How to Keep Dogs Safe During Hot Weather

Summertime is a great time to enjoy the weather with your friends and family... Of course, that includes your dog, too! When summer rolls around, we like to go exploring the new territory that is our own backyards while away from the city. We can’t help but feel a sense of serenity and joy as we enjoy the warmer climate together with our furry friends and family. But that also brings up another concern like how to keep us cool during these hot summer days? 

As you know, some summers are hotter than others, and the temperature can really get up there... Heat stroke is no joke when it comes to dogs or any other pet for that matter, so it's important that steps are taken to avoid mistakes that could potentially be fatal for your dog's well-being.

Here are some tips on how to keep your dogs safe during hot weather!

Provide Shade and Shelter

Keeping your dog safe during hot weather is important. One way to ensure that they are safe is to provide shade and shelter from the sun. When they're outside for long periods of time, their body will get hot. Remember, they have tons of fur - so it's different to how you may be feeling in the sun. Provide a shady spot in your backyard or a nearby park where your dog can cool down. You can even bring along a doggie cooler for them to use, too! (Yes, that's a real thing and they're so cute!)

Keep Them Indoors When It's Hot Outside

Bringing your dog outside to enjoy the hot weather is an awesome idea, however, sometimes hot weather can be dangerous for dogs. Dogs pant to cool down, but when the air is too hot, they can overheat and become ill. Never keep them outside for long periods of time as this is when they tend to overheat. Always ensure that there's somewhere close-by that they can go inside to cool off in. An air conditioned room is perfect and allows them to feel better!

Another thing to note is that dogs sweat to release heat... So, in the hot weather, they can get dehydrated quickly. Dehydration is extremely dangerous. When a dog dehydrates, their body temperature drops and they can't sweat to help cool down. If the dehydration continues for too long or gets critical because of insufficient water intake then there are several complications that may happen, including organ damage (heart), seizures, panting excessively, etc. So, to keep your dog safe during hot weather, make sure they have somewhere inside that is easily accessible for them.

Give Them Plenty of Water and Sunscreen

Like us humans, when it's hot outside, we stay hydrated as much as we can and apply sunscreen on ourselves to avoid sunburn. So, during hot weather, it is important to do the same for your furry friend! You can also keep your dog safe by providing them with plenty of water and sunscreen, too.

There are tons of dog sunscreen brands that you can check out to help protect your furry friend from the sun's rays. Make sure to research the different brands to ensure that you choose the right type for your dog. You can always consult with their vetenarian as well for recommendations.

Keeping their water dish filled with cold and fresh water is super important... There's nothing better than enjoying a cold glass of water after being in the hot sun! This allows them to stay hydrated and if the water is cold enough, it helps them to feel cooler. Packing some food for them is also another great idea as they tend to get super tired in the sun. Treating them to some snacks will help them stay happy and energized. (If you're looking for some organic dog treats, then make sure to check out our website! We have tons of delicious flavors for you to choose from!)

Keep an Eye on Their Temperatures

Keeping an eye on your dog's temperature is particularly important during the hot weather. As we mentioned, hot weather can cause a dog to overheat and become dehydrated, which can lead to serious health problems. Make sure to keep an eye on your dog's body temperature, especially if they are outside in warm weather. According to Pets WebMD, here is the proper way on how to take your dog's temperature:

"The only accurate way to tell if your dog has an increased body temperature is to take their rectal temperature. Experts recommend using a digital thermometer specifically designed for rectal use in dogs. Most thermometers intended for use in human ears do not work well for this purpose.

To take your dog’s temperature, first coat the thermometer with a lubricant such as petroleum gel or baby oil. Next, gently insert the thermometer about one inch into your dog’s anus and wait for results. Most thermometers sold for this purpose will take less than 60 seconds to register."

If you see that their temperature is rising, bring them inside and give them plenty of water and shade. If their temperature continues to rise, contact your veterinarian.

How to Cool Down Your Dog

There are several ways on how to cool down a dog. We've already given some ways, but here are some more of our best tips on how to cool down your dog! Firstly, you can always get them a cooling mat. These are mats that your dog can lay on that stay cool. Secondly, feed them a cold snack / water. We already went over the benefits of cold water, but another thing you can do is feed them cold snacks such as frozen bananas or blueberries. Another tip is to bring them swimming! Bringing your dog to the beach and swimming in the salt water is a sure way to cool them down. (Or even just a pool!)

Conclusion of How to Keep Dogs Safe During Hot Weather

Those were some of our best tips on how to cool down your dog! By following our advice, you can help to keep your dog safe during hot weather. In conclusion as an overview, make sure they stay hydrated, have somewhere indoors accessible to them, bring them swimming, check their temperatures regularly, and take any necessary precautions.

Thank you so much for reading our blog! If you have any other tips on how to keep dogs safe during hot weather, then comment them down below! Don't forget to follow us on Instagram @LordJameson for new updates!