With summer comes outdoor adventures and some pretty toasty temperatures. It’s important to make sure your pup is safe and comfortable when the temperatures rise, so both you and your canine companion can enjoy all the perks of the season. These tips will help you learn how to keep your pup cool all summer long.
Ensure Your Puppy Has Access to Fresh, Cool Water
One of the best ways to keep your pup properly hydrated and cool is to ensure they always have access to fresh, cool water, both inside and outside. If you’re going on a hike or to the beach, make sure to pack extra cool water for your pup. Some dogs love ice cubes, which are a great hot-weather treat. They can also be added to your pup’s bowl to keep their water cool. Another cool treat option is pup-safe popsicles.
Keeping It Cool
In addition to providing access to cool water, making sure your pup has access to shade and/or AC will help keep them comfortable and safe during extreme heat events. Other ways to keep your pup cool include fans, a cooling vest, or a cooling crate pad.
Some breeds, like Bulldogs, Pugs, or other short-muzzled pups, have a very hard time cooling themselves down in hot temperatures. Special care should be taken with these furry friends when the weather heats up to ensure they can spend time in a cool environment.
Avoid Afternoon Heat
When temperatures peak in the afternoon, it’s best to avoid physical activity outside. Aim to go for walks or engage in playtime when it’s cooler, like early in the morning or later in the evening.
Know The Signs of Heatsroke In Dogs
Signs of heatstroke include:
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Extreme thirst
- Difficulty breathing or unusual breathing
- Disorientation
- Heavy Drooling
- Weakness
If you see any of these symptoms, get your pup into a cool environment as soon as you can and contact your vet immediately. Some signs of heatstroke can take days to appear, so keep an eye out for these symptoms even after you’ve moved to a cooler environment.
To cool down a dog quickly, pour cool water over their body and head or place them in a bathtub filled with cool water.
You can also keep a dog thermometer handy to make sure your pup’s body temperature is in a safe range. Once their temperature goes above 104 degrees, it’s time to take a break from the heat.
These five tips can help make hitting the road with your pup a great experience for both of you. If you have questions about going on road trips with your pooch, let the experts at the Puppy Palace know. We’re happy to lend a helping paw!
