Fun Ways To Keep Your Dog Cool In Summer

Summer can be a fun time of year for our canine companions. Fido gets to run and play, explore all of his favorite places, and sniff lots of plants and trees. However, that scorching Texas heat can also be very dangerous for him. Man’s Best Friend may look cute with a fur coat on, but that can also make it easy for him to overheat. You’ll need to take a few precautions to keep your canine pal safe during those scorching summer months. Read on for some tips from a local Pasadena, TX vet on keeping your dog cool.

How Do I Know If It’s Too Hot For Fido?

Man’s Best Friend can get dangerously hot very quickly in summer! Dogs only have a few ways to cool themselves off if they overheat. Panting helps a bit: Fido’s long nose cools the air, which in turn helps cool his blood. However, this will only help so much. Your pup can’t sweat to cool off, as humans can, except through his paw pads. 

As far as temperatures go, the danger zone may be much lower than you think. Any time it gets to be about 85 or over, Fido is in danger of overheating. Some pups get uncomfortably hot at just 75, which is a fairly comfortable temperature for many people. If the thermometer goes above 90, pay extra attention to your pet. 

How Do I Keep My Dog Cool?

There are actually quite a few things you can do to help your pup cope. In fact, it’s best to offer several solutions to help keep your furry friend comfortable in the heat.

We’ll start with the basics. First and foremost? Water. Keeping your pup hydrated is absolutely crucial. Make sure that Fido has plenty of fresh water. You may want to set out extra water stations, particularly if you have a big house, a big dog, a fenced yard, and/or more than one pooch. Be sure to clean and refill the bowls daily. This is especially important with outdoor bowls, as they may trap bugs and germs. Plus, toads may sit in them, which can contaminate the water.

We’d also suggest getting some sort of doggy water bowl or bottle to take with you when you’re on the go with your dog. If you like to take your pup out and about, just keep one in your car, with a gallon or two of bottled water. That way, you’ve always got some on you. This is just a good standard practice anyway.

Next, make sure your furry pal always has access to cooler areas, such as rooms with climate control. If your pup spends a lot of time outdoors, offer him a doghouse or a shade canopy. (We also recommend keeping Fido in during the hottest parts of the day.)

On hot days, you can also drop a few ice cubes into your furry bestie’s water to cool it off.

Without further adieu, here are some other ‘pawesome’ options:

Swimming

Swimming isn’t going to be appropriate for every dog. Some of our canine pals are just not cut out for it. If your pooch is a brachycephalic breed, such as a pug, then swimming shouldn’t even be an option. Because of their short airways, these dogs can get into serious trouble very quickly, even in shallow water. Puppies, giant dogs, and pooches with long backs, such as Corgis and Dachshunds, also don’t do well in the water. However, pups that aren’t cut out for swimming may still enjoy splashing in a kiddie pool or fountain.

That said, if your canine buddy enjoys swimming and can do it safely, by all means indulge him! Just put your pet’s safety first. Never take Fido swimming anywhere with steep drops, strong currents, or a lot of wakes. You’ll also need to be careful of blue-green algae when visiting lakes or ponds. 

Finally, keep a very, very close eye on your pet when he’s in (or even just near) water. Never leave him unattended, even for a minute.

Summer ‘Do

If you get your dog clipped for summer, now is the time to book an appointment, if you haven’t done so already. Feel free to try out different fun cuts. Your pup may look really cute with a lion clip! (Tip: bring your groomer a picture, to help ensure they know what you want.)

Of course, not all dogs should get haircuts. Pooches with double coats, such as huskies, should actually never get haircuts, as this can permanently damage their coats. Lots of brushing would be the way to go for them. If you aren’t sure whether a cut is appropriate for your dog or not, talk to your vet or groomer.

Cold Treats

Everybody loves a cool snack on a sweltering day … including Fido! There are lots of options here, all of which are pretty much guaranteed to get that tail going.

• Doggy Ice Cream: You can find various options for Fido in many pet stores and supermarkets, but you can also make your own. Look online for recipes. Here’s an easy one: Mix banana, peanut butter, and plain Greek yogurt in a blender, and stick it in the freezer. Voila!
• Pupsicles: This one is a huge hit with our canine pals. You’ll want small cups, such as Dixie cups. Pour in some sodium-free beef, fish, or chicken broth, and put it in the freezer. Give it about 20 minutes, then add chew sticks and pop them back in.
• Broth Cubes: Does your pooch like chewing ice cubes? Try pouring sodium-free broth into an ice cube tray for him. You can also beef these up by adding, well, beef. Or chicken. Or hamburger.

There are also lots of recipes for homemade frozen dog treats you can make yourself. Just be sure to only use ingredients that are safe for Fido. Ask your Pasadena, TX vet for specific advice on this.

Cooling Mats

As the name suggests, these products are made to help keep Man’s Best Buddy cool. There are several kinds to pick from. Some you fill with water. Others you keep in the freezer. Just check sizing before purchasing to ensure it fits.

Cool Bed

It’s also important for your dog to have a comfy bed. In summer, Fido may appreciate a raised bed. These stay cool, because they allow air to move beneath them. You can also point a fan over his bed. Just make sure he can’t knock it over!

Yard Fun

If you have a yard, you can add a few fun things for your cute pet, such as kiddie pools or pet fountains. Some splash water into the air when dogs step on them. This can also make for some really cute pictures!

Conclusion: The summer heat can be hard on dogs. However, taking a few simple steps can help you keep Fido cool and happy as the dog days approach.

Make An Appointment At Our Pasadena, TX Pet Hospital

Is your canine pal due for an exam? Is Fido due for wellness care or an exam? Contact us, your Pasadena, TX veterinary clinic. We offer top-notch veterinary services and great customer care.