Tips for Staying Cool During the Dog Days of Summer
Updated On: Tuesday, August 2, 2022 16:43:03 PM America/Los_Angeles
Being based in sunny SoCal, we at DoggieLawn know that summers can get pretty heated! While it’s known to get pretty toasty around here, it’s no longer uncommon for many areas across the country to reach extreme heat (i.e. 2-3 days of temps above 90 degrees). Learn how to keep your dog cool in the summer with these important tips.
Photo by Linoleum Creative Collective
Offer Cooling Pads and Fans
Whether your home doesn’t have a cooling system or the AC simply isn’t cutting it, cooling pads and fans can go a long way in providing relief from the heat. The great thing about cooling pads is that they’re lightweight and portable, which makes them a great accessory for warm weather excursions like a day at the beach.
Provide Cool Water
As always, clean, fresh water should be made easily accessible. But unlike the cooler seasons, you might find that even a short trip to the store calls for a sip of crisp water. Travel with a portable water bottle so that you can offer a sip of thirst-quenching H2O whenever your dog needs it.
Use an Indoor Dog Bathroom
Chances are, the increase in water temperature will lead to an increase in water intake. Subscribe to a pet potty to make going to the bathroom more convenient for both you and your pup. To boot, using a pee pad limits outdoor exposure on the hottest of days. Protect your pooch from the heat with an easy-to-use wee wee pad like DoggieLawn.
Think Twice Before Shaving
Though shaving a dog seems like the logical solution to the sweltering heat, coats can actually provide protection from sunburn and overheating. Trims, however, can be safe–just be sure to ask your vet or a grooming professional as a dog’s breed will determine what the best course of action is.
Keep Away from Hot Surfaces
Surfaces like concrete and pavement basically become heating pads in the summer. For dogs, who are lower to their ground, being on a warm surface not only heats paws but raises their entire body temperature. Whenever possible, stay on cooler surfaces like grass to prevent overheating.
Don’t Keep Dogs in Cars
Cars are a notoriously unsafe place for dogs. A deceptively breezy day could still make cars a dangerous place for pets, as temperatures as low as 75°F can quickly rise to 100°F inside a car. If you anticipate not being able to take your dog out of the car with you, it’s best to keep them cool at home.
Wondering what other safety concerns might affect your fur baby during the warmer months? Check out our post on summertime health hazards for dogs here!
