Dog days refers to the hottest days of the year. Dogs do not sweat across their skin like us. They sweat on the pads of their feet, but they predominantly cool themselves down by panting.
Here are some activities to help keep your dog cool during the summer.
Indoor Activities
-Puzzle/Interactive Toys
-Scent Games
-Obedience Training
-Teach a new Trick
-Enrichment Games (hide and seek, find the treat, which hand, etc)
Frozen Toys and Treats
-Frozen food stuffed toys (such as a kong)
-Make "Pup-sicle" (ice cubes with dog safe foods in them)
-Bobbing for ice cubes or treats in a water bowl or pool filled with water
Some Stuffing Ideas:
Mashed Banana
Peanut Butter
Yogurt (plain)
Pumpkin
Sweet Potato
Kibble
Rolled Dog Food
Dog Treats
Can Food
Plain Cheerios
Cooked Rice
Apples
Carrots
Blueberries
Cheese
Coconut Oil
Playing with Water
Keep an eye out for blue green algae and know the signs of algae toxicity if they play in lakes, ponds, and river. Contact your vet immediately if your dog comes in contact with blue green algae. If you are unsure of your dog's swimming ability, it is best to use a doggie life vest for their safety.
-Swimming
-Sprinkler
-Water fountain
Use Products Designed to Help Cool your dog
-Cooling jackets
-Cooling collars
-Cooling bandannas
-Cooling beds
-Raised dog beds
-Crate fans
Outdoor Activities
Plan walks or hikes in the early morning or at late evening when it usually cooler. Try to walk in the shade. Use the 7 second rule to check the pavement to see if it's too hot for your dog's paws. To do this, place the back of your hand on the pavement for 7 second. If it is too hot for you, if is too hot for them. Provide fresh water and try wetting you dog down. If walking must be done in the peak hours, consider using boots to protect your dog's feet.
Be familiar with the signs of heat stroke and heat exhaustion in dogs. Dogs who are overweight, certain breeds like those who are Brachycephalic, or have certain medical conditions are more at risk. If your dog shows signs of heat stroke, contact your vet immediately.
Grooming
If you own a double coated breed, whatever you do, do not shave your dog's coat! Believe it or not, your dog's coat not only keeps your dog warm in the winter but it it can help keep them cool in the summer and it also helps prevents sunburn. To help keep your dog cool, regularly brush your dog to help get their undercoat (the coat that they "blow") out.
Kathlyn Lawrence of All Jazzed Up Pet Services LLC is a Certified Professional Trainer (CPT) with years of experience training dogs and working with animals. For more information on our Pet Services please visit our website.
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