How to stay cool in the heat with your dog
Who doesn’t love warm weather? From sunbathing and swimming to camping and fishing, there are tons of fun activities you can do with your dog when the weather the weather is warm! But even though you may be perfectly comfortable in the heat, your dog may not feel the same. To help keep your pup happy, I’ve outlined some hot weather tips for your dog.
Keep cool in the pool
There’s nothing that cools you off quite like a dip in the water. If it’s a hot day and you want to keep your pup cool, consider going for a swim. While you can’t bring your dog to a local pool, you can always get a kiddy pool and fill it up in your backyard. I’ve even seen some husky owners fill these pools with ice. Talk about cooling off!
Check out your local beach
If you don’t have a pool, head to your local beach. The beach is a fun place to bring your dog and they’ll love the many scents and smells that come with it. Just make sure to bring plenty of water with you and an umbrella if there are no shady resting spots.
Water, water and more water
Speaking of water, make sure you have plenty of water on hand if you’re venturing outdoors. Dogs can get hot very quickly, so you want to be careful that they are well hydrated, especially in warm weather. If we’re going for a walk, we like to hose down the dogs before we head out to help keep them cool.
Avoid the sunshine
Try to stay out of the sun as much as possible. If it’s a hot day with a nice breeze, shady spots will offer a lovely break from the heat. If I’m feeling warm, I know that I need to seek shade for my dogs immediately.
No midday walks
When it’s forecasted to be a hot day, the best times to day your dog out are in the early morning and evening. This may not suit your sleeping schedule, but your dog will appreciate it! It can be quite surprising how much cooler the morning can be- well worth the early start to your day.
Try making some cold treats
When you’re outside in the blistering heat, how amazing does an ice cream cone sound to you? That’s why I like to make frozen treats for my pups! If you have a Kong or a hollowed out raw marrow bone, try filling it with peanut butter and fruit, then freeze it. You can also use ice cube trays to freeze other snacks like yogourt, kefir, blended fruit and more! The benefit of a frozen snack is that it’s more difficult to eat, so it can keep them busy if they’re bored indoors.
Whatever your plans are, make sure to keep a close eye on your pup and enjoy the hot weather responsibly!
Do you have any hot weather tips for dogs? Share them in the comments below.