Tips for Keeping Fido Cool This Summer
While humans might love long sunny days outside, the heat can be uncomfortable for our four-legged friends. Here are some tips to keep your pup cool this summer!
Keep Fido Hydrated
Always have fresh, cold water ready when playing outside with your dog. Keep a water bowl available in the yard where it’s easy for your four-legged friends to access. Also, make sure to add ice cubes to Fido’s bowl to keep the water extra cold. When going on a walk, remember to bring a bottle of water and a travel water bowl so your dog can stay hydrated.
Use a Cooling Vest
It’s great to have a cooling vest when taking Fido on a walk in the summer heat. A cooling vest is a dog vest filled with a cooling gel designed to keep your pup chilled for hours. To activate it, submerge it in water and wring it out. Then it’s ready for Fido! If you want to make it extra chilly, you can even put it in the freezer!
Playing in Water
We love lounging in the pool on a hot summer day, as do our dogs! Playing in the water is one of the most fun ways to keep man’s best friend cool. If your dog knows how to swim, see if there are pet-friendly hours at your local pool or beach. If your dog is not a fan of swimming, break out the hose or sprinkler and have some fun!
Use an Ice Pack or Wet Towel
Put a wrapped ice pack in your furry friend’s bed to keep them cool! This keeps your dog’s place of rest nice and chilly and is a great way to cool your dog off at night. Another way to keep your pooch cool is by using a wet towel. Soaking a towel in freezing water and draping it over your dog can cool them down quickly. This is great for dogs with long coats!
Avoid the Midday Heat
Midafternoons are the hottest part of the day, and if the sun is out, it can be unbearable for our furry friends. Try to keep walks to the early morning and evening so your dog can spend more time outside without overheating.
Practice Heat Safety
Practicing heat safety is the best way to keep your dog cool in the summer. Never leave your dog in a hot car alone. Always keep the air conditioning on when leaving Fido in your car. Vehicles can get dangerously hot due to low circulation and can cause injuries and even death. Learn the signs of heat stroke in dogs as well. The most common symptoms are excessive panting, disorientation, vomiting and diarrhea, and in extreme cases, seizures.
The heat can be brutal for our furry friends this time of year. Use these tips to make sure Fido stays cool this summer!