Your Guide to Keeping Your Dog Cool This Summer

Don't let your dog become a hot dog!

Dogs can overheat very quickly, leading to serious health issues like heatstroke, which can be fatal. Unlike us, they don't sweat efficiently through their skin; they primarily cool down by panting.

So, how can you ensure your beloved canine companion stays safe, happy, and cool when the temperatures rise? We’re here to help you! Here's your (and ours, COYA’s office is full of dogs!) essential guide:

1. Timing is Everything: Adjust Your Walks

This is perhaps the most important tip. Avoid walking your dog during the hottest parts of the day. This generally means between 10 AM and 4 PM. Stick to early morning walks before the sun gets too strong, and evening strolls once the air has cooled down. It means that waking up that little bit earlier can make all the difference! 

• Pavement Check: Before you even step out, perform the "five-second rule." Place the back of your hand (important, the back of your hand is more sensitive than the palm) on the pavement. If you can't hold it there comfortably for five seconds, it's too hot for your dog's paws. Hot asphalt and concrete can cause painful burns so we want to avoid this at all costs.

2. Hydration is Non-Negotiable: Water, Water, Water!

Just like humans, dogs need constant access to fresh, cool water in hot weather.

• Around the House: Place multiple bowls of water in different spots around your home. (Tip, if you have a two story house, put one upstairs and one downstairs, you would be surprised how many dogs won’t drink because it’s too hot to walk downstairs to their kitchen water bowl!)
• On the Go: Always carry a portable water bottle and a collapsible bowl for walks or outings. Offer water frequently, even if your dog doesn't seem to ask for it.
• Ice, Ice Baby: Add a few ice cubes to their water bowl at home to keep it cool longer. Some dogs even enjoy munching on ice cubes!
• One of our favourite top tips: You know that water that you get at the end of Tuna can that you usually drain away, you can pour this into ice cube moulds to make fishy water ice cubes that your dog will love, it can be especially helpful for fussy dogs! - Trust us on this one. 

3. Provide Ample Shade (and Shelter)

If your dog spends any time outdoors, ensure they have constant access to shade.

• Natural Shade: Trees are ideal.
• Artificial Shade: Tarpaulins, umbrellas, or a kennel can provide refuge.
• Never in a Parked Car: This cannot be stressed enough. The temperature inside a car can skyrocket to dangerous levels in minutes, even on a mild day with the windows cracked. Leaving a dog in a parked car is incredibly dangerous and can be fatal. 

4. Cool Down Spots & Accessories:

There are many great products and DIY ideas to help your dog beat the heat.

• Cooling Mats: These mats are often pressure-activated and provide a cool surface for your dog to lie on.
• Paddling Pools: A shallow paddling pool filled with a few inches of water can be a fantastic way for your dog to cool down, especially for breeds that love water. 
• Sprinklers: Most garden hoses are compatible with sprinklers that you can turn on for endless garden fun. 
• Damp Towels: Drape a cool, damp towel over your dog's back or stomach. This can help lower their body temperature.
• Frozen Treats: Make homemade dog-friendly ice pops using low-sodium broth, pureed fruit (like apple or banana – no seeds!), or peanut butter (xylitol-free) mixed with water. Or our fishy tuna ice cubes! You can even freeze our freeze-dried pieces in an ice cube tray with a splash of water for a meaty treat.
• Close the curtains in sunny rooms: This one might be obvious, but it will also provide relief for you. Shutting curtains in sunny rooms helps to block out the sun and cool down the room more easily. 

5. Recognise the Signs of Overheating (and Act Fast!)

Knowing the symptoms of heatstroke is vital.

• Excessive Panting: Much heavier and faster than usual.
• Drooling: Thick, ropey saliva.
• Red Gums: Gums appear darker red than normal.
• Lethargy/Weakness: Your dog seems unusually tired or unsteady.
• Vomiting/Diarrhoea: Can be signs of severe heat stroke.
• Dizziness/Collapse: Stumbling, disorientation, or collapsing.

If you suspect your dog is overheating:

1. Move them immediately to a cooler, shaded area.
2. Offer small amounts of cool (not ice cold) water.
3. Apply cool (not ice cold) wet towels to their neck, armpits, and groin.
4. Use a fan to help cool them.
5. Contact your vet immediately. Even if they seem to recover, internal damage might have occurred.

Summer is a time for fun and adventures, and by taking a few simple precautions, you can ensure your dog stays safe and enjoys the warmer months just as much as you do. Stay vigilant, stay hydrated, and keep those tails wagging safely!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for general guidance only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. As a pet food brand, we are not veterinarians. Always consult with your vet or a qualified animal health professional regarding your pet's specific health needs and any concerns, especially in cases of suspected heat stroke or other medical emergencies.