Hot Weather Hacks: Smart Ways to Help Your Pets Stay Cool in Summer Heat

By Patti Croft | 6/20/2023 | Posted to Dog Health
Hot Weather Hacks: Smart Ways to Help Your Pets Stay Cool in Summer Heat

The “Dog Days” of summer aren’t quite here yet, but it sure feels like it. Although many of us love to spend sunny days outside with our furry friends, the summer heat can pose some risks to your pet. In some cases, hot weather can be downright dangerous. We have some simple hot weather hacks you can take to prevent your dog from overheating this summer. Keep reading to learn how to keep your pet cool all summer long.

1.   Change your Walking Schedule

You may enjoy a nice long walk on a warm day, but it can be risky for your dog. The ground and hot pavements can burn paws, and this will cause severe pain for your pet. Even short walks could be unpleasant if it’s too hot outside. Grab the leash and harness, and take your dog for a walk earlier or later in the day when the temps are a bit cooler.

2.   Provide Plenty of Water

Pets can get dehydrated fast, so give your dog lots of clean, fresh water. You may notice lots of drinking, which may result in dirty water. Changing the water frequently and washing the water bowl will help it stay cleaner for better hydration.

3.   Use Dog-Friendly Sunscreen

Many pet parents don’t realize that dogs can get sunburned, too. It’s most common in areas where the hair is thin or skin pigmentation is low. White and cream-colored animals may get burned under their fur. Applying dog-friendly sunscreen may prevent your pet from getting burned while you’re on an outdoor adventure.

4.   Know the Symptoms of Overheating

It’s a good idea to stay informed and know how your dog is handling the heat. If you notice symptoms like excessive panting, drooling, difficulty breathing, diarrhea, or vomiting, your dog may be in distress. These are signs of overheating, and you should act quickly, moving your dog to a cool place and spraying cool water on the coat. Use a fan to draw the heat away from your dog, and wipe the muzzle with cool water. It’s best to visit the vet to ensure your pet is okay.

5.   Limit Exercise

You may love to run with your dog, but activity should be limited during hot weather. Exercising your pet should be done early in the morning or later in the evening. Watch your dog closely for signs of overheating, as heat strokes are common problems for pets during the summer. That’s especially true for dogs with shorter snouts, like bulldogs or boxers. If you have an overweight pet, the warmer temperatures can also be hard.

Get an Early Summer Checkup

When summer is getting started, it’s a great time to get your dog tested for heartworms and other issues. Ask your vet for any other precautions you should take with your dog. Never leave your pet in a hot car. The temperature in your vehicle will be much higher than the temperature outside after only thirty minutes. Even if you think you won’t be long, your dog can suffer a potentially fatal heatstroke. We know that when summer kicks in, there’s lots of fun to be had. If you follow these tips, you and your dog will have a season neither of you will forget.


Don't Ignore These Common Signs of Pet Pain

By Patti Croft | 5/18/2023 | Posted to Dog Health
Don't Ignore These Common Signs of Pet Pain

Dogs and cats are skilled at hiding pain, so you should be aware of the warning signs. Keep reading to learn how to recognize the subtle cues that your pet is in distress.

Protect Your Dogs with These 7 Flea & Tick Solutions

By Lambert Vet Supply | 7/8/2022
Protect Your Dogs with These 7 Flea & Tick Solutions

Have you noticed any unusual habits or behavioral changes with your dog lately? Does it seem to be scratching more often than normal? Do you see any mysterious black specks when combing its fur, or any new red bumps on its belly? If so, then wash your hands before touching your hair. Your canine might have fleas or ticks.

How to Spot and Treat Dog Anxiety Behavior

By Lambert Vet Supply | 6/8/2022
How to Spot and Treat Dog Anxiety Behavior
We tend to view dogs as happy-go-lucky critters. Between their unconditional love and their boundless energy, they just give the impression of never having a care in the world. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Just like humans, canines

The 5 Diseases Vaccinated Against by 5-Way Puppy Shots

By Lambert Vet Supply | 4/7/2022
The 5 Diseases Vaccinated Against by 5-Way Puppy Shots
When people think about adopting a new puppy, they often picture warm hugs, adorable pictures, and bonding moments. Of course, there is more to caring for a dog than just cute stuff. You must actually care for your dog, providing it with everything

Cutting Back On Pet Care Costs

By Lambert Vet Supply | 4/5/2022
Cutting Back On Pet Care Costs
It feels like no matter what the product or service is, the costs are going up considerably. The fact is that people are not happy about such sudden increases in costs for the same goods and services that they’ve been using for years. Imagine buying

Are Professional Dog Training Classes Worth It?

