Keeping Your Service Dog Cool in the Summer: Essential Tips for Pet Owners

As the scorching summer temperatures hang around, it’s essential to take proactive steps to ensure the well-being of your furry friend. Dogs are susceptible to heat-related illnesses, making it crucial for pet owners to prioritize their comfort and safety. In this article, we will explore effective strategies to keep your dog cool during the summer months, ensuring they stay happy and healthy.

1. Provide Ample Shade, Fresh Water and a Breeze Outside: Creating a shaded area in your yard or garden is vital to shield your dog from direct sunlight. Ensure there are plenty of trees, or a covered porch where your canine companion can seek refuge from the heat. Additionally, always provide cool and fresh water for your dog to drink. Keep multiple water bowls around the house and refill them regularly to prevent dehydration. Adding ice cubes to the water bowl can also help to maintain a cooler temperature and entice your dog to drink more. Battery operated fans can also be useful to provide a cooling breeze for your dog and are easy to take with you in your go kit.
2. Limit Outdoor Activities: During the peak heat of the day, it’s crucial to reduce your dog’s outdoor activities. Schedule walks and playtime for the cooler early morning or evening hours when the temperatures are more tolerable. Hot pavement and sand can burn your dog’s paws, so always test the ground’s temperature with your hand before taking them outside. Remember, your dog relies on you to make responsible decisions and protect them from heat exhaustion or heatstroke. If your dog absolutely has to walk on hot pavement to get into an air conditioned environment, using dog booties can help prevent your dogs paws from getting burned.
3. Utilize Cooling Products: Various cooling products can help regulate your dog’s body temperature. Wet towels or cooling mats provide instant relief by absorbing body heat. Freeze dog-safe toys or treats, such as Kong toys filled with your dogs favorite foods, for a refreshing and engaging activity. Additionally, consider using a cooling vest designed specifically for dogs. These items can be soaked in water and help keep your furry friend cool while outdoors.
4. Indoor Comfort: Create a comfortable and cool environment inside your home. Close the curtains or blinds during the day to block out direct sunlight. Place a fan or provide adequate air conditioning to maintain a cool temperature indoors. If your dog spends time outside, make sure they have access to a well-ventilated area in the house where they can cool down. Some dogs may enjoy lying on a tile or marble floor, as these surfaces tend to be cooler.
5. Recognize Signs of Overheating: Understanding the signs of overheating is essential for every pet owner. Tongue cupping can be one of the easiest way to determine if your dog is starting to overheat. As you can see in the photo above, the end of the tongue starts to curl and cup, this means your dog is starting to get too hot and needs to move into an air conditioned environment ASAP. If your dogs tongue cups AND falls to the side of its mouth, it’s officially moving into heatstroke territory.  Symptoms of heat illnesses may include excessive panting, drooling, rapid heartbeat, weakness, vomiting, or even collapse. If you suspect your dog is suffering from heat exhaustion or heatstroke, move them to a cool area immediately, offer water, and wet their paws and body with cool water. However, it’s vital to contact your veterinarian promptly for professional guidance and care.

As a responsible pet owner, ensuring your dog’s well-being in the summer heat should be a top priority. By providing shade, ample water, and limiting outdoor activities during the hottest times, you can keep your furry friend cool, comfortable, and safe all summer long.