Summer is a fantastic time to spend some quality time with your pup, but remember, just like humans, it’s important that your dog stays safe. Hot weather can be hazardous for dogs and it’s crucial that they don’t overheat.
Heat stress can happen at any time of year, but during summer, it’s particularly important to monitor and protect your pet. Dogs cannot respond to heat in the same way that humans can. Dogs have a higher body temperature, and less ability to cool down. They release excess heat by panting, but they have fewer sweat glands that are confined only to the nose and foot pads. With this in mind, pet owners must take care of their dog during exercise and times of excitement.
Maintaining safe active play in summer
Keeping your dog cool and safe in summer doesn’t mean that your furry friend can’t have excitement. Active play keeps your dog’s heart healthy, keeps the joints lubricated, and improves overall balance and coordination. Active play is also super important for your dog’s mental health, keeping the mind sharp, focused, stimulated and happy.
Playing with your dog in summer ensures that your dog feels that they are a valuable part of your life. It’s the playfulness traits we humans share with dogs that makes the relationship between owner and dog so special, so play is important all year-round. Coordinated play also increases the trust and understanding your dog has for you.
How to keep your dog cool yet stimulated in summer
There are many ways that you can exercise your dog safely in summer. An early morning or late evening walk is one of the best ways, allowing your dog the opportunity to relieve themselves first thing or before going to bed. Keep walks short and stick to familiar routes, aiming for a 30-minute walk both in the morning and in the evening. Check any asphalt or sand that you’re walking on that it’s not too hot for your doggie’s paws.
Other ways to safely stimulate and exercise your dog include:
- Provide plenty of fresh water
Keeping your dog well-hydrated reduces your dog’s risk of heatstroke. When heading out with your pooch, take with you a water bottle and a collapsible water bowl so you can easily provide water on the go. To ensure your dog drinks from it, practice providing water this way a few times from home.
As a general rule, your dog should drink between ½ to 1 oz of water for every pound of bodyweight. Factors such as size, medications and age can change this, however, so talk to your vet about how much water your dog should be drinking.
- Play with frozen dog treats
Frozen treats are a fantastic way to keep up with training while keeping your dog cool in summer. Your dog will feel extra special and rewarded, while beating the heat during active play. Dogs love to chew on ice cubes, so try freezing some flavoured ones using chicken or beef broth. You can also freeze xylitol-free peanut butter, strawberries, banana, pumpkin and blueberries.
- Stop for a soft serve break
Blending frozen fruit with an unsweetened yoghurt makes for a great soft serve treat your dog will love. Watermelon is safe for dogs and most enjoy it, so it makes a perfect choice for this recipe. Just be sure to remove the rind before blending and to count the soft serve as part of your dog’s daily calorie intake.
- Provide shade
When it’s warm outside, avoid any time in direct sun. Instead, seek out shady trees to play under or find a covered area with plenty of breeze. If your dog lacks shade in your own backyard, consider installing a shade sail. A pop up gazebo could also be used, as could a planter umbrella stand. Fill the planter with soil and a few dog-friendly flowers and you’ve got yourself a pleasing to look at sun protector.
- Encourage water play
Splashing around in water is a fun way for your dog to cool down. You could set up a paddling pool in a shaded part of the garden (if you don’t have shade then place it under a pop up gazebo) or take your dog to a nearby creek or river for a dip.
- Use an elevated or cooling bed
Give your dog somewhere cooler to retire after play and get their bed elevated. Just like laying in a hammock is cooler for humans, an elevated bed is cooler for dogs than a bed sat on the floor. This is because it takes advantage of air all around, allowing air to circulate underneath. If you want to take it further, invest in an elevated cooling bed or cool mat made from a special cooling material or gel.
- Play inside in the air conditioning
Inside play can be just as fun as outdoor play and staying inside allows you to control the temperature. Teach your dogs new tricks such as crawling under a chair, hide treats throughout the house for a treasure hunt, rotate your dog’s toys, create an indoor obstacle course and practice scent work. There are tons of ways to entertain your dog safely indoors!
Watching out for heatstroke
Heatstroke is a sign of hyperthermia that can result in heat injury to tissues. Heatstroke occurs when the heat your dog generates exceeds the ability to lose heat. Signs of heatstroke include:
- Panting that increases over time
- Increased heart rate
- Lethargy and weakness
- Drooling/excess saliva
- Agitation or restlessness
- Very red or pale gums
- Bright red tongue
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Delirium or signs of confusion
- Dizziness or staggering
- Muscle tremors
- Seizures
- Little to no urine production
- Unconsciousness
If you suspect your dog has heatstroke, remove your pet from the hot environment immediately and spray tepid water on the fur and skin. Apply a fan to maximise heat loss and wet down the area surrounding your pet. You can then take your dog to the nearest veterinarian.
Summer is a fun time, but it’s also a time to watch your pet carefully. Learn heatstroke first aid, get creative with your play, and protect your pet from overheating as the weather warms.
