10 tips on how to keep your dog cool this summer!

Summer is on its way and that’s great news after a long winter here in beautiful South Lanarkshire. I just love summer, but how does your dog fare during the warmer months and what can you do to keep your dog cool?

As you know, dogs can only cool down through panting and can only sweat through the pads on their paws so it’s important your dog does not get too hot.

We are already planning our walks for warmer days – slow paces, nice shaded woody areas with water to play in. In our vehicle we keep the air con on and have crash tested Trans K9 crates FAQs about TransK9 dog transit cages, crates and car dog boxes in the back with cool mats and the large ventilation panels all around the cages help with the airflow.

Here are our top tips to keep your dog cool:

1. Cool Mats – Strawberry loves her cool mat. Being a furry retriever, she isn’t good with the heat so we have a couple in the house she lies on. When we walk our clients dogs, we put one in each crate and when the dogs lie on them, the body temperature of the dog drops. We think they are great.

2. Soak a towel - If you don’t like cool mats, try soaking a towel and laying it in your dogs crate.

3. Drink Water – Dogs should always have access to fresh water, not just in summer. When it’s hot though, I put some ice cubes in the bowl. It shouldn’t be too cold though; a couple of ice cubes will do. Always carry a bowl and a bottle with you when out and about.

4. Frozen Treats – I love making these for my girl! In our freezer now, we have kiwi and yogurt ones and blueberry and coconut water. There are thousands of things that you can use to make your dog a nice cooling treat. Kongs, lickmats and Toppls are all fantastic too. You could even stick your dogs’ toys in the freezer for a cool treat.

5. Dog boots - You will want to avoid hot surfaces to save your dogs paws from burning, but if you know you can’t completely, you may want to think about Dog Boots.

6. Hot Water bottles – You can fill hot water bottles with ice cold water and lay them on your dog’s stomach. Remember to do it slowly and not shock your dog!

7. Get soaked – sometimes it’s that simple. Let your dog have fun in the river or sea. You may want to purchase a floating toy for your dog to add to the fun.

8. Grooming – By removing the dead hair on your dog your dog will feel more comfortable and be cooler as the air can flow much easier.

9. Cooling vests – just soak the vest, put on your dog, and let them enjoy the outdoors! Ruffwear do some good ones.

10. Walk when it’s cooler – If you can, walk in the early morning and later in the evening when the temperature has dropped.

Do you have any cool tips for us?!