How To Keep Your Dog Cool During Summer

How to keep your dog cool during summer.

by Tom Daily

For dog lovers, there may be nothing more pleasing than rising early in the morning on a hot summer day, dressing in light clothes, and taking the dog for a walk in a local green space. However, unlike their human owners, dogs have a significantly higher overall body temperature and find it difficult to cool down. They may even suffer from heatstroke – mainly breeds with thick fur coats. This can be attributed to the fact that dogs have fewer sweat glands that are solely located in the nose and foot pads. 

Nonetheless, dogs require regular walks outdoors, and with temperatures on the incline in recent years, heat is brutal to avoid in many US states. First, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the optimal vet practice in your region. This can be identified by searching online. For example, the best “vet in Forest Park, Illinois,” will return procedures in order of proximity. Second, this article offers additional advice to calm your dog during summer.

Adapt your walking schedule during the summer.

During the summer months, it is recommended by veterinarians to adjust a dog walking schedule to mitigate the effects of heat. Consider walking your dog out as early as possible in the morning or late at night when temperatures are more relaxed, avoiding midday walks when they are at their highest. If you must take your dog out during the day, identify a shaded outdoor area (such as a forest with canopy cover) and bring plenty of water. 

In addition, urban dwellers should quickly check sidewalks before walking to assess heat levels for dogs to walk on, particularly in states with significantly higher temperatures (the top three are Florida, Hawaii, and Louisiana). If possible, walk on grass or dirt instead of concrete or asphalt. Lastly, closely monitor your dog for signs of overheating, such as excessive panting, drooling, and fatigue. If you notice these signs, take a break in a cool area and provide plenty of water. 

Provide a more comfortable home.

At home, keeping a dog cool indoors during the hot summer months is essential for their health and well-being. The following fundamental steps are recommended:

• Provide refreshing cold water throughout the day, changing it regularly and adding ice cubes if necessary.
• Place a fan in the room where your dog spends most of the time, or invest in an air conditioning unit if affordable.
• Create a “cool spot” for your dog by placing a cooling mat or bed in a shady house area. Additionally, place a shallow container with cold water near their bedding so they can lay down and cool off when required. 
• Offer your dog cooling treats like ice cubes or frozen fruits as snacks throughout the day.
• Encourage your dog to swim regularly if you have access to a pool or lake. This will be assessed further below. 

Encourage your dog to swim. 

Swimming is an effective and low-impact means of exercise and excellent refreshment for dogs. Moreover, it is a perfect strategy to keep their joints and muscles strong and improve cardiovascular health. Furthermore, swimming can mitigate stress levels in dogs, providing them with immersion in a calming environment. Evidence of this can be witnessed in the use of swimming by canine experts to rehabilitate injured or ill dogs. Building strength and endurance without putting too much strain on their bodies. Finally, in the most fundamental sense, swimming is an effective bonding method with your dog. Dogs are emotional creatures; keeping them cool and content this summer is critical for their well-being.