Beat the heat with your dogs.
Summer is here, and you and your dog want to go outside and play. But it’s so hot. Intense heat can lead to breathing problems – especially in flat-faced dogs – and heatstroke can happen in the blink of an eye. Luckily, there are many creative ways to help your dog stay cool all summer long.
1) Hydration
It’s important that both you and your dog stay hydrated, especially during the summer heat. Drink plenty of fluids and provide your dog with ample cool water. To encourage your dog to drink during outings and to boost his system, place one cup of bone broth in his water bowl or travel bottle. To help keep his water cool, you can freeze the bone broth and add it as frozen cubes!
2) Frozen Treats
We already mention how frozen bone broth can help in keeping your dog hydrated. Frozen treats are the number one way of keeping your dog happy while they’re chilling out. You can freeze some chicken broth, vegetables, and fruit mixtures together to create fun new snacks. Be sure to consult with your vet about which fruits and veggies are safe for your dog.
3) Shade
Keep in mind that direct sun can quickly cause heat exhaustion and heatstroke. When taking your dog for a walk, seek shady parks. If your dog has a fenced-in yard, encourage him to play under the shelter of trees, or invest in an awning to shade his favorite play area.
4) Doggie pool
A fun way to keep your dog cool is to provide him with his own doggie pool. And you can enjoy the fun, too! Put on your bathing suit and get in to entice your pup to play. Squirt guns and other pool toys are a fun way to get the whole family involved.
A word of caution. Do not allow your dog to drink or gulp too much water as this can lead to water intoxication, which can be life threatening.
5) Sand box
Dogs love to dig – and it helps keep them cool by exposing cooler ground! Encourage your four-legged friend to dig a hole and lie down. If he seems uninterested in the activity, try hiding stuffed chew toys and other favorite goodies in a sandbox so he has some hidden treasures to uncover. If you have a large yard, combine the pool and sandbox idea to create your very own beach!
6) Grooming
Grooming can keep your dog feeling easy and breezy. For most dogs, the less fur they have, the better. If you can use a proper de-shedding brush, you can get out the majority of their loose fur. For some dogs, you’ll want to be sure to get the undercoat as thin as possible too. A thick coat is like wearing a wool sweater on a hot summer day. Not fun!
7) Stay indoors
There will be times when you and your dog should stay indoors. This is a great time to play some indoor games, teach your dog some tricks, or head to your favorite dog-friendly store! If your dog has a lot of energy, take him for short swims, and walk him after dark to avoid the sun’s hot rays.
8) Keep Them Out of Cars
You and your dog are bored of being indoor? going for adventures are a key part of summer – just make sure your dog isn’t suffering along the way. Open the windows, turn the AC on max, and provide them with ample water to help keep them cool. And don’t forget, they should never be left alone in the car!
Keeping your dog happy and healthy in the heat is easy – especially if you follow these 8 simple tips! As always, remember to have fun!