It's Summertime! And that means getting outside to enjoy the warm days and sunshine. If you have a dog, you may worry about bringing them out in the heat.
It's always more fun bringing your canine companion along for the adventure, and fortunately, you can bring your dog along on almost any adventure as long as you take a few precautions. See our tips below on how to keep dogs cool this summer.
6 Tips to Help Keep Dogs Cool in Summer
1. Have Plenty of Fresh, Cold Water Available
Whether you’re taking your dog on a hike or just playing in the back yard, it’s important to make fresh, cold water available and accessible for them.
When you’re out and about, bring a portable, collapsible water bowl or a squirt bottle. Give them small amounts of water every 15 to 20 minutes during activity. Make sure you have enough cool water to last the entire time you’re gone.
If your dog starts panting excessively, get him to the shade and give him more water right away.
2. Play in the Water
A wet dog is a cool dog. Plan outdoor summer activities with your pooch that involve some water play.
Taking your dog to a nearby dog friendly beach, lake, or a hike that you know has a creek or water that your dog can play in. Go boating with your dog - Anchor out in a shallow cove, or near a beach and let your dog jump off and swim! Remember their BAYDOG Life Jacket. Or try Stand Up Paddleboarding or kayaking with your dog - SUPing with your PUP is also a great outdoor activity on the water where you both can stay cool. Take a dip in the water to cool off! Again... safety first, don't forget your BAYDOG Life Jacket! Sprinklers and pools are also good options that can be fun and cooling. Just remember to bring some old towels to dry off after your dog is done playing.
3. Avoid the Midday Heat
You and your dog can exercise outside any time of day depending on the heat and humidity. A mild, overcast day with low humidity might be okay for a midday walk or run.
If it’s sunny, 80 degrees and high humidity, it’s better to avoid the midday heat. If you do need to get some exercise in on those types of days, try to go early in the morning or later in the evening when it’s not as hot.
Remember to check the temperature of the pavement before you go. Even on milder days, asphalt can get extremely hot in direct sun. You can put your hand on the pavement to test the temperature. You can also pour water on blacktops. If it immediately steams up, it’s too hot for your dog.
4. Never Sit in a Parked Car
Don’t leave your dog in a parked car—ever—even with the windows cracked. Even on milder days, temperatures inside the car can quickly rise to dangerous, life-threatening levels.
If you want to take your dog on a road trip this summer, remember to keep that air - conditioning on during your drive to make the trip comfortable for your dog!
5. Don't Leave your Dog Outside Unattended for too Long
If you need to keep outside dogs cool in summer, give them plenty of shady areas to lounge in with fresh, cool water on hand. Adding ice to the water bowl can help, too.
6. Know the Signs of Heatstroke in Dogs
Any time you’re out and about with your dog, pay attention to his behavior, body language and more.
Heatstroke is a serious risk for dogs on hot days. Puppies, senior dogs and those in poor health are at a higher risk. Following the above tips can help prevent overheating and heat stroke in dogs, but knowing what to look for is also critical.
Symptoms of heatstroke include:
- Excessive panting and/or salivating
- Obvious discomfort
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Disorientation
- Seizures
If you notice any of the above symptoms, get your dog into a cooler environment as soon as possible and call your veterinarian for further instructions.
Squirting your dog’s chest and armpits with cool water and rubbing it in may help bring the dog's temperature down. You can also rinse his mouth with water, which helps his internal cooling system work more efficiently.
Many signs of heat stroke may not appear for several days, so be on the lookout beyond your outdoor activities. Prompt veterinary care can prevent or treat some of these complications.
The above tips can ensure a fun and safe summer for your dog. Have fun and stay cool friends!
