Summer is here, and it’s tough on everyone, especially on dogs. Your dog might have descended from wolves and other great outdoors-dwelling creatures. But they are probably domesticated enough now that they’re a little more used to technology than the wild.
Thankfully, there are plenty of ways you can keep your dog cool in summer without actually making them stay indoors all day, even though that’s nice for all of us sometimes. Here are some tips and essentials when it comes to keeping your dog comfortable and happy during those hot summer months.
Dog Pools
A dog pool is a great way to keep your furry companion cool during the long, hot summer months. More than just a place to splash around and cool off, dog pools are also a great way to get your pup moving. Canines love playing in the water, and they’ll happily spend hours romping around in one while you relax in the shade of your patio or backyard.
Many people think that putting their dogs in regular kiddie pools won’t work because their dogs are too big or heavy for those types of pools. But there are plenty of options available if you research them online. Some models have been designed specifically with larger dogs in mind.
Cooling Vests
Cooling vests are a great way to keep your dog cool. They’re easy to use and clean, so you can use them over and over again without having to buy a new one every week. The best part is that you can store them anywhere, so they won’t take up space in your home.
You can check out cooling vests at any major pet store or online retailers like Amazon or PetCareRx. Cooling vests are also super easy to use. Just put the vest on your pup and let him wear it wherever he goes. They’re lightweight enough that even small dogs will be able to carry them around without any problem.
Sprinklers
Sprinklers are a great way to cool your dog down. They’re great for dogs that are too old to run around in the water or those who aren’t good swimmers. Sprinklers can be found at most hardware stores, and they don’t cost much. You can even build one yourself if you have the right materials on hand.
A sprinkler is essentially just a hose attached to a spigot, with holes in its head that let out a steady stream of water when turned on. This allows you to direct where the water hits your dog as he plays near it. It gives him/her protection from heat and access to cool water without having to make contact with any other element that might feel uncomfortable (like mud).
Water Fountains and Mist Sprays
Mist sprays are a great way to keep your dog cool. They can be placed in the shade and release a good water spray every few minutes. These are great for hot days, but you need to make sure that you clean them regularly, so there is no buildup of bacteria in the water reservoir.
Water fountains are another way to keep your dog cool by providing an endless supply of fresh water that they can drink from when they are thirsty or just want something fun to play with. If you have one, make sure that it doesn’t get dusty or dirty because it could cause bacteria or mold growth, which could make your pet sick.
Cooling Beds, Mats, and Pads
Cooling beds, mats, and pads are also a great way to keep your dog cool in summer. They can be used for indoor and outdoor activities, for dogs of all sizes, and can even be helpful for dogs with allergies. Cooling beds are perfect if you want to let your pup get some much-needed rest on hot days.
They can also help relieve stress from long periods of standing or laying down on hard surfaces that are not ideal for comfort. The cooling bed will absorb the heat from your dog’s body, so as he/she lies down on it, there is a constant flow of cold air blowing out at all times during their nap session.
DIY Solutions
There are a few DIY solutions that you can try to keep your dog cool and comfortable in the summer. In addition to using a fan and wet towel on them, you can also use frozen water bottles. If you want to go all out, consider getting your dog its personal ice cube maker.
You can also use this method if you feel like your dog is getting too hot. Place two ice cubes in a plastic baggie. Then tie it around your dog’s neck using string or rubber bands so that they stay in place. The cold will do wonders for cooling down its body temperature.
Keeping your dog comfortable in the summer is important. In the summer, it is very easy to forget that dogs are still animals and need special care. They are not made to withstand extreme heat like we are, so keeping them comfortable is important. Also, they don’t sweat through their skin as humans do. They sweat through their paws and tongue. If your dog gets too hot, it could get dehydrated more easily than you would think. Dehydration causes constipation, which in turn causes bloat that can be fatal if left untreated.
Conclusion
This is a lot to take in, so we suggest taking it slow and focusing on one or two of these tips at a time. For example, you might want to start by making sure your dog has access to water at all times. Then, next week you could implement the ice cube trick.
By taking small steps over time instead of trying to do everything all at once, you’ll be more likely to stick with these new habits and truly make them part of your daily routine. And that’s when they’ll become most effective for helping your dog stay cool in the summer heat.