Dog’s Can Sweat - But Not How You Think! Creative Ways to Keep your Dog Cool This Summer!

Long summer days filled with warmth and sunshine are perfect for making memories with your furry best friend, but there is another side of summer that can be dangerous for your dog. As temperatures rise, so does your dog’s risk for heatstroke, which is fatal for about half of its canine victims. Heatstroke can occur when your dog’s body temperature gets so high (over 106 F) that he or she can’t cool down by panting. (Dogs actually do sweat, but because of their heavy coats, they can’t cool their bodies effectively that way. Don’t get out the clipping shears just yet though, giving your dog a summer hairdo can actually make it harder for him or her to regulate his or her body temperature.)

Fortunately, you can help keep your dog cool before his or her temperature gets close to dangerous levels. Whether your dog lives outside or likes to accompany you on hikes or jogs during hot days, these tips can ensure his or her safety while providing unique bonding experiences.

Get Wet and Wild!

According to the Humane Society of the United States, providing ice water is one of the best ways to protect your dog from heatstroke. Although access to a large bowl of water or filled kiddie pool is enough to keep your canine companion cool, you’ll both have a lot more fun if you get creative with how you get wet! A quick swim in a nearby pond, lake, or doggie beach is sure leave you both feeling refreshed, though you should limit travel in a hot car to get to your wet destination and, of course, never leave your dog unattended in a vehicle.

If you don’t have access to a lake, pond, or dog-friendly pool, a sprinkler system set up in the backyard will do the trick. You, your dog, and your kids will have a blast running under the jets of cool water. Just be sure to keep a careful eye on kids playing water games with guns, balloons, or hoses around your dog. All dogs have different personalities, and what might be exciting and fun for one could be terrifying for another, causing your dog mental anguish and possibly even motivating him or her to act out in fear.

Create a Cool Culinary Treat

Cold food on a hot day feels great for humans and dogs alike, and though your dog will surely love you if you share your ice cream cone, a creative iced delight will really get him or her excited to see you when you get home. Using an ice cube tray, you can make pretty much any of your dog’s favorite foods into a popsicle. Peanut butter pops, for example, are quick, inexpensive, and delightful for hot dogs on sweltering days. Even just plain ice can do the trick! (However, you shouldn’t use ice to cool your dog if you think he or she is suffering from heatstroke. If your dog is acting tired, vomiting, or acting strangely, give water and take him or her to receive veterinary care right away!)

Provide a Shady Playspace

It’s easy for anyone (human or canine) to overheat when they are exposed to direct sunlight for long periods of time, and because of their fur, dogs overheat faster than humans. In fact, in temperatures of as low as 80 degrees, your dog can suffer from heatstroke! For this reason, it is important to provide a cool place to relax and play. This is especially key on the hottest days (90+ degrees), when your dog shouldn’t be exercising as frequently. A cool, comfortable space will be attractive to your dog and will encourage him or her to take a break from activity to get some much needed rest.

Whether your dog lives outside or just enjoys playtime in the backyard, be sure to create lots of shade, as dogs can overheat quickly. If you don’t have natural shade from trees, try putting up an oversized patio umbrella or pergola. These options are better than dog houses, which can be hotter inside than the outside temperature. Shady spots that you can both use are also better because they encourage bonding and time spent together.

Stay Alert for Signs of Heatstroke

While you’re playing with your pooch, it’s easy to stay focused on summer fun rather than his or her health. After all, all dogs act a little wild when allowed to run free on a beautiful day. However, it’s important to be constantly monitoring your dog for signs of heatstroke. If you see these signs, it’s always better to be safe than sorry and take your dog to a vet. Don’t try to solve the problem yourself, as some “home remedies” for heatstroke may do more harm than good.

Playing with your pooch on a hot summer’s day is a fantastic way to have fun and stay fit, but it’s important to remember that dogs can tolerate less heat than humans, and because they don’t sweat the same way we do, they need time and lots of water to cool down.