10 Easy Ways to Keep Your Pups Cool This Summer

When temperatures soar, your furry friend is at risk of getting too hot. So, how to keep a dog cool in the summer? Don’t worry – we’ve got some tips to help you keep your pup cool during the summer months!

From giving them plenty of access to water and shade to investing in cooling gear for those extra-hot days, there are lots of ways that you can make sure your pooch stays comfortable when the sun’s out.

So read on and find out how to beat the heat and keep your dog cool this summer!

How do dogs release body heat?

Before we dive into the ways to cool down a dog, we must first understand how their internal system works when it comes to cooling themselves down.

Dogs have a few different ways to expel heat, the most popular being panting and sweating.

Panting is an efficient way for them to get rid of heat because it involves evaporative cooling – releasing water vapor from their mouths which draws heat away from their bodies.

Sweating in dogs, however, only takes place in specific areas like the nose and paw pads. It’s not as effective as panting when it comes to rapid cooling but still helps regulate their body temperature nonetheless.

In addition to these two methods, dogs will also seek out cooler places such as shady spots or even wet mud baths if available.

How to keep a dog cool in the summer

As the days get hotter and longer, it’s important to keep your four-legged friends cool in the summer heat.

Whether you’re at home or on the go, here are 10 ways to keep your pup comfortable during the hottest months of the year.

1. Make sure they have plenty of water:

Make sure your pup has access to a bowl of fresh, clean water throughout the day. It’s especially important if you’re out and about for long periods of time – a leakproof portable dog water bottle can come in handy!

2. Watch their diet:

During hot weather, your pup may not be as hungry so make sure to watch their food intake and adjust accordingly. Also consider switching them over to a lighter, lower-calorie diet if necessary. You can also try making puppy popsicles to keep their tummy cool!

3. Keep them indoors:

During especially hot days, it’s best to keep your pup indoors and away from direct sunlight. Provide them with plenty of comfortable spots to rest and nap in the cooler parts of your home.

4. Watch out for signs of heatstroke:

Look out for signs of heatstroke such as heavy panting, tiredness, and confusion. If you spot any take your pup to the vet immediately.

5. Play in the water:

If your pup is a fan of water, head to a nearby beach or lake for some fun and games in the water. You can also purchase a kiddie pool for your backyard – they’ll have just as much fun splashing around!

6. Invest in cooling products:

There are lots of products designed specifically to help keep dogs cool during the summer months including cooling mats and pet-friendly fans.

7. Take them on walks during cooler times of day:

Early morning and late evening are usually the coolest points of the day, so consider taking your dog on long walks during these times instead of mid-day when temperatures are highest.  

8. Don’t leave them in the car:

This one goes without saying – even if it’s only for a few minutes, leaving your pet in the car is never okay.

Temperatures inside cars can quickly reach dangerously high levels and cause heatstroke or worse.

9. Visit the vet:

When summer arrives, you must get your dog checked up by the vet to make sure that they are healthy and well prepared for the weather.

Also, if you notice any signs that your pup is feeling overheated or uncomfortable, visit a veterinarian immediately as they may require medical attention.

10. Provide plenty of shade:

When taking them outdoors for a walk or playtime, make sure there are plenty of shady spots to keep them out of direct sunlight.

Trees, umbrellas, or even tents can provide great protection from the sun’s rays throughout the day.

What dogs are made for hot weather?

If you’re looking for a furry companion who can brave the hottest summer days with ease, then you may want to consider getting a dog that’s specifically designed to enjoy warm weather.

Some popular breeds known for their ability to handle high temperatures include Greyhounds, Chihuahua, Basenjis, and Pharaoh Hounds.

All of these breeds have short coats and some even have naturally sweaty paws which help them stay cool in extreme climates.

Additionally, many of these dogs need very little grooming and exercise making them perfect for low-maintenance owners as well!

On the contrary, breeds like Siberian Husky, Malamute, and Saint Bernard are not ideal for hot weather.

They have thick fur coats that prevent heat from escaping their bodies and can easily overheat in warmer climates.

If you have any of these breeds, then you may want to consider having air conditioning in your house or providing shade and plenty of water for them.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to keep a dog cool in the summer, you can take the necessary steps and be prepared beforehand.

No matter the breed, make sure that you’re always mindful of your pup’s comfort in hot weather.

Provide them with access to fresh water and a cool place to rest, and ensure that they have plenty of time indoors when needed.

With the right precautions in place, any pup can enjoy the warm days—even those designed specifically for it! Happy summer!