How To Keep Your Dog Cool In the Heat

As an owner, there is nothing worse than looking at your hot dog in the heat, panting, exhausted and struggling to deal with the sun. We’ve put together a list of ways you can help your furry best friend out in the heat to help them to keep cool, calm and hydrated this summer!
 
Encourage them to stay in shaded areas
If possible, create as many shaded areas away from direct sunlight as possible with umbrellas and encourage your dog to lie in the shade with their favourite treats placed in these spaces. 
 
Water is key!
Dogs need more attention in the heat to make sure that they are staying cool and out of the sun. Being on hand with damp towels for them to lie on can really help to make sure your dog stays cool. Also, filling up a hot water bottle with cold water can help. Cooling your dog down with water is key, you could even turn it into a game with a paddling pool in the shade. It keeps them cool whilst also encouraging them to stay in the shade, which can be the hardest part! Putting a garden sprinkler on can also encourage this, but we’d suggest only doing this if you have a large enough shady spot, or later on in the evening when the sun isn’t as strong, as this could encourage dogs to run around chasing the water. 
 
NEVER Leave your dog in a hot car, even if the windows are open. Leaving a dog in a hot car can leave your dogs feeling claustrophobic, stressed and extremely uncomfortable very quickly and can even lead to death. Make sure that you plan any trips around your dog not being left in a car for any amount of time in the heat and if you see another dog left in a hot car, call 999 immediately. 
 
Discourage peak-time play
Plan your walks and play time around the heat in the day. Take your dog out early in the morning or in the evening after the sun had set to allow your dog to have an enjoyable walk in the cool temperatures. This will also avoid your pooch’s paws being burned by hot tarmac! Discourage your dog from chasing balls or playing vigorously with toys in the midday sun, encouraging them with water play in the shade instead. 
 
Keep your dog hydrated
Making sure that your dog has access to plenty of clean, cold water at all times is absolutely key. It’s necessary all year round, but absolutely vital in the heat. Always make sure you have a bottle of water for them for walks too. 
 
Give them frozen treats
You can freeze your dog’s favourite treats or fruits and vegetables for a tasty way of cooling them down, or you can treat your dog to some of our Paw Pops, a yummy freeze pop designed to help to cool your four-legged friend down in the sun! 
 
Keep on top of grooming
Making sure your dog is brushed and groomed regularly is key to keeping them cool. Some breeds are worse than others in terms of their coat matting, and knots in their fur can add another layer of heat, so it’s really important to keep fur lovely and knot-free!
 
So there you have it, some tips on keeping your dog cool in the heat! Let us know what you do to keep your hounds cool!