How to keep your dog cooler in the Summer

As we welcome the glorious sunny days and look forward to the feeling of the warm sun on our skin, we can’t help but wonder how our furry friends cope with the heat of the summer months.

Dogs generally have a harder time keeping cool, because they don’t have sweat glands like humans do. No matter whether your pup has lusciously thick fur, a smooth light coat or tends to shed in masses during the summer, they all need help keeping cooler during the warmer months. Our job as pet parents is to do what we can to prevent them from overheating.

Summer time is often the time for us to be able to enjoy the outdoors even more, basking in the glory of the sun. This is why it’s important that before we head out to the beach or the park for our daily stroll with the dog, we must consider how to protect them from the heat. We must identify the signs of overheating in dogs to keep them safe. Keeping your beloved dog healthy and comfortable means you can spend quality time together in the summer without major causes of concern.

Read on to learn exactly how we can consciously keep dogs cooler this summer:

How can you tell if your dog has overheated?

Dogs can overheat at any time of the year, especially those with thicker fur. All types of dogs will struggle to stay cool during the sweltering summer days, and can be prone to overheating. Monitoring your pup is vital to spot the early signs of overheating. If your dog starts to drool excessively, or you find them panting more than usual, or showing signs of lethargy, then it might be time to step in and take some precautions.

In worst case scenarios when a dog has reached ultimate overheating, they may vomit, collapse or experience a seizure - which are all things we absolutely want to avoid, so identifying the earlier signs is vital to keep your pup happy and healthy when it’s hot.

Certain breeds are more prone to overheating in the summer

Dogs with flat faces, such as pugs and bulldogs, are more susceptible to a heat stroke during summer, because they cannot pant as effectively as our longer-snouted companions.

Because flat faced dogs have a tougher time breathing, it’s unadvisable to attach a standard dog collar and pull them from their neck. Instead, PAGERIE recommends using a lightweight, breathable harness, such as our stunning Simone harness.

Other types of dogs that are prone to being at risk of overheating are puppies, older dogs and those that are plumper, so giving these types of dogs extra tender care and attention during the summer heat is vital.

Cooling a dog down

When you notice the earlier signs of overheating, you can quickly come to the rescue by moving yourself and your dog to some shade, or a well air-conditioned environment. You can provide them with water while they rest and recoup from the heat. Usually, within 10 minutes, the panting or drooling should stop as your dog feels cooler.

Certain times of the day are hotter than others

Avoid taking your dog for a walk during the hottest times of the day. Summer heat can be the most intense between 9am and 4pm so getting a walk in before or after that time will be better. This will help your dog stay cooler, avoid overheating, and protect its precious paws from touching hot concrete or sand. Sometimes it might be helpful to stick to grass or shaded woodlands and parks where it is likely to be cooler.

Cooling a dog down

When you notice the earlier signs of overheating, you can quickly come to the rescue by moving yourself and your dog to some shade, or a well air-conditioned environment. You can provide them with water while they rest and recoup from the heat. Usually, within 10 minutes, the panting or drooling should stop as your dog feels cooler.

Certain times of the day are hotter than others

Avoid taking your dog for a walk during the hottest times of the day. Summer heat can be the most intense between 9am and 4pm so getting a walk in before or after that time will be better. This will help your dog stay cooler, avoid overheating, and protect its precious paws from touching hot concrete or sand. Sometimes it might be helpful to stick to grass or shaded woodlands and parks where it is likely to be cooler.

July calls for Pet Hydration month, and quite aptly, part of keeping dogs cool in summer is making sure they remain well hydrated. The blazing sun of July requires us to ramp up the hydration not only for ourselves but our pets too. Though human bodies are 60% water, pets’ bodies are 80% water!

As a dedicated dog carer, we must keep an adequate supply of water for our pups. Keeping a water bottle handy will ensure that you are never short of water even if you are on the go.

Another excellent way to keep our pups hydrated is to give them a couple of ice cubes to munch on to cool down and stay hydrated. Most dogs love ice cubes, and you can get inventive by freezing beef or chicken stock to make a tastier treat.

Limit strenuous activities when temperatures peak

Dogs need exercising all year round - summer being no exception. But we want to avoid overexertion when it’s hot outside. When it’s really warm, opt for shorter walks. Try to take them out first thing in the morning, and late at night when the temperature drops. And remember, sometimes keeping a dog cool in summer simply means staying indoors.

Dog noses are sensitive: Apply sunscreen

Just like their human parents, our fur babies can also be harmed by the sun’s rays, particularly on their noses and if they have paler coloured fur. If your pup is going outdoors in the summer, it’s a great idea to buy some dog friendly sunscreen to help protect their skin.

Limit strenuous activities when temperatures peak

Dogs need exercising all year round - summer being no exception. But we want to avoid overexertion when it’s hot outside. When it’s really warm, opt for shorter walks. Try to take them out first thing in the morning, and late at night when the temperature drops. And remember, sometimes keeping a dog cool in summer simply means staying indoors.

Dog noses are sensitive: Apply sunscreen

Just like their human parents, our fur babies can also be harmed by the sun’s rays, particularly on their noses and if they have paler coloured fur. If your pup is going outdoors in the summer, it’s a great idea to buy some dog friendly sunscreen to help protect their skin.

Everyone loves a good pool party, right?

Most dogs are great water lovers. Give them a lake, a sprinkler, or a kid’s pool - they’ll feel right in their element. And a quick dip in the water can cool off your dog in seconds!
Some dogs will need a little more adjusting to water than others, so they’ll be more inclined to test the waters gently before completely dipping in - the important thing is that they feel comfortable, whatever they choose to do.

Happy Hydration Month

Pagerie wishes you and your favourite friend a wonderful summer. We hope you and your pup can stay cool this summer. With these tips to beat the heat, you’ll be sure to spot early signs of overheating and keep your pet well hydrated, happy and healthy!

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