As the Fahrenheit increases, it’s important to keep our dogs’ needs in mind. Unlike humans, our furry friends can’t sweat, and so dispelling heat from beneath those coats is difficult. In the article to follow, we’ll pinpoint five essentials to keep in mind when the weather turns later this year.
Make water a priority, and chilled snacks too
During the hot summer months, always make sure your dog has access to chilled water in a bowl. Keep the bowl in a shady spot, but when it inevitably warms up, refill it with chilled water from the fridge. Your dog will lap this up throughout the day, and especially after exercise. What’s more, you can cool her down further by investing in chilled snacks or a frozen chew toy. Check out Amazon for great options on both fronts.
Invest in a kiddie pool
Dogs love to get wet in a pool, but you don’t need an Olympic-sized behemoth to fit the bill. A kiddie’s splash pool is more than sufficient. Fill it up with cold water and invite your dog to have a play. She’ll not only burn some calories (important, as obesity is a surefire killer) but she’ll lower her temperature too.
Always take water out with you on walks and hikes
Dogs pant to keep cool, but this age-old mechanism often isn’t enough in searing heat. To help her cool down during trips outdoors, keep a couple of chilled water bottles in a backpack, and let her sip these regularly. Dogs suffer the effects of dehydration and heat stroke alarmingly quickly; symptoms include dry or sticky gums, glazed eyes, an elevated heartbeat, or general disorientation. Monitor these signs closely.
Elevate the dog’s sleeping area
Dogs need a place to call their own; a spot where they unwind and go to sleep at night. If possible, try to elevate these sleeping areas so they’re not close to the floor. You can even get beds with special materials, like mesh, that bring the temperature down when the dog is sleeping.
Never leave your dog in a car
In the hot summer months, there’s no excuse for leaving a dog in an unventilated car – or in any car for that matter. Even when parked in the shade, with the windows open, a dog can suffer the effects of dehydration – and delirium – very quickly. Instead, take the dog with you, and ensure you’ve got water on hand to keep her cool.
