HOW TO KEEP YOUR DOG COOL IN HOT WEATHER
Dogs can’t cool down as easily as we can. They mainly use panting to keep cool, and can’t sweat through all of their skin, only their paw pads. Coupled with their fur, which is like wearing an insulated coat, this can make them prone to overheating.
We give you some tips on how to keep your dog safe when the temperature gets high.
- COLD WATER
Make sure your dog always has access to clean water, ideally a large bowl filled to the brim. Carry water and a bowl with you on walks.
- COOLING PRODUCTS
Ice packs provide instant relief from the heat. You probably already have everything on hand to make a DIY ice pack.
Here we give you few examples how to use different methods to cool down your dog.
- Water bottle - fill it with water and place it in your freezer. Once it has frozen, place on the ground under your dog’s chin
- Homemade ice packs— A simple homemade ice pack can be made by placing crushed ice in a plastic bag, removing excess air, and sealing the bag.
- Ice packs and wraps— The simplest device is an ice pack. However, its stiffness makes it difficult to wrap around a joint like the ankle.
- Bags of frozen vegetables such as peas or corn— A bag of frozen vegetables, such as peas or corn, is an easy way to have an instant and cheap cooling device. Make sure you label it “ice pack only” with a permanent marker so nobody eats it after multiple thawing cycles!
- Cooling mat or towel - A dog cooling mat, with gel or water, will provide some additional heat relief. They work best when kept in a cool area and out of direct sunlight. The cheaper solution is a hand towel or a bath towel that has been dampened and kept in the freezer
Each cold wrap provides roughly 30 minutes of cooling comfort, more than enough time to cool down your hot and bothered pooch.
3. FROZEN TREATS
Another great way to protect your dog in the heat is to provide it with cold treats. You can always check out your local dog store for purchasable frozen dog treats or you can make your own.
Peanut butter popsicles are quite the hit amongst dogs. Using simple ingredients such as unsalted, unsweetened peanut butter, bananas, and water, you can whip up a batch of these treats pretty quickly. Pop the mixture into the freezer and you have yourself a delicious treat that will also help your dog cool down.
4. LIMIT OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Allowing your dog to linger outside on a hot day will increase their chances of heat related dangers. Provide your dog with ample time to do their business and a limited amount of exercise. After that, they should be brought inside to cool off before returning to the outdoors.
5. NEVER LEAVE YOUR DOG IN CAR, HOT ROOM OR SUN TRAP
A car can become an oven very quickly even when it doesn’t feel that warm. When it is 22°c outside - within an hour - the temperature in a car can reach an unbearable 47°c.
KNOW THE SIGNS OF A HEAT STROKE
