This summer is gearing up to be a hot one in the Southeast. With temperatures soaring, it can be tempting to stay inside, but fresh air is good for you and your pets. The important thing is knowing how to stay safe, keep cool, and recognize signs of danger. Try to avoid going outside during the hottest part of the day – usually late morning through mid-afternoon. Take longer walks first thing in the morning or later in the evening, and stick with a quick trip outside in the afternoon.
Here are a few other tips for keeping your dog cool:
1. Create a shady place to relax.
If your dog likes to hang out with the family in the backyard or at the park, make sure they have some shade. Set up a small canopy or umbrella to shield them from the sun, or sit under some large trees. Be cautious about doghouses during the summer because heat can become trapped inside, and they may feel hotter than the temperature outdoors.
2. Offer cool treats.
Make sure your dog has plenty of fresh, cold water to drink. You can even add some ice cubes to their water, or let your dog eat them plain. Try freezing small chunks of fruit such as watermelon, bananas, strawberries, blueberries, or peaches and give them as an icy treat. There are tons of recipes online for frozen dog treats, dog-friendly ice cream, and other cool snacks.
3. Get wet.
Just as water cools you down when it’s hot out, it can do the same for your dog. Find a pet-friendly pool or lake and take your dog swimming – just be sure to check that they are able to swim first, and stay close. You can also use a kiddie pool filled with a few inches of water for your dog to splash around or lay down in. Sprinklers work well too, and pets and kids alike can play together!
4. Soak up some A/C.
Sometimes you need a break from the heat outside, so head indoors where it is air conditioned. If you do not have air conditioning, set up fans so there is better air circulation (and keep your dog from getting too close or knocking it over). A lot of dogs like to lay on tile or hardwood floors in the summer because they stay cooler. There are also cool mats that you can get for your dog, or give them a cold, damp towel to lay on.
5. Avoid shaving.
It can be tempting to shave your dog for the summer, because fur makes them hotter, right? Not necessarily. Your dog’s fur can actually help to keep them cool and acts as a barrier from the sun to prevent sunburn. While you can keep their fur trimmed, you might want to avoid shaving it all off. A better idea is to regularly brush them to remove any loose undercoat.
If you notice any signs of heatstroke such as rapid breathing, excessive salivation, disorientation, vomiting, diarrhea, or seizures, move your dog to a cooler location and contact their veterinarian. Try to cool them down slowly by applying cold, wet towels to their stomach and underarms, and getting them to drink a small amount of water at a time.
Don’t leave your dog home alone in the heat. Sign them up for doggie daycare or boarding at Lake Wylie Pet Resort for a cool stay and a fun day where you know they’re safe. Schedule your dog’s next stay by contacting us today.