How to Keep Your Dog Cool in Hot Weather

Spring is (finally) here and Summer is not close behind. Soon you’ll be able to spend your time outside, go for long dog walks, and relax in the sun for hours. Most likely, your dog loves to be outside, but is the hot Summer weather just too much? How hot is too hot for your dog?

It doesn’t take much for it to be too hot for your dog. Your dog can heat up much faster than you think. Laying in the sun, playing, long dog walks – all things that can cause your dog to become too hot. Believe it or not, your dog could even become overheated in your own home. It’s not good for your dog to be too hot – they become uncomfortable very quickly (they do have a thick coat of fur!) and may even experience shortness of breath.

If you see your dog drooling more than normal, panting loudly, or laying down all day, you probably need to take some action to cool your dog off. There’s a number of things you can do, and we’re going to go through them each today.

1. Keep the AC on

Many people try to wait as long as possible before putting the AC on. In some homes, those which do not get a lot of sunlight, this can work. But if your house gets hot and your dog seems lazier than normal, out of breath, or is hot to the touch, it’s time to put on the AC. Your dog will get extremely uncomfortable and not know how to tell you. Do them a favor – put on the AC and allow them to relax on top of the vent until they’re properly cooled off.

2. Avoid the midday sun

You’ve heard it before – the sun is hottest in the middle of the day, usually from around noon to 3:00 pm. During this time, it’s best to keep your dog inside. It’s too much for your dog to be out in the heat of Summer. Instead, take them out early in the morning and then let them relax outside during the dusk hours when it’s much, much cooler and the sun isn’t beating down on them.

3. Keep water accessible

In the Summer heat, your dog can get dehydrated fast. To avoid this, make sure water is always accessible. It’s important to bring water outside to your pup while playing outside. You might even want to bring a water bottle on your dog walks. Try squirting the water into your dog’s mouth, and if he or she won’t take it, pour it over their fur. If while on a walk your dog sits and won’t budge, they’re probably dehydrated and need time to catch their breath.

4. Check the pavement

Don’t you hate when you walk out barefoot on the driveway in the Summer and within a matter of seconds your feet feel like they’re on fire? Well, guess what! If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog! Your dog’s paws are very sensitive, so when going outside in the Summer or dog walking, be sure to check the pavement first.

5. Always make sure there is shade

If your dog is going to be outside for a while, or even just for a few minutes to go to the bathroom, make sure there is shade for them to escape to. It’s doesn’t take very long for your dog to get overheated. Within a matter of a few minutes on a hot Summer day, your dog is going to be searching for shade. Make sure it’s available to them.

6. Provide them ice

Your dog might need something colder than what’s in their water dish. You can either add ice to their water or empty their water dish to fill it back up with ice cubes. Let them lick the ice cubes will cool them down fast – and it’s a fun activity to keep them occupied!

7. Give them an ice pack or a wet towel

You may not have thought of this one, probably because it doesn’t seem like an ice pack or towel will get through thick dog fur. But it will and your dog will love it! If it’s an extra hot day, you just got back from dog walking, or your dog just seems really overheated, lay an ice pack or cold wet towel over the back of their neck while they’re laying down. It will instantly cool them off and help them to catch their breath, should they need to.

8. Know the signs of heatstroke

As mentioned a few times in this article, your dog can get overheated quite quickly. It’s important that you recognize the signs to help prevent heatstroke. If your dog has a raised temperature (101.5 degrees is normal), rapid breathing or panting, excess drool or thick saliva, fatigue, signs of depression, muscle tremors, or staggering, your pup could be experiencing heatstroke. Immediately get your dog inside and put a wet cloth on them to help them cool down. Then, call the vet and see if you need to take your dog to be treated.

Heat stroke is serious and needs to be noticed and treated as quickly as possible. The above methods will help you prevent heatstroke in your dog, but it can still happen. Watch your dog closely in hot weather and take action when needed.