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Jim’s Dog Wash – Top Tips To Keep Your Pup Cool This Summer!

October 18, 2022

Our dogs love to please us and will happily run with us as we hike, walk and jog – even on the hottest days, so it’s up to us to make sure that we monitor our pups carefully for overheating, or in extreme cases, heatstroke

The easiest way to tell if your dog is heating up is to check through their breathing. Dogs pant to cool down and if they are panting excessively, it’s a sure sign that they need to cool off!

Here are our top Ten tips:

1. Drinking Water

It’s important that your dog always has a plentiful supply of fresh, cool drinking water. If you will be out all day, a good tip is to freeze a container of water and put it out in the morning so it slowly defrosts and provides a supply of cool water throughout the day.

2. Play Toys

You could try freezing a treat or vegetable into a frozen block of water. Alternatively, Lickimats or a Kong treats can be frozen overnight. Not only will they cool your pup down but will also give them some play activity time.

3. A wet dog is a cool dog!

Playing in water can lower a dog’s temperature when it’s hot. A shallow pool or running through sprinklers will cool them down and give them a new activity at the same time. You only need to provide enough water so that they can get their paws and belly wet, anything deeper than this needs supervision.

4. Provide Shade

Dogs will always look for the coolest spot to lay down, if there isn’t enough shade you can create some with an umbrella, canopy or even a string of tarp

5. Cool Beds

You can try placing a frozen icepack in your dog’s bedding to keep them cool. There are also dog beds available commercially that come in many different sizes and are made from heavy duty plastic. The beds are filled with a cooling gel and is great for older dogs.

6. Wet Towels

A towel, drenched in water will and draped over your dog will get them pup cool in a hurry

7. Avoid Midday Heat

Let your pup stay indoors or in a cool area to sit out the hottest part of the day. You may need to adjust your routines, but an early morning or late evening walk will mean that you miss the heat.

8. Avoid Hot Footpaths and Roads

A great way to assess the footpath or road is to place your hand on the surface to check the temperature. If it’s too hot for your hand then it’s too hot for your dog’s bare paws

9. Travelling With Dogs

Road trips in summer are the best, but often the air-conditioning doesn’t reach your dog in the back of the car and they can be in direct sun through the windows. You should ensure that there is a shade or panel on the windows and that there is enough airflow to keep your dog cool while you are travelling.

10. Car Parks

Never leave your dog in a parked car. Even on a cool day, the temperature in your car can reach dangerous levels very quickly.

Check For Overheating

Keep an eye on your pup to check if they are showing signs of overheating or heatstroke. Early signs of heatstroke include heavy panting and rapid breathing, excessive salivation and drooling, bright red gums and tongue as well as showing discomfort or disorientation. If your dog shows any of these signs, take steps immediately to cool them down.

If you are unable to lower your dog’s temperature or their condition worsens, take them to a vet immediately.