By Lambert Vet Supply | 3/1/2022 | Posted to Dog Behavior
Are Professional Dog Training Classes Worth It?
Have a new dog and you are debating on training methods? We live in a DIY society at a time when we are doing the very least of ourselves. In fact, that’s why DIY is such a popular thing, because we so routinely have someone or something else take

Tank Sweet Tank: Making a Happy Home for Your Fish

By Lambert Vet Supply | 2/7/2022
Tank Sweet Tank: Making a Happy Home for Your Fish
Every good pet owner wants their animal companion to be happy. Part of that effort is keeping them healthy. This work is not just required when the pet is noticeably sick. You should do what you can to prevent them from falling

Everything you need to know about adaptil for dogs

By Lambert Vet Supply | 1/7/2022
Everything you need to know about adaptil for dogs
Whenever you search about canine anxiety and stress, you will come across the word Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP), or more commonly, Adaptil. -You must be thinking if this product called DAP or Adaptil can ease anxiety, which is primarily

4 Tips For When You Adopt A Dog

By Lambert Vet Supply | 12/7/2021
4 Tips For When You Adopt A Dog
If you are trying to adopt a dog, there are several things you need to consider before you make your final decision. For example, what are your options as far as breed? What if you want something that doesn’t shed? Will that be available? What about

6 Benefits of Shopping at an Online Pet Pharmacy

By Lambert Vet Supply | 11/18/2021
6 Benefits of Shopping at an Online Pet Pharmacy
Owning a pet can do so much for a person. They can bring love, happiness, stability, relaxation, and stimulation to one’s daily life. This relationship is hardly a one-way street, though. When pets fall ill, owners must do what they can to

5 Useful Feline Meds and Cat Antibiotics Without Vet Prescription

By Lambert Vet Supply | 10/18/2021
5 Useful Feline Meds and Cat Antibiotics Without Vet Prescription
Cat owners just want to provide their feline friends with the best care possible. When they seem even a little under the weather, it is only natural to pay your vet a visit and get your pet a checkup. If they find anything, they may prescribe your

Skin disorders in dogs and remedies

By Lambert Vet Supply | 9/19/2021
Skin disorders in dogs and remedies
Skin disorders lead to immense discomfort in dogs. There are a variety of reasons that result in different kinds of skin problems in dogs, effects of which are adverse. The frequency of these disorders is definitely more in warmer weather. It can

Anxiety In Dogs: Signs To Watch Out For.

By Lambert Vet Supply | 8/18/2021
Anxiety In Dogs: Signs To Watch Out For.
Dogs in a family tend to take a special place in everyone’s hearts. These four-legged furry friends become an integral part of any family they get in, and spread nothing but happiness. While dogs express their happiness, anger and other

Rating the Best Dog Allergy Prescriptions Available

By Lambert Vet Supply | 6/18/2021
Rating the Best Dog Allergy Prescriptions Available

Are you worried about itching, sneezing, shedding or some other allergy symptoms in your dog? Stay assured that it is not uncommon. Just like humans, dogs are also likely to react to factors such as pollen, foods etc. In some cases, it can cause extreme stress and discomfort. While you can stay relieved because you can resolve these issues, it is important to be watchful. 

Keppra: Your dog's ultimate medicine for epilepsy and seizures

By Lambert Vet Supply | 5/18/2021
Keppra: Your dog's ultimate medicine for epilepsy and seizures
What is Keppra? Keppra, or levetiracetam is a type of drug which is used to treat seizures or epilepsy. A class of drugs called anticonvulsants, keppra can effectively decrease the chances and episodes of seizures. It is an antiepileptic
The information contained in The Well Pet Post articles is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a veterinarian and is not intended as medical advice. If you have a health con­cern about your pets, please consult with an appropriately-licensed veterinarian. Never dis­re­gard pro­fes­sional veterinary advice or delay in seek­ing it for your pets because of some­thing you have read on this blog or in any linked materials.
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