Help your dog in the hot season, 15 easy tips

Summer and high heat are a real challenge for everyone, including your dog. Because pets also feel the effect of the heat.

But it’s up to you to make the warmer months of the year more comfortable, keeping your pet cool, healthy and happy during this time of year, without losing their routine and entertainment activities.

Today we are going to give you easy tips to follow either when your dog is at home or when you take him for a walk.

Tips to help your dog when it’s hot at home

1. Temperature under control. If you have air conditioning at home, set it to keep the inside temperature below 28°C. If you don’t, you can leave a couple of windows half-open to let the air circulate and create air flow. A fan (out of your dog’s reach) can do the same job.
2. Avoid direct sunlight. To avoid raising the indoor temperature. This doesn’t mean leaving your dog in the dark, but you can reduce the amount of direct sunlight entering the flat by lowering the blinds a little, using awnings or screen curtains, which let the light in but not the sun’s rays.
3. Create cool areas in your home where your dog can rest. You can place cool beds or blankets in shady, well-ventilated areas. Ideally, make it a corner with ceramic tiles. Also, remove carpets, as they make your dog feel warmer.
4. Water is life. Make sure your dog always has access to fresh, clean water in a clean bowl. Place several water bowls in different areas of the house so he can hydrate easily.
5. On extremely hot days, you can soak a towel in cold water and place it over your dog’s body.
6. Swimming pools for dogs. If you have an outdoor space, you should know that there are special pools for dogs. It will be a fun way to cool off and reduce body temperature, although not all dogs like to swim.
7. Play with ice. A few ice cubes in the water bowl, frozen toys and treats… To keep your dog entertained and cool, you can freeze interactive toys or chews in water or low-sodium chicken broth. You can also make homemade ice cream for dogs using dog-safe ingredients.
8. Coat gives warmth. Regular grooming can help remove dead or excess hair, leaving your dog with a less dense coat and being much better at keeping it cool. But be careful, removing extra hair does not mean over-paring. The coat also offers protection from the sun’s rays..

Tips to help your dog in hot weather, outdoors

Whether it’s winter or summer, your dog needs to exercise and go for a walk, but how do you keep him from getting too hot outside?

1. Schedule matters. In summer, take him out early in the morning or in the evening when the sun goes down. Avoid going out at the hottest times of the day, such as the midday hours. Reduce the length and intensity of walks on hot days. Heat can quickly exhaust your dog, so it’s best to take shorter and easier walks.
2. Walking in the shade. Plan your walking routes in shaded areas, such as parks with trees or tree-lined paths. This will help protect your dog from direct sunlight and reduce exposure to heat.
3. Water games. If your dog enjoys water and you have a lake, river or the beach nearby, take your dog swimming to cool off. Make sure beforehand that it is allowed and, when swimming, keep an eye on him at all times.
4. Don’t leave him in the car. Not even for a few minutes, not even with the window open. The temperature inside the car can rise quickly.
5. The hand test. Before going for a walk, check the temperature of the ground, especially if it is asphalt. Touch the ground with your hand for a few seconds. If it burns too much, it will burn his pads too. You should also be alert if you notice that his pads are darker in colour, if you notice blisters or redness, if he licks his paws or refuses to walk.
6. Sunscreen for dogs. You can use pet-safe sunscreen on exposed parts of your dog’s skin, such as the tips of his ears and nose, to prevent sunburn. This is especially important if your dog has a white or light-coloured coat, as he can be very vulnerable to the sun. If you are unsure of the right product, consult your vet.
7. Constant hydration: carry enough fresh water for your dog during your walk. Use a portable water bottle and folding bowl so he can drink when he needs it. Be sure to offer water regularly to keep him hydrated.

Finally, one last tip: watch for signs of overheating in your dog, such as excessive panting, lethargy, very red gums and tongue, vomiting and difficulty breathing. If you notice these symptoms, place your dog in a cool place, offer cool water and get veterinary attention.

If you want to discover more practical tips to help your dog handle the summer heat, don’t miss our article 10 tips to cool your dog down when it’s too hot.