As we approach triple-digit degree days here in Southern California, it’s absolutely crucial that you take the steps needed to keep your dog from overheating (particularly if they have an especially thick coat). Here are some tips on how to keep your dog from overheating in the summer.
#1 Make Sure Your Pets Have a Shaded Area to Rest
The absolutely most important thing you can do to make sure your pets aren’t at risk of overheating or experiencing heatstroke is to provide them with a shaded area while they are outside. Different homes have different limitations, but if it gets hot enough, you may just have to keep your dogs inside for extended periods of the day.
#2 Don’t Use Glass Bowls
If you haven’t already, be sure to switch your dog’s water bowl to one of the stainless steel or ceramic variety. This will help to keep the sun from rapidly heating up your dog’s water.
#3 Use a Cooling Mat or Vest
For a sure-fire way to bring your pet’s temperature down quickly, you can’t go wrong with a cooling mat or vest. Depending on the make and manufacture, these tools may need to be soaked in water or put in the refrigerator. For an example of a solid dog cooling vest, click here. With
#4 Put a Frozen Water Bottle in Your Pet’s Water Bowl
If you aren’t going to be at home for a long time or won’t be able to consistently replace your pet’s water bowl, a nice trick is putting a frozen water bottle in the bowl to help maintain a cool water temperature throughout the hot, summer days.
#5 Provide a Large “Foot Bowl” for Your Pet
Since many animals body temperatures are regulated through their limbs, a quick way to lower your pet’s temperature is by having a large bowl with cold water that they can walk into at the ready. Obviously, a bowl like this will get extremely dirty very quickly so you’re going to want to change it fairly regularly.
#6 Consider a Haircut
This seems like an obvious step because it makes sense for humans. You might suggest a human cut their hair or beard if they complain about the heat. But dogs’ bodies work differently. Often their thick coats help them manage their body temperatures. Double coated dogs have a top layer of fur that insulates them against the harsh sun, while their inner fur helps cool them down. This makes it important to research whether a summer haircut is right for your dog.
#7 Remember to Groom Your Pet
Even if you cannot give your dog a haircut, you can still help them beat the heat by maintaining their fur. Brush your dog regularly to remove any dead fur and prevent it from becoming matted. A clean, brushed, coat, will increase airflow and help your dog avoid some of the sunburns that come with matted fur.
No matter which of these suggestions you decide to use, you can rest easy knowing that just the simple act of being conscious and aware of your pet’s comfort will probably be enough to keep them from feeling the effects of overheating.
