Humans know when they’re hot. We sweat, using perspiration to cool down our bodies so the heat doesn’t overwhelm us. Our furry companions, however, don’t have that mechanism to prevent heatstroke. That’s why we’re here to teach you more about proper summer dog care and how to cool down a dog so that you can protect your pup from overheating.
1 Freeze Some Treats:
- Use one of our flavored dog toys or a treat dispenser with peanut butter or wet dog food, then freeze it overnight. This can be a fun and refreshing way for your dog to cool down and enjoy a tasty treat.
2. Make a DIY Ice Pack:
- Soak a towel or old t-shirt in water, then wring it out and freeze it. Once frozen, you can place the wet towel or t-shirt on the ground or in the dog house, or on their bed for them to lay on and cool off.
3. Use a Cooling Collar:
- Similar to cooling bandanas, cooling collars are helpful when it comes to regulating body temperature. Simply soak the collar in water and put it on your dog.
4. Offer Frozen Fruits and Veggies:
- Some dogs enjoy snacking on frozen fruits and veggies, such as watermelon, blueberries, and carrots. These can be a refreshing and healthy way to help your dog cool down. A lot of dogs even enjoy snacking on an ice cube as a frozen treat (which most of us can easily pull out of our freezer at any point)
5. Use a Fan Strategically:
- Position a fan near your dog’s resting spot (preferably in the shade) to create a cool breeze that acts as air conditioning. You can also freeze a bottle of water and place it in front of the fan for added cooling power.
6. Provide Access to a Mud Pit:
- While it may seem messy, some dogs love playing in a mud pit during hot weather. The mud can help cool their body temperature and provide a fun way to beat the heat.
7. Keep Your Dog Well-Groomed:
- Regular brushing and grooming can help keep your dog’s coat healthy and free of mats, which can trap heat and make them feel even hotter. A well-groomed fur coat can also help regulate their body temperature, which helps dogs cool off faster while also ensuring they don’t experience extreme heat loss.
Keeping both of you cool in the summer is key to having as much fun together as you can. Remember that while we sweat, dogs pant to cool themselves down. Their sweat glands also release body heat through their paws and their nose. For dogs, especially the ones with heavy coats, this panting is an important sign as to when they are experiencing heat exhaustion vs staying cool in warm weather.
Excessive panting can be an early sign of a potential heatstroke, and a heatstroke can be fatal to your pet in a matter of minutes. It’s important as pet owners to take quick steps to cool them down if you see them panting heavily. Move them to a cool spot and dampen their fur with cool, not cold, water. Call your vet to see if they need a trip there to make sure everything is okay. Take precautions outside and make sure they have enough time inside this summer.