Tips for Keeping Fido Cool This Summer

Hot dog! As the summer heat creeps in, you may feel like getting outside to do fun summer activities with your dog. But, it’s important to remember that as you have some fun in the sun with your pup, you need to make sure they are staying cool.

Dehydration, over-heating, and heatstroke are all very real things that can affect your dog. Here are some tips to beat the heat and keep your dog safe.

Stay Hydrated

Like humans, dogs need a lot of water to stay healthy and happy. To ensure your pup is getting enough water, a good rule of thumb is to be sure that they are drinking about 1/2 oz to 1 oz of water per pound of body weight each day. However, water intake needs may change based on things like age, exercise levels, outside temperatures, or specific medications your pup may be taking.

Take Breaks

When we are playing with our dogs, it can be tough to determine when it’s time to take a break. They can’t tell us when they need a break and if they are having fun, they may not want to. That means it’s up to us humans to decide when it’s time to take a break.

Depending on the temperature, you should try to take a break from walking and playing every 15-20 minutes. For more strenuous activities such as running, fetching, or hikes, take breaks every 10 or so minutes.

Signs Your Dog Needs a Break

While your dog can’t actually tell you they need a break, there are some signs to look for in order to determine whether it’s time for a break:

• excessive panting
• whimpering/whining
• slowing down
• laying down more often

If you notice these signs, give your dog some water and let them cool off for a while.

Use an Elevated Cooling Bed

When our dogs are tired, they’ll lay down pretty much anywhere, from the carpet to grass or even concrete. In the summertime, though, laying down on the ground outside isn’t gonna do much to cool down your dog if the sun is shining down. To help your dog cool off faster outside, try getting them an elevated bed.

Elevated beds are good outside beds because they get your dog off of the hot ground and allow the breeze to flow beneath their bellies

If you want to take this a step further, try out a cooling bed. These are beds made from special cooling materials or filled with water that are used specifically for keeping your furry friend cool.

Instead of a cooling bed, you can opt for a cooling pad. A cooling pad can be added to any bed or in their crate to turn anywhere your doy lays into a place for your dog to cool off.

Frozen Treats

Do you like a frozen popsicle in the summer? Your dog might too!

While regular popsicles are usually not dog-safe, you can make your four-legged friend a special PUPsicle that they will love! Check out this recipe for an easy-to-make popsicle for your pup.

If you’re not in the mood to make popsicles, your dog will also love frozen fruits and veggies. Not only are they cheap and easy to make, but they are also so healthy and your pup will love them. Just cut um your dog’s favorites into bite-size pieces and stick them in the freezer until Fido is ready to chow down.

Here are some examples of dog-safe fruits and veggies:

• Apples
• Bananas
• Blueberries
• Cucumbers
• Cranberries
• Mangos

For a more in-depth list of do’s and don’ts when it comes to dog-safe fruits and veggies, check out this list.

Stay in the Shade

Whether you are taking your dog to the park, on a hike, or just letting them run in the yard, make sure they have a shady place to get out of the sun for a while. It can help prevent them from over-heating as well as prevent sunburns (yes, dogs can get sunburnt).

For your yard, if you don’t have the natural shade of trees, try patio umbrellas, canopies, or an outdoor dog house.

And, if you are getting out of the house, consider packing an umbrella for some quick shade for you and your pup.

Go Swimming

The best way to beat the heat? Go for a dip in the pool! Most dogs naturally know how to swim and will enjoy swimming in pools, lakes, rivers, ponds, or any other body of water you can find. Just be sure to keep a watchful eye on them and consider buying them a life jacket for added peace of mind.

No matter how you choose to beat the heat, just remember to keep your dog cool and you will have the best summer ever!