Dog Cooling Guide: Beat the Heat with These Simple Tips to Keep Your Pet Dog Cool & Safe in Summer

March is almost over, and Summers have officially kicked in! Summers are particularly difficult for dogs. Unlike us humans, dogs cannot perspire to cool down. Even though dogs sweat through their paws and nose, their primary method of heat exchange or ‘cooling down’ is by panting. And it takes a lot longer for a dog to cool down relative to a human.
 
Overheating is dangerous and can lead to heat strokes in dogs. Hence, it’s important that we keep our dogs cool and safe during the hot season. Here are 6 summer care tips to keep our dawgies cool as a cucumber this summer. (Ps: Cucumbers are great for dogs in summers!)

6 Hot Tips to Keep Your Pet Dog Cool & Safe in Summer

Keep Your Dog Indoors in the Summer

Don’t lock your dog in a hot car, or leash him on a sunny terrace or anywhere outside. Keep him indoors as much as possible or otherwise in shade. Don’t muzzle him up. It obstructs panting and stops him from cooling down. Prolonged exposure to heat and the inability to cool down can lead to heat strokes in dogs.
 
Thick-coated or snow dog breeds such as Huskies, Mastiffs, Akitas, and St. Bernards should be kept in an air-conditioned area. Dogs with shorter snouts like Bulldogs, Pugs, etc may experience trouble breathing during the hot season.
 
Take your dogs out on walks during colder hours like early mornings or late evenings. Avoid hot surfaces like asphalt or concrete that can burn their paws. If the surface is too hot for you to step on barefoot, it’s definitely too hot for your pet. Dog boots or other similar products can help, but it’s best to avoid walking in the sun.
 

Hydrate Your Dog Often In the Summer

Water is the most important nutrient for your pet during the summer season. Always ensure the continuous availability of fresh drinking water for your dog. Keep his bowls clean and change water periodically to ensure there are no insects. It’s normal that your dog may eat less or stop eating completely due to the heat, but make sure he’s getting the fluids.
 
Unsweetened and unsalted lassi (yogurt + water), buttermilk, coconut water, watery fruits and berries like watermelon, melons, papaya, strawberries, raspberries, cucumber, etc are great to keep your dog hydrated. Here are 6 great fruits that your dog can safely enjoy this summer.
 

Get Your Dog a Summer-Friendly Haircut

Get your dog a summer-friendly haircut. A light but breed-appropriate coat can help your dog feel cooler. But remember – the same coat that makes them feel hot also protects them from the sun. A shaved (or over-trimmed) dog is prone to sunburn, among other skin issues in summers.
 
It’s also important to brush your dog frequently in summers. Brushing your dog’s coat removes the dry/dead skin and makes way for air to reach his coat. This helps to cool down your pet. Dogs are also susceptible to many skin infections during hot weather. Frequent grooming can keep a check on that.
 

Try Water Sports to Cool Your Dog in Summers

Take your dog to a pool or just treat him to a puddle full of mud. He’ll know what to do! This is a great way to cool your dog down. But make sure your dog gets a nice wash after every pool or puddle-session. The chlorine in the pool water may cause skin irritation, if not washed off properly.
 
Your dog would love to sit in damp corners in the house. But make sure he’s always clean and dry after all the wet-fun. Any amount of moisture in this weather can grow into a yeast or fungal infection. Read more about itching & skin issues in dogs.
 

Treat Your Dog to Frozen or Icy Treats in Summers

Dogs love ice and frozen treats in the summer. But it’s not advisable to treat them to a human ice-cream bar every time. Instead, you can try simple DIY recipes to make delicious and healthy frozen treats for your dogs this summer.
 
Not only they help your dog stay cool and hydrated, but they’ll also make a nice Snapchat or Instagram story for you. A simple YouTube search will list out some of our favorite recipes.
 

Watch Your Dog’s Food and Poop this Summer

As mentioned earlier, your dog may act fussy with his food in summers. He may eat less or eat nothing at all for a few days. But don’t let that worry you. Keep his food light, and include loads of fluids in his diets. Try cold foods, fruits and otherwise easily-digestible food items.
 
Observe his poop and report any signs of parasites to your vet. Bacterial and viral infections often make their way to your dog’s body by means of spoiled food during the hot season. Read more on what your dog’s poop can tell you about his health.

Summers may be an uncomfortable time for your pooch, but these simple tips will ensure he’s ready to take on the heat like a boss. Think we missed something? Tell us in the comments below!