10 Tips to Keep Your Dog Cool This Summer

The summer in the UAE can be ruff and walking out can pretty much feel like walking into a furnace.

The good thing is our human bodies sweat to cool down and control our body temperature. But in the case of our dogs, they only sweat through their paw pads, which is also minimal.

Instead, dogs rely on the moisture in their tongues and lungs to evaporate and cool them down. This is why we often see dogs panting and hyperventilating to maintain their body temperatures, especially during the summer months in the UAE.

But when the heat gets extreme, keeping dogs cool in summer needs extra precautions. So here are 10 ways you can keep your pup cool and comfy this summer.

Keeping them hydrated

1. Water bowls, everywhere

With temperatures increasing, it’s important for your pup to have access to filtered drinking water served in clean bowls everywhere possible. That could mean a water bowl be accessible at home and more bowls kept near the swimming pool, garden etc.

And if you plan to go on a doggy adventure, make sure you take plenty of filtered water along with you for your dog. You can easily do this using our Travel Water Bottle with Flip Bowl. In case, you don’t find a suitable pup water bottle, you could also use a Silicone Collapsible Bowl.

2. Hydration with a flavour boost

If your dogs refuse to drink water, you can add our range of Bone Broths or unsweetened coconut water as a tasty bribe to get them to drink more and stay hydrated.

Frosty fun for our furchildren

3. Ice cube enrichment

Simply fill ¾th of an ice cube tray with filtered water, add our Premium Freeze-dried Treats to the moulds as a flavour bribe and freeze. It’s a simple, yet effective way to keep your dogs hydrated. Plus, a tasty treat delight, keeping dogs cool in summer.

4. DIY pupsicles

Take our Organic Bone Broths, Raw Goat Milk, or Kefir as a refreshing summer treat base and pour it into a treat-making mould. Add some Greek Yoghurt or Pumpkin Puree, top it up with blueberries or cranberries and freeze.

Your pups are going to love the frozen frenzy as they keep lickin’ these healthy and nutritious treats. And more than mental stimulation, these nutritious treats will also keep your furry friend hydrated.

Staying under shade

5. Morning and evening walks

Skip the midday sun and the scorching heat of the UAE summer! Instead, go for your walks and playtime during the early mornings when it’s still cool or after the sun has long gone down.

Also, some breeds are more prone to heatstrokes than others. So it’s best to know more about your pups’ breeds and their tolerance to heat before planning any outdoor fun or daily exercise/walks. And always take fresh clean water with you.

6. Creating a shady sanctuary

If your dog loves to spend time in your villa’s backyard, lawn or the greens, it’s best to create a cool, shaded area with an umbrella, canopy, or pop-up tent. We also have many businesses in Dubai that can create a unique setup for you keeping in mind summer dog care.

If your pets really like staying outdoors for longer periods, consider installing a cooler, moisture fan, if not an AC. But if their shady sanctuary is within your home, it’s pawfect as they can easily beat the heat while relaxing alongside you.

Watch out for the paws

7. Paws on the grass

With the extreme temperatures of the summer of the UAE, the asphalt gets heated enough that it can burn your pup's sensitive paws during walks.

So when you go out for the walks, stick to grassy areas. Or consider getting your pup pet booties if your furry friend can’t resist exploring more than the greens.

8. Paws n’ pool

With the heat reaching its peak, your pups would love a refreshing mini pool pawty. Just ensure you do it in a shady place and that the water is cool (not freezing cold) so your dogs don’t overheat. You’re about to have a great time.

Also, note that the water softens their paws. So once they’re done swimming, apply Pawtection to your pups’ paws. It creates a protective and nourishing barrier that defends against cuts, burns, and scratchy paws, making it a must for summer dog care.

Furry cooling tips

9. Grooming

Often pet parents find this as new information, but regular brushing helps remove excess fur which otherwise traps heat.

On the flip side, avoid shaving double-coated breeds as it damages their natural shedding cycle and removes their protective layer. This exposes their skin to potential skin problems and UV rays of the sun. Akita, Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute, Chow Chow, Pomeranian, Newfoundland, and Old English Sheepdog are a few common double-coated breeds to look out for.

10. Cooling mats and vests

You can now also get a pressure-activated cooling mat for your pup to lie on that absorbs all the heat and thus cools your pet. However, look out for the gel used in such cooling mats to ensure it’s non-toxic.

And if you’ve got a hyperactive pet who is always on the go and exploring, a cooling vest or collar would be ideal for keeping them cool throughout their expeditions.

VERY IMPORTANT

Never leave your pup in a parked car alone, ever!

Regardless of the windows being raised or lowered, a parked car can heat up rapidly. And leaving your dogs in hot cars can put your pups at risk of heatstroke.

According to a news report by CBS News, on an average 80°F day (26.67°C), the inside of a parked car can hit over 123°F (50.55°C) after an hour under the sun. That’s enough heat to melt wax candles.

So to avoid dogs and a heat stroke, it’s always better to leave them home in a cool, air-conditioned space if you can't take them with you.

What are the signs of heatstroke in dogs?

While we hope your pup never experiences them, we want you to be aware of the symptoms so you can always preempt the consequences and make quick informed decisions.

• Excessive panting and drooling
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Weakness and lethargy
• Disorientation or walking wobbly
• Excessive blinking or glazed eyes
• High fever 40ºC (104ºF) and up

If you see the above signs of heat stroke in dogs and suspect them to suffer from it, please don’t panic. Just move them to a cool, shaded area immediately and offer water. Also, use wet towels to cool them down while you contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Remember, when it comes to dogs and heat stroke, prevention is key, and acting fast can save lives!

That said, we hope you and your furchildren have a safe and healthy summer with lots of enjoyment. And if you found this blog insightful, here’s why High-moisture Foods for Dogs and Cats are necessary and their benefits.