As we slide into the dog days of summer, it’s important to remember that the heat can be especially uncomfortable for our four-legged friends. Just think about how you’d feel if you were hanging out on a 90-degree day…in a fur coat. And the fact is, heat can be downright dangerous for dogs. So keeping them cool isn’t just a question of comfort, but safety.
With that in mind, here are some products you can use to help keep your pups cool, calm, and collected all summer long.
1. Cooling mats
Providing your dog with a cool surface to lay down on can make all the difference. There are ones that have gel inside that you put in the freezer, which are ideal for dogs that don’t chew. The gel ones use non-toxic material, but it’s still not ideal for your dog to ingest that stuff. If your dog is a chewer, try one that simply uses ice. This one has a cap you open to pour water into. Then you freeze it so it’s ready for a hot day.
2. Cooling vests
For the dog on the go, cooling vests could be the answer. Ones like this come with a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) to protect dogs from sunburn. And they’re designed to provide a cooling sensation when wet. You simply soak the vest in water to activate the cooling technology.
3. Cooling scarves & hats
If your dog isn’t the vest-wearing type, you can still cool them down with hats and gaitors that are made to do the same thing as the vests. Just get them wet to initiate the cooling effect.
4. Travel water
Speaking of dogs on the go, it’s super important to make sure your pup is hydrated wherever you are. So if you’re planning on a hike or even a longer walk in the neighborhood, be sure to bring a travel water bowl or bottle that you can easily set up for a quick drink.
5. Cool Treats
You know how you like ice cream or popsicles when it’s hot? Do do dogs! You can buy them, of course, or make your own in freezer-safe treat-holding molds like this one. Just put what you want inside, freeze, and then treat your dog to an ice surprise.
6. Dog pool
You don’t have to go all the way to a dog-friendly beach to give your pups the pleasure of a cooling swim. These little pools are made specially for dogs, with added stability and durability. If it’s a really hot day, we recommend placing them in a shady spot or using an umbrella to provide some relief from the sun.
When the temperatures soar, the best place for your dog is inside in the AC. When that’s not possible, it’s critical to do whatever you can to keep them cool and hydrated. But remember, that none of these products are fool-proof. No matter what measures you take, you should always keep a close eye on your dog, look out for signs of heat stroke, and get them out of the heat at the first sign of a problem.
