While the term “dog days of summer” has origins that can be traced back to the days of the Ancient Romans, in today’s day and age, it is commonly used to reference scorching hot temperatures in the summer. Many interpret the term to mean that it is so uncomfortably warm that even typically energetic canines can’t help but laze around and pant. Unfortunately, many pet owners live in climates where this type of heat is prevalent in the summer. During the scorching heat, it is important to ensure that your dog remains both cool and active. Follow these tips to ensure your dog is happy and healthy all summer long:
Keep Your Dog Hydrated
As always, adequate hydration is essential for your canine’s health. In the summer months, it is even more important. To ensure that your beloved pet remains hydrated, provide them with plenty of water throughout the day. It may be helpful to add ice cubes to the dog’s water dish to ensure that the water stays cool. Likewise, if you spend a lot of time outdoors and on-the-go, invest in a collapsible water dish to make providing water on walks and hikes easier.
Buy a Wading Pool
If you do not have a pool at home and your dog spends a lot of time outdoors, a wading pool is an excellent solution to keeping your pet both active and cool. Be sure to purchase one that is an adequate size for your dog for maximum comfort. Likewise, ensure that it is durable enough to withstand active play and claws.
Choose the Right Times to Walk Your Dog
During the summer, the time you choose to walk your dog can make all the difference in their level of activity. In the middle of the day, temperatures are generally at the most extreme. This can result in overheating and pavement that is simply too warm for your dog to walk on comfortably. A simple change to your schedule, such as moving walks to the early morning or late evening, is one of the simplest and most effective ways to keep your dog cool and active.
Give Your Dog a Frozen Treat
For humans, there is nothing like a popsicle or ice cream cone to cool off after a long day in the sun. The same is true for canines, however, they should not indulge in our human treats. Instead, offer frozen peas or fruits that are safe for consumption by dogs. If you prefer, you can buy frozen treats that are already prepared or create your own. Some of the most popular recipes include frozen chicken or beef stock cubes and yogurt and banana “ice cream” cups.
Wet Your Dog’s Paws and Belly
Unlike humans, your canine pals are not equipped with sweat glands throughout their bodies. Instead, they only have sweat glands on their paws and noses. To make matters worse, they are covered in heavy fur which can quickly contribute to overheating in the summer months. A quick and easy way to cool down a hot dog is to wet their paws and their belly. This cools them down more effectively than wetting their back or face with cool water. Simply use a water bottle or a wet towel to wet these areas and provide instant relief.
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