Dog days: how to keep your companion animal cool

2019 was the first summer I spent with my dog Finn. When you add a four-legged friend to your family, there are so many things to consider that I didn’t really know the impact heat would have on him. It was only when his panting would get louder and louder as soon as we left the flat that it dawned upon me. Unlike humans, dogs only sweat through a few sweat glands on their paws. They use their tongue to get rid of excess heat, which is why we see them panting. But dogs can’t cool down their whole body like this, so they need our help.

A cool haven

Depending on the type of insulation you have, the heat might build up in your home. Close the windows and shut the blinds during the day to keep it cool. Another thing you can do is keep doors open to typically cooler rooms where dogs like to sit, such as the bathroom or basement. Some of your dog’s cooling off spots might include the tiled floor in the bathroom or the stone floor of the kitchen. Don’t be surprised if your companion animal neglects their favourite bit of toy carpet on hot days. After all, carpet fibres store heat.

Snip snap

Dogs lose their thick winter coat as soon as the weather starts to change in spring. The fur that starts to grow is less thick but protects against UV rays. Dogs need help in the hairdressing department as well. Depending on the breed, your four-legged friend might need brushing daily to help get more air to the skin. This helps it circulate better within the dog’s coat. I’m not a big fan of overly groomed dogs so I only take Finn to the groomer once a year just before the start of summer. Afterwards it feels like he weighs half what he did. For long-haired dogs like mine, a trim before a heatwave is a must. If your furry friend «just» has a thick coat, it’s OK to have it thinned by a professional instead. Find out more about looking after your dog’s coat:

Reduce the pace

There’s no getting around taking your dog for a walk on hot days. But what you can do is avoid long, tiring walks at lunch time. You’re better to do these kinds of walks in the cooler hours of the morning or evening. You also want to decide your route in advance so you can pick one that has the least amount of pavement. This stops your companion animal burning their paws on hot tarmac, concrete or sand. Did you know that when the air temperature is 31℃, the ground temperature can be up to 62℃ (content in German). Place your hand on the ground for seven seconds to determine if the temperature is suitable for your four-legged friend. It’s also a good idea to look for shady paths – especially the ones you find in the forest. If you live in the city, shaded paths in a park would work at a pinch. I’ve noticed that in summer, my dog loves to run across meadows as the ground is cool by comparison. That’s certainly not something he does in winter.

Keep an eye on your four-legged friends as they won’t know when they’re overdoing it. As soon as they start to pant more and walk slower, it’s time to have a break in the shade. If there aren’t going to be any fountains or stagnant water on route, make sure to take a water bottle with you so your companion animal can rehydrate every 30 minutes. When you have the option, put their paw or harness into a fountain or lake to give them some extra relief from the heat – they’ll thank you for it.

Light meals

Don’t find you’re as hungry in summer? It’s the same for your furry friends. The heat makes them lethargic so they don’t move as much. In terms of food, chicken is the best option as it’s lighter and more easily digestible than other types of meat. Wet food also supplies the organism with extra liquid. You’ll also want to give your dog fresh water more often than usual to try and encourage them to drink. Even if it’s tempting, don’t give your companion animal ice cold water. This can irritate their stomach and in the worst case scenario, make them throw up.

Dog ice cream is also a refreshing treat throughout the day. To stop your four-legged friend wolfing it down and getting an upset stomach like with ice cold water, it helps to put it in a Kong. To make the ice cream, fill the snack ball with two tablespoons of cottage cheese, a splash of oil and two tablespoons of dog sausages then put the whole thing in the freezer. Note to self: next time feed the dog outside. I want to save you the mess I had in the flat. If you know your companion animal will eat in one place, put a towel under the Kong so you don’t have to wipe anything up afterwards.

In the car

Everyone should know by now that long drives on a hot summer day are a no-no. But let’s face it, they can’t always be avoided. If you do have to take your dog out in the car, make sure they have plenty of water. Don’t forget to build in breaks to walk your dog near a shady layby or car park. A cooling mat for the journey is an added bonus. As soon as your companion animal lies on it, they’ll start to cool down. When you put the mat in the pet carrier, it’s a good idea to only have it covering half of the carrier. That way your dog can decide if and when they want to cool down. But I can’t stress this enough: the cooling mat does not give you a free pass to leave your dog alone in the car.

Splish splash

Putting a paddling pool on your balcony or in your garden means your dog always has somewhere to cool off. Dog pools are robust but aren’t essential. A traditional paddling pool will also do the job, depending on the breed of dog you have. If your four-legged friend is scared of the water like my Pomeranian, try some of the other cooling options mentioned above such as the mat or collars and cooling coats you put in the water. As the water evaporates off, your dog’s body temperature drops. After every walk, my dog lies down on the cooling mat that’s on the living room floor. It’s a great way for him to cool down, quieten down and recharge his batteries. Because he’ll need that energy to help keep his body temperature down.

What do you do to stop your four-legged friends getting too hot in summer? Let me know in the comments. New tips are always welcome.