We are finally in the midst of paradise for summer lovers! Summertime can be a great season for you and your dog. The weather is perfect for swimming, playing Frisbee, hiking, and sunbathing. It’s time to break out the shorts and the inflatable dog toys to take advantage of the sun while it lasts! The hottest months can be the most fun, but also the most uncomfortable for your furry friend. Here are some tips to keep your dog cool during the hottest and most fun season of the year.
1. DIY Frozen Dog Treats
In order to keep your dog cool and give him a treat, consider baking him some frozen dog treats. There may be a store bought option for this, but the DIY treats are so easy to make. Here is one easy treat recipe that only requires two ingredients: Peanut butter & Yogurt Dog Treat Hearts. If you don’t want to try a recipe, consider freezing fruit and feeding it to your pup for a frozen refreshment. Peeled, de-seeded, and frozen oranges or mango is a healthy and refreshing treat. Be sure to stay away from fruits like grapes or raisins! They are highly toxic for your dog.
2. Backyard Pool
A kiddie pool in your backyard can work wonders for your pet. A great alternative to going to the beach every day to keep your dog cool is to get a little plastic pool for your dog to lie in and stay damp. Not only do they have the option to lay in it, but they will have a giant water bowl available as well that you don’t have to worry about filling all the time. Introducing a dog to a kiddy pool for them to lounge in can take some training. Not all dogs look at a pool of water and know exactly what to do with it, so be patient and introduce your dog to the pool slowly. This is also a great alternative to your dog digging. Many dogs dig in the summer to create a cool area in the earth to stay cold.
3. Water Playtime
Beach days are great for you and your dog. For water-friendly pups, grab an inflatable or buoyant dog toy to a body of water and let your dog play fetch. Make sure to obey leash laws and be prepared for your dog to experience a lot of distractions with other people, dogs, and kids. If your furry companion gets anxious around crowds consider going to a more secluded spot or waiting for a time that the beach isn’t so busy. Remember to bring some water for him if you are going to the beach. The salt water will cause them to dehydrate faster if they ingest it.
4. Hydration
Keep your dog hydrated! He will probably need more water during the summer months than any other so consider getting an automatic water dish or make sure you refill it frequently. Not only will your dog be drinking more regularly, but their water will evaporate faster in their bowl as well. To help combat dehydration during play time, try exercising your dog early in the morning or later at night when the temperatures are lower. Especially for taking your pup on a walk, it’s best to go during those hours or bring him a water bottle and boots for their feet. It is not uncommon for a dog’s pads to get burned or injured from walking on hot pavement.
5. Ice Ice Baby
In order to keep your dog cool at home, use ice to keep your furbaby cool. It is more efficient to cool them from the bottom up, so use ice packs in bags under your pet’s bed to help them stay at a comfortable temperature. Especially for dogs with longer coats it can be harder for them to regulate their temperature during the warmer months. You can feed them ice cubes as treats as well or add them to their water. Even better, consider placing their plastic toys in the freezer for a while so they have a cold toy to chew on.
It’s important to note that a certain amount of danger comes with every circumstance and every season. It’s just as important to provide your pet with a safe environment in the winter as it is in the summer. As always, never leave your dog in a hot car! Keep your eyes open for signs of dehydration. Find some fun ways to spend time with your pup and enjoy the weather at the same time, and experiment with these creative ways to keep your dog cool this summer.
