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.