We’ve posted on this topic before, but it bears repeating every summer!

The sun’s shining, the birds are singing, and our furry best friends are probably dreaming of chasing squirrels in the park. But as much as we adore those long, sun-drenched walks, the rising temperatures can be a real challenge for our pups. Unlike us, they can’t just unbutton their shirts or hop in the shower. They’re rocking a permanent fur coat, after all!

So, how do we make sure our four-legged family members stay happy, healthy, and hydrated when the mercury climbs? Don’t sweat it (pun intended!). We’ve sniffed out five paw-some tips to keep your doggo cool as a cucumber. Let’s dive in!

1. Timing is EVERYTHING (Walk When It’s Chill) 🚶‍♀️🌅

Forget midday strolls during the peak sun hours. Think like a vampire, but for dog walks! Aim for early mornings when the air is still crisp, or late evenings after the sun has started to dip. Not only is the air cooler, but pavements and asphalt can get scorching hot – hot enough to burn delicate paw pads. If it’s too hot for your bare hand to comfortably touch the pavement for 5 seconds, it’s too hot for their paws!

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2. Hydration Station Nation! 💧🥣

This one’s a no-brainer, but it’s crucial. Always, always, ALWAYS have fresh, cool water available for your dog. Inside, outside, on walks – carry a portable water bottle and bowl. Consider adding a few ice cubes to their water bowl at home, or even making some dog-friendly ice pops (blended fruit like watermelon or blueberries, or a little low-sodium broth, frozen in molds!). Staying hydrated helps regulate their body temperature.

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3. Seek the Shade & Embrace Indoor Fun 🌳🏠

When you’re out and about, be a shade-seeker! Look for parks with plenty of trees or areas where buildings cast a good shadow. At home, keep your dog in the coolest part of the house, perhaps with a fan or air conditioning. On super hot days, consider swapping long outdoor play sessions for indoor games. Think puzzle toys, hide-and-seek, or even teaching them new tricks in the comfort of your cool living room.

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4. Cooling Gear is Your New Best Friend (Literally!) ❄️🐾

The market is overflowing with brilliant cooling products for dogs!

  • Cooling Mats: These genius mats absorb body heat and provide a cool surface for your dog to lie on.
  • Cooling Vests/Bandanas: Wet these and pop them on your dog for evaporative cooling.
  • Kiddie Pools: A shallow kiddie pool with a few inches of water can be a fantastic way for dogs who love water to cool down and splash around safely. Just supervise them!

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5. Never, EVER Leave Your Dog in a Parked Car 🚫🚗

We can’t stress this enough. Even on a mild day, the temperature inside a car can skyrocket to dangerous levels in minutes. Cracking a window isn’t enough. Your car turns into an oven, and leaving a dog inside, even for “just a minute,” can be fatal. If you can’t take your dog with you, leave them safely and cooly at home. No errand is worth risking their life.

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