Summer is a great time to get out and enjoy some fun in the sun with your dog. While you may want to spend all day outdoors, you may want to consider other options for your furry friend.
The heat can affect dogs of all breeds, sizes, and ages. Because of this, pet safety may be front of mind for pet owners. Read on to learn more about how to cool down a dog and tips to keep your best friend cool and comfortable all season long!
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How to cool down a dog and beat the summer heat this summer
If your pet becomes overheated, it can affect your dog in a variety of ways. For example, they could suffer from heat exhaustion or even have a heat stroke. Naturally, heat-related medical conditions are not to be taken lightly.
Every dog is unique and may react differently to the heat and being outdoors. For this reason, it’s important to seek medical care for your pet if you have any concerns. If a dog is having an adverse reaction to being outdoors, your veterinarian is the best person to cool down your dog.
Further, the expertise of your pet’s veterinary team guidance can help determine the next best steps for your furry friend.
The benefits of keeping your dog cool
It’s important for your dog’s health for them to stay cool and comfortable year-round. Also, it may be helpful for your pet’s overall wellness to maintain a proper temperature whether indoors or outdoors.
If you’re a new pet owner, you may be unsure of which steps to take when it comes to warm weather. Check out these tips to help keep your dog cool no matter the season.
Tips to help keep your dog cool
Hydration
Hydration is incredibly important, especially when it’s hot outside. Consider providing multiple water bowls when outdoors. Also, a water bottle or portable water bowl may be helpful when on a dog walk or at the park.
Provide shade
It can heat up rather quickly when you’re spending time outdoors. Consider providing shade and a place for your best friend to rest like with a covered patio or doghouse. A cooling mat or cooling vest are other options to help keep your dog cool when they’re playing or walking outside.
Take breaks
No family member benefits from spending long hours outdoors, including your furry family member. Consider taking a break from the heat by retreating indoors. Taking short breaks gives your pets a chance to stay hydrated and recharge.
Never leave pets unattended
Your pet’s health and happiness are important. After all, they’re members of the family. This includes keeping your dog safe in extreme conditions like a summer heatwave.
Most importantly, never leave your pets unattended outdoors or in a car. If you need to run an errand, consider leaving your pets indoors in a safe pet-friendly environment with access to water.
A “summer cut” may not keep them cooler
Depending on your dog’s breed, a summer haircut may do more harm than good. For example, some dogs with double coats like a Great Pyrenees, can benefit from keeping their double coat. It helps keep them cool throughout the entire year.
Consider daily grooming as an option to keep your pup’s coat and skin healthy. If you have any concerns talk to your veterinarian about the best option for your best friend.
Enjoy some fun indoors
With temperatures reaching triple digits in some areas of the country, consider taking the fun inside. Play an interactive game or entertain your dog with DOGTV. Pet enrichment is a wonderful way to keep your pets entertained and stimulated in the comfort of your own home.
Keeping your dog cool and comfortable is important for their overall health
You want your pet to enjoy everything the season has to offer. But by observing your pet’s behavior, providing water and shade, and enjoying some quality time indoors, your dog can enjoy summer activities with the family.
Consider preparing for the unexpected with your pet this summer. Discover how a Trupanion policy is here for your pet’s lifetime.
About Trupanion
Trupanion is a leader in medical insurance for cats and dogs throughout the United States and Canada. For almost two decades, Trupanion has given pet owners peace of mind so they can focus on their pet’s recovery, not financial stress. Trupanion is committed to providing pet owners with the highest value in pet medical insurance with unlimited payouts for the life of their pets. For more information, please visit trupanion.com.
Trupanion is a registered trademark owned by Trupanion, Inc. Underwritten in Canada by Omega General Insurance Company and in the United States by American Pet Insurance Company, 6100-4th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108. Please visit AmericanPetInsurance.com to review all available pet health insurance products.
Author Bio:
Kelli Rascoe is a digital content writer and editor for Trupanion. She spends her workday writing for the Trupanion blog. She loves writing about pets, being inspired by pets, and luckily gets to hang out with her rescue dogs all day long. In her free time, she enjoys exploring and traveling with her family. Her work can be found on the Trupanion blog, DOGTV blog, KitNipBox blog, Get Your Pet blog, Fansided website and others.