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With summer comes hot temperatures. I love the summer but it’s always a challenge to keep my dog cool. My dog really seems to mind those hot and humid days. Every summer I get asked the same thing, “How do I keep my dog cool when it’s so hot outside?” Over the years I have come up with some ways to keep my dog cool even on those hottest days of the year. I am sharing those things with you now so that you can keep your dog cool this summer too.
A few things to remember:
Having access to fresh cool water at all times is very important any time of the year but especially in the summer.
Another thing to remember is that your dog should have access to shade and not be in the hot sun for very long.
Never leave your dog in a car on a hot summer day. Your dog can overheat very quickly on a hot day in a car. If you have to go somewhere that you can’t take your dog, leave him home.
10 Ways To Keep Your Dog Cool This Summer
- Use A Cooling Coat
Cooling coats are very popular, especially for dogs that do summer sports. The coat is soaked in cool water and put on the dog. The fabric of the cooling coat, once soaked in water, keeps your dog cool even on the hottest days.
2. Use A Cooling Mat
Whether you are going out or staying home, if your dog is laying around a cooling mat would be a great way to keep him cool. Cooling mats are filled with non toxic gel that keeps the mat and your dog nice and cool. A little warning, though, if your dog is known to destroy dog beds this would not be a good choice if he is going to be left unattended.
3. Use A Cooling Gel Collar
A cooling collar is another great choice. If you are out in the heat and you want something to keep your dog cool, try one of these gel filled cooling collars. These collars are soft and comfortable for your dog to wear. The gel stays cool providing hours of relief from the heat for your dog.
4. Keep A Fan Going For Your Dog
A fan blowing on your dog will help to keep him cool. If you are out and have no source of electricity, try a portable battery operated fan. This one can either run on a battery or plug it in to an electrical outlet. Your dog will enjoy laying in front of the fan with the cool breeze blowing on him.
5. Set Up A Wading Pool
What better way to keep your dog cool than a wading pool! Not all dogs love the water so make sure that your dog doesn’t mind wading around in the water first. My dog will splash around in his pool, having a great time all the while keeping him nice and cool. Of course, his favorite thing would going to the beach, which we do often in the summer, but he loves his wading pool almost as much as the beach.
6. Put A Cool Wet Towel On Your Dog
If you don’t have a cooling coat, you can wet towel in cool water and place it on your dog. This will not last as long as cooling coat so you will have to soak it frequently, but it will work to keep him nice and cool. Simply, soak the towel in cold water and put it on your dog. Keep checking to make sure that the towel is still cool so you can resoak it when it starts to warm up.
7. Put Ice Packs Under A Towel For Your Dog
If you don’t have a cooling mat, you can try putting ice packs under a towel for your dog. For this, I would recommend only using ice packs under supervision as your dog may try to chew them. Use only non toxic ice packs for safety.
8. Set Up A Shade Tent Or A Tarp
If you are out in the sun without a shady place for your dog to escape the heat, consider taking a shade tent or set up a tarp for your dog. A shade tent will give your dog some relief from the hot sun. Inside the shade tent have a cooling mat and some cool water for him to drink.
9. Take Walks During Cooler Hours
In the summer I still take my dog for lots of walks as he really needs his exercise. The only difference is that we go early in the morning or late in the evening when the temperatures start to drop a bit. The hot afternoon hours he sleeps in front of his fan on his cooling mat. By going for an early morning or late evening walk, he still gets his exercise but I don’t have to worry about him getting too hot.
10. Give Your Dog Ice Cubes Or Pupsicles
My dog loves ice cubes and he especially loves pupsicles! Pupsicles are something that you can make yourself and keep in the freezer for your dog.
My dog’s favorite pupsicle recipe:
Peanut Butter Pupsicle
Ingredients:
1 large banana, frozen
2 tablespoons natural peanut butter, without salt or sugar added
2 tablespoons honey
17.6 ounce container plain Greek nonfat yogurt
Directions:
-Cut up the banana and blend it in a blender
-add peanut butter and honey and blend until smooth
-add the yogurt and blend until the mixture is smooth and frothy
-poor mixture into ice cube tray
-freeze for 2 hours
Serve to your dog on a hot day!
