How to Keep Your Dog Cool in the Summer

The summer months can bring a lot of fun and excitement for your dog, but when the temperatures get especially hot, you need to make sure you’re taking some extra steps to keep your dog safe and comfortable.

Here are a few tips from our pet store that will help you stick to good practices related to dog safety in Henderson, NV all summer long:

• NEVER leave your dog in the car: Even if you think you’ll only be away for a few minutes, there is never a circumstance in which you should leave your dog inside your vehicle. On an 85-degree day, it only takes 10 minutes for the interior temperature of your car to get over 100 degrees, even with a window cracked. After a half hour, the temperature gets to 120. Either leave your dog at home or find places where the dog can come with you.
• Keep your house nice and cool: Let the air conditioner run during the day if you have it. Otherwise, open up the windows and turn on fans. You might be able to find cooling mats for your dog as well.
• Exercise at the right times of day: If the weather gets really hot, it might be best to avoid taking your dog for a walk at all. But in general, on hot days, you should try to watch when you take your dog for a walk or go out and play with it. Limit walks to early mornings and in the evening, and make sure you bring water for both of you.
• Give your dog plenty of shade and water: You shouldn’t leave your dog outside alone for too long. When you do have your dog outside, make sure it has access to shade and lots of fresh water. It can help to add ice cubes to keep the water cool and to encourage your dog to drink. Trees and bushes make the best shade providers—doghouses will trap the heat and make it unbearable. You might also consider setting up a sprinkler or a kiddie pool in your backyard to allow your dog to cool off with cold water.
• Groom your dog: If your dog has long hair that needs to be groomed, make sure you remove mats and tangles to help keep it cool. However, don’t necessarily assume that a shorter haircut will help the dog keep cool—sometimes the extra fur also acts as a barrier against the heat.
• Know the signs of overheating: Keep a close eye on your dog and make sure you guard against heatstroke. Signs to watch for include heavy panting or drooling, trouble breathing, dizziness, weakness, dark or red tongue and gums and agitation.

These are just a few ways you can protect your dog during the hot summer months. For more information about dog safety in Henderson, NV when the weather gets warm here in Nevada, contact The Soggy Dog and we’ll be happy to provide further assistance.

Categorised in: Dog Safety

This post was written by Writer