Summer Can Be Ruff On Your Dog, Here’s How To Cool Them Down! (Creative Ways To Keep Dogs Cool)

Summer Can Be Ruff On Your Dog, Here’s How To Cool Them Down! You’ll love these creative ways to keep dogs cool on hot days. 

With Memorial Day just around the corner, the summer season is officially upon us. We may have been waiting all winter to beat the dust off our flip flops, but for our four-legged friends, the hot days of summer aren’t always fun.

Heatstroke is very serious in pets, and dogs die every summer from overheating. Before you panic, fatal heat stroke in dogs usually occurs when an animal has been left in a hot car or direct sunlight for a long period of time. Keeping your dogs safe in the summer is usually a matter of employing common sense. For instance:

• Don’t leave your pet outdoors for an extended period of time without adequate shade
• Always ensure that your dog has a full bowl of water 
• Avoid strenuous physical activities on hot days
• Try to walk your dog early in the morning or later at night
• Use a protective lotion on paw pads if travelling on hot surfaces – if you can’t put your bare feet on the ground, don’t expect your dog too!

Aside from safety concerns associated with the summer, the hot, hot heat can just be plain uncomfortable for Fido. So how can you cool off one hot puppy?

Creative Ways To Keep Dogs Cool

Turn On The Sprinklers

Let the kids and the dog frolic through the sprinklers. It’s a cheap and efficient form of entertainment! Dragging out the paddling pool with also have the desired effect, with a little more work involved.

Keep A Towel In The Freezer (DIY Dog Cooling Mat)

It might sound strange, but there’s really nothing better than a frosty towel on a hot summer’s day. I recommend you put in two, because someone on two legs is likely to steal one! Lay a chilled towel in your dog’s bed to help them cool down when the temperature is soaring. This technique is great for winter dog breeds, like huskies or malamutes who can’t be shaved.

Make Some Pupsicles

A pupsicle is basically a popsicle for dogs. They’re super easy to make, and will give your hot pooch relief from the pounding sun in the shape of a delicious treat. Expect lots of grateful puppy kisses afterwards! If you’re looking for an activity to keep the kids busy, this recipe printable from DogPack is 100% kid friendly. No hot ovens or burning stoves are required in the making of pupsicles, and if you stick to using human-friendly ingredients like strawberries and blueberries, there’s nothing to worry about if your little ones get a snack attack! Why not try making a fruity variation for the kids, so they can share a healthy snack with their best friend once it’s done!

Have you found a great tip for cooling down a hot dog? What are your favorite ways to keep dogs cool? Share your awesome suggestions in the comments!

Thank you to Amica Graber for providing this helpful blog post and infographic.