minutes. About 80% of the temperature change happened within the first 30 minutes. This was done during days ranging from 70-96°F and even on days at 70°F, the temperature almost doubled inside the car; this is deadly for anything inside that vehicle.
If you typically allow your dog to ride in the bed of your truck, use the same precautions as when going for a walk. Place your hand on the truck bed to check its temperature; you might be surprised by how hot the metal can get. Hot metal is not fun for anybody's skin! I recommend using a canopy to protect your dog from sunburn or burned paws. I would possibly consider putting on boots for your dog while they ride in the truck bed as well, extra grip and heat protection for their paws.
Additionally, consider adding a cooling pad in the truck bed. This cooling pad is great because it doesn’t contain harmful materials like gel or water, so it can't accidentally be opened and swallowed, which can be hazardous. Plus, it comes with a cute carrying bag, my favorite touch from this product for summertime hikes or adventures!
Choose a time before the sun is at its hottest
The best times to safely walk your dog are early in the morning or in the evening after the sun has set. Keep in mind that if you place the back of your hand on the ground and it feels hot, it means it's also burning your dog's paw pads (dogs may not speak, but know that it's painful to them!), potentially causing painful sores and wounds.
If you want to take your dog out when it might be hot, or if you don’t have a choice, I recommend using dog boots with thick soles. Boots will help protect your dog's paws from heat damage. Also, choose a boot that has breathable material so your dog can sweat appropriately from its paws and not overheat! I recommend these boots, which are both durable and ventilated. These boots feature non-slip soles for great grip, no matter the surface, whether indoor or/outdoor, and breathable mesh, added comfort for sweaty paws. They are also waterproof for hikes or other wet summer activities!
Frozen Goodies
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s explore some fun frozen treats to make for your pup! While many owners typically opt for ice cream from the local pet store, I have some alternative options that are sure to be even more exciting.
The Kong Bomb- I call this creation the Kong Bomb! A Kong is a durable dog toy designed for heavy chewers. They come in regular durability (red) and black extreme for the toughest chewers.
What makes a Kong Bomb unique is the variety of layers of treats inside the toy. Start by filling it with xylitol-free peanut butter, then add a mixture of small treats and kibble. Next, include some canned wet food or more peanut butter. Finally, insert a chew, such as a bully stick or bone, through the bottom and freeze the whole thing! The treats inside provide a mentally stimulating activity, and freezing them helps your dog cool down while also making the toy more durable.
Tasty Fruit Cubes- For this one, you will need a few ingredients. Luckily, these ingredients may already be in your fridge, so no extra spending. First, you’ll get an ice cube tray or cupcake sheet, either is fine, but depending on how big you want your ice cubes, you can choose. You can even get cute molds for your cubes if you want something Instagram-worthy!
Next, add a layer of peanut butter to the bottom of the molds. After that, add some dog-safe fruits that are small enough to be added to the ice cube molds. I would do blueberries, which are not only tasty but great for dogs' teeth and are powerful antioxidants. I would also add some blackberries or strawberries as well, either is a great option.
Once you have chosen your fruits, place them on the tray and fill the mold with either water or dog-safe broth for extra electrolytes, which enhance hydration, great for summer. After that, you freeze the treats overnight, and the next day you have refreshing and cheap summer treats.
Doggy Outfits
You may have seen doggy jackets and sweaters for winter and fall, but did you know there is also summer clothing to keep them cool and protected from sunburns? Like these fun Hawaiian-inspired shirts are not only adorable but serve a purpose as well. They are lightweight and protect the skin from UV damage, especially if your dog is light colored or hairless. Those dogs are more susceptible to UV damage. The Hawaiian shirts come in many sizes and a few different patterns if you're more of a camo person! To complete your dog's look, get them a hat to protect their face and eyes from the sun. This corduroy hat is incredibly cute and has an adjustable strap for a great fit!
Sunscreen
I recommend looking into a sunscreen specifically designed for your dog's skin, nose, and paws. The product from Divine Canine is a great option because it uses all-natural ingredients, which are gentle on the skin and safe for the environment, if your dog likes to swim. It is waterproof!
Fast Heat Relief At Home
Sometimes in the heat of the moment (no pun intended!) We may need something to cool our pets off quickly, especially if you are worried about potential heat stroke. Here are a few quick thinking, cool off remedies when you are in a pinch.
1) Placing a cold, wet towel over your dog’s body
2) If you have an area in your yard in the shade, digging a hole they can lay in may cool off their body and help expel heat.
3) What better hack is there than cooling off with the hose or doggy pool? Be careful not to put ice in the pool, as this can actually harm your dog if they are overheating.
4) Buy a portable doggy fan for your dog’s kennel and keep a crate cover over the kennel to keep it dark and cooler.
What You Shouldn’t Do.
1) Never use an ice pack or ice to cool off a dog that may be overheating. Doing so can cause vasoconstriction. This reduces blood flow in the body and makes it much harder for your dog to cool off, potentially becoming worse.
2) Pointing a fan directly at your dog’s face while in a kennel can lead to excessive air intake and create additional issues.
3) Forcing your dog to swim when afraid or uncomfortable can lead to stress. Who wants to be forced to swim? I know I don’t! (I’m not a great swimmer lol)
4) Walking your dog after a swim on hot pavement is still burning their paws; it’s just boiling them now. Use waterproof booties when walking after a swim!
Conclusion.
I hope that these do’s and don’ts in this list as well as some of the helpful items listed gives you the confidence to take your dog out this summer without fears, only fun! I pray that you have a safe and wonderful summer with your fur children <3
