Cielo
Summer is the favorite time for most as it brings the warmth of the sun and many outdoor activities that you cannot enjoy otherwise. It is also the perfect time for you to bond with your dog as you head out for your summer adventures.
Though there’s a problem – the warmth and heat you’re enjoying can be troublesome for man’s best friend. You may be enjoying the sun, but it may be too hot for your dog to be out. This is because the natural process of humans and dogs to cool down differs drastically.
Now, you must be wondering how to keep your dog cool in summer? Luckily for you, we have the answers! But first, let’s understand how dogs cool down naturally and what temperature is too hot for them.
How Do Dogs Cool Down Naturally?
Unlike human beings, dogs do not sweat. They have fewer sweat glands that are only located around their foot pads. On top of that, the fur on their body makes it even harder to cool down.
Instead, you may have noticed your dog’s panting increases in the heat, which is your dog’s way of cooling down its body. The moisture on their tongues, airways and the lining of lungs evaporates through panting. The air is then circulated around their body. This is how dogs keep themselves cool in the summer heat.
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How Hot Is Too Hot for Dogs?
While numerous factors affect the comfort for your dog, keeping your dog cool in the summer is not easy! More so, with the temperature rising up to 100F, it can be really challenging. The internal body temperature of a dog is on average around 100 to 103 F. Anything above your dog’s body temperature can cause trouble, even if it is just relaxing outside and not involved in any activity.
However, when the outside temperature is around 70F, you should avoid taking your dog outside. This is because the pavement temperatures can be hotter and can cause foot pad burns. You should also check humidity levels outside since a lower temperature can feel much hotter in high humid areas.
Taking your dog out when the temperature is high can be dangerous for your dog. It also increases the risk of heatstroke, especially if there is an activity involved.
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Signs of Heatstroke in Dogs
Heatstroke in dogs can be very common. Despite every effort to keep your dogs cool in the summer, it is possible for them to be suffering from a heatstroke. It is important to know the signs and take your dog to a vet as soon as you spot them.
The common signs of heatstroke include:
- Excessive panting
- Excessive drooling
- Reddened gums
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of consciousness
- Uncoordinated movement
- Collapse
So, when the temperatures rise, how do you keep your dogs cool? We have assembled some tips and tricks to help you with that.
Here are some tips and tricks on how to keep your dogs cool as temperatures rise. Follow these to prevent your pet from suffering and avoid any signs of a heat stroke.
15 Tips to Help Keep Your Dogs Cool in Summer
Summers are getting hotter every year, which makes keeping your dog cool harder and demanding. But don’t you worry! We have made a list of the 15 best ways to enjoy and make the most of the weather with your dog.
1. Keep Your Dog Indoors
The best way to keep your dogs cool in the summer is to keep them inside with either the windows opened or with the air conditioner running. The latter can be made easier through the global control feature provided by Cielo Breez smart AC controller for ductless or smart thermostats for ducted air conditioning. These devices allow you to control your air conditioner remotely and set temperature automations so your dog can stay cool even when you are not home.
2. Invest in a Dog House Air Conditioner
If your dog normally stays outdoors, one of the best ways to keep it cool in the summer is by using a dog house air conditioner. These devices are a modern solution that can keep your dog cool in its tiny space even if you are not around. You can also connect your dog house air conditioner to Cielo Breez Plus and set up Comfy Mode or weekly schedules to keep your dog comfortable in the summer heat while saving energy.
3. Keep Clear of Doghouses Without Air Conditioning
Unless your dog house has air conditioning, it can become way too hot for your dogs. Air in a dog house does not flow properly always, so it is best to keep clear of them. But then, you may wonder how do you keep an outside dog cool in the summer? Give them plenty of shade and cold freshwater!
4. Add Dog Water Stations in Your Yard
Set up bowls or buckets of cold/ice water around your garden to keep your dogs cool in the summer. You could also install faucets close to the ground where your dogs could cool off after some exercise or playing in the heat.
