Keeping your Dog Cool this Summer!

As the temperature rises during the summer months, it's important to remember that our furry friends need to stay cool too. Dogs are susceptible to heatstroke and dehydration, which can be dangerous and even life-threatening. In this blog post, we'll discuss why it's important to keep your dog cool in the summer and provide some tips on how to do it.

Why it's important to keep your dog cool in the summer:

1. Dogs are more prone to heatstroke: Dogs can't regulate their body temperature as efficiently as humans can, which means they are more prone to heatstroke. Heatstroke occurs when a dog's body temperature rises above 104 degrees Fahrenheit, and can lead to organ failure and even death.

2. Dehydration: Dogs can become dehydrated quickly, especially in hot weather. Dehydration can lead to serious health problems such as kidney failure and heat exhaustion.

3. Paw pads can burn: Just like us, dogs' paws can get burned on hot pavement, sand or asphalt. It's important to keep an eye on their paws and avoid hot surfaces as much as possible.

How to keep your dog cool in the summer:

1. Provide plenty of water: Make sure your dog has access to fresh, clean water at all times. Consider investing in a large water dispenser or automatic water bowl to ensure your dog always has access to water.

2. Provide shade: If your dog spends time outside, make sure there's a shady spot where they can rest and cool down. Consider setting up a small tent or umbrella to provide extra shade.

3. Avoid hot surfaces: Avoid walking your dog on hot pavement, sand or asphalt. Opt for grassy areas instead. If you must walk on hot surfaces, consider investing in dog booties to protect their paws.

4. Cooling mats: Consider investing in a cooling mat for your dog to lay on. These mats are designed to keep your dog cool and comfortable, and are especially useful if you don't have air conditioning.

5. Frozen treats: Make some frozen treats for your dog to enjoy on hot days. Fill a Crufts Dog Toy or other treat-dispensing toy with peanut butter and freeze it, or make some homemade ice cream with dog-friendly ingredients.

6. Keep them well-groomed: Make sure your dog's fur is well-groomed to help them regulate their body temperature. Long, matted fur can trap heat and make it more difficult for your dog to cool down.

In conclusion, it's important to keep your dog cool in the summer to prevent heatstroke, dehydration, and other health problems. By providing plenty of water, shade, and avoiding hot surfaces, you can help keep your dog safe and comfortable during the hot summer months.