Dog
How to Keep Your Dog Cool in Hot Weather
Dogs can feel the heat much sooner than we can due to their furry coats, so we should always be conscious of how warm they are. Dogs are very susceptible to heatstroke which can often be deadly, is caused by their body temperature being far too high. Most of the time this happens when they are left in a hot car parked in the sun, but dogs can also feel the effects of sudden temperature changes and not being prepared for them. Here we talk a little about the signs to look out for and how to help keep your dog cool.
Signs That Your Dog is Overheating
- Heavy panting
- Dry or pale gums
- Lots of drooling
- Rapid or deep breathing
- High body temperature
- Excessive thirst
- Weakness
- Glazed over eyes
- Increased heartbeat
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Staggering or stumbling
It’s essential that you immediately take action if you spot these symptoms and even possibly take them to a vet if they’re severe.
Ways to Keep Your Dog Cool
Keep Them Hydrated
Make sure that your dog has access to water at all times, however, this should be obvious to you already. Be sure to check on the water especially during hot days so that you can replenish it as and when needed. If you find that your dog finishes the bowl quickly, try getting a bigger bowl. You can also buy special dog cooling bowls that contain a cooling gel that keeps the bowl cool longer after you’ve put it in the fridge.
Give Them Somewhere to Bathe
A small paddling pool filled with cool water is a great idea to keep your dog happy. Be careful when selecting a pool for them, it shouldn’t be so deep that they may possibly drown. They should be able to stand on the bottom of the pool and comfortably keep their head above water.
Shade
Dogs should avoid bright, direct sunlight for long periods of time or risk overheating. Make sure they have somewhere shaded to retreat to. Keeping them indoors in a cooler part of the home is a perfect place for them to relax.
Give Them Ice Treats
Why not freeze some of their favourite treats for them to munch on in the warm weather? You can also buy specially made dog cooling toys that you can put in the fridge that’ll keep your dog cool for longer.
Cooling Mats
There are loads of cooling mats out there, some cooling mats contain a special gel that keeps them cooler than their surroundings without the need of being in a fridge beforehand. Other such as Fresh Breeze Cooling Mat features a bottom with lots of holes to allow the air to circulate through. These will be much preferred over a blanket or dog bed in the high heat.
Grooming
A lot of dog breeds have excess hair, so depending on your breed, it may be a good idea to have them regularly groomed to keep them cooler. Always make sure that you brush your dog too to remove excess hair.
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