5. Take Your Dog for a Dip
A paddling pool is surely a great way for your dog to have fun while keeping cool in the summer. Your dog and your children could have an amazing time together playing in the cold water while you relax nearby. However, be sure to check the water temperature. If the water is too cold, it could cause your dog to become hypothermic.
6. Provide Cooling Products
There are many products designed to keep your dogs cool in the summer. Cooling beds are a great option since dogs, just like humans, need to stay cool while sleeping. You can also use cooling mats and vests to keep your dog comfortable, whether inside or out. In addition, you can give your furry companion a frozen toy.
7. Exercise in the Evening
You cannot keep your dog stuck inside your home throughout the summer season. You just have to be cautious. It is important for your furry friends to get out for their daily exercises. When going out on a walk or to the park, choose a time of day when the sun is not high in the sky. This will ensure that your dog is not too hot and make it less likely for him to overheat.
8. Always Keep Cold Fresh Water Available
Your dog needs plenty of water in a normal daily routine, particularly if used to a dry kibble diet. This need is amplified in the summer to keep your dog cool. Keep lots of cold water or ice water out for your dog to drink, preferably in ceramic bowls. You can use portable bowls when out on adventures with your pet.
9. Availability of Cooling Spots
It is important to have cool-down spots for your dog during your outdoor adventures when it becomes a little too hot. You can find areas with a lot of shade or wind for your dogs to rest in when they appear tired.
10. Spray Dog With Water Often
Besides finding areas to unwind and cool down, you can also spray your dog with a hose to bring their body temperature down. Aiming the spray at their chest and armpit area is the fastest way to keep your dog cool.
11. Regular Grooming
Regularly grooming is an essential part when exploring how to keep your dog cool in the summer. Brushing your pet’s fur on a daily basis ensures that loose hair does not restrict the airflow. Regular baths are also great to keep your dog refreshed and cool during the peak of summer.
12. Avoid Walks on Hot Pavements/Roads
The intense heat of the summer means that roads and pavements would become much hotter than the temperature outside. Consequently, it can burn your dog’s skin, foot pads or cause blistering. Therefore, it is best to avoid going out when the temperature goes above 70F since the pavements can be up to 40 to 60 degrees hotter. It will get too hot for your dog to handle. You could focus on grassy areas for a walk and even style your small friend in the cutest dog footwear to protect their feet.
13. Add Sun Protection For Your Dog
It is important to keep your dog safe from sunburn, just like humans. The naked skin on top of their nose and inside their ears is very likely to get burnt in the intense sun. You can use FDA-approved doggie sunscreen that will provide prolonged protection to your dog from the sun rays.
14. Never Leave Your Dog in a Car
When you are out and about with your dog, ensure that you never leave them in the car without supervision. Even with the windows cracked, the temperature in cars rises a lot faster than it does otherwise. This could be extremely dangerous, especially in the summer heat.
15. Maintain a Consistent Weight
Keeping your dog at an ideal weight for their breed by measuring their food intake will also help them to stay cool in the heat. Overweight dogs have a much harder time cooling down their body. This is a risk particularly for breeds such as bulldogs, pugs, frenchies, etc., who find it harder to breathe in warm weather.
To Shave or Not to Shave Your Dog in Summer?
While it is commonly known that dogs’ fur is essential for insulation during winters, believe it or not, it also helps to keep dogs cool in the summer. The fur prevents your dog from the risk of sunburn, which is why shaving your dog is not advisable, especially in the case of double-coated dogs like huskys, corgis, etc.
You can, however, trim the fur to be lighter with the help of a clipper either by yourself or by a professional groomer. It is also recommended that you regularly brush your dog. This avoids matting, increasing the chances of heat being trapped and allowing proper airflow in the fur.
Now that you have all the information you need to keep your dog cool in the summer, it’s time to have fun. We hope the tips mentioned above cover all the things you need to do to ensure that your dog remains comfortable as the temperatures rise. However, if your dog displays signs of heatstroke or exhaustion due to the heat, it is best to take them to the veterinarian, who can provide medical care.
