Keeping Your Dog Cool in the Summer

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Keeping Your Dog Cool in the Summer

We are in the middle of the intense Florida summer, which means fun in the sun with your furry friend, but also the need to watch them for signs of overheating. While many dogs enjoy sunbathing and swimming in the summer, it is easy for them to get overheated. As your dog cannot tell you that they’re too hot to be outside, it's important for you to listen to their cues and help them stay cool while enjoying the summer sun. 

Dogs need plenty of exercise, regardless of the season. Those with big fluffy coats need you to keep a watchful eye to prevent exhaustion and heat stroke. Below are three different ways you can keep them healthy and cool all summer long: 

Understand their limits.

Dogs will tell you when they’ve had enough, but you need to listen and pay close attention when they do. Do you see them sitting at the door, wanting to go back inside? Or are they sniffing at the water bowl, looking for a drink? Pay close attention to any sign of exhaustion or thirst as these should be addressed immediately. 

Play in the water. 

If your dog loves to swim, replace traditional exercise with a trip to the lake in order to give them a cool and refreshing way to play. This can be very beneficial to their health and prevent overheating in the midst of summer. If your dog doesn’t enjoy swimming, try playing in the sprinklers instead to keep them cool. 

Take walks early in the morning or around sunset. 

If your dog loves their daily walk but it's become too hot to do so midday, change up the routine to accommodate for a cooler time in the morning or evening. In general, it is recommended to not let your dog walk on pavement if it is too hot for you to touch barefoot for ten seconds or less, so aim for early morning or evening times when the temperatures are cooler. 

At Jazz’s Wonderland, we are careful to tend to every dog’s individual needs and ensure they don’t get overheated with outdoor playtime. We provide both indoor and outdoor playtime as well as plenty of ways for your dog to cool down.

If you’d like to learn more about keeping your dog happy in the summertime, including summertime treat ideas, visit our blog!