Summer time is upon us – especially in Arizona. We’re already hitting temperatures above 100°. Once again, it’s time to spread the word about how we can keep our pets cool in the summer while avoiding the dangers that heat can bring.
Ways to Keep Your Dog Cool in the Summer
NEVER leave your dog (or kid or any other pet!) in a hot car: This may sound like common sense, but to many, it’s not. Inevitably we see deaths of dogs every summer because people think it’s okay to leave them in a car. Let’s think about it. Your car is SUPER hot when you get in it if it’s been sitting in the sun. You know that feeling of not being able to breath in the hot car at first because it’s THAT hot?! Your pets experience the exact same thing. Try sitting in the car for one minute without the air conditioning on – not good. It’s deadly. Opening windows is NOT good enough. It’s also dangerous to leave your car running with the air on even if you’ll “just be a few minutes!” What if your dog panics because you’re gone? They may accidentally hit the A/C button to turn it off or potentially lock you out of the car. If you’re going somewhere and you think you may need to leave your dog in the car for a minute, just leave your dog at home.
Keep your dogs inside: I really hate when people say “my dog is an outside dog.” Um, no. If you have to keep your dog outside, don’t have one. The summer heat can cause heat stroke in animals just like it can in humans. When you’re outside with your dog, make sure they have access to plenty of fresh drinking water.
Let your dogs swim: Swimming is a great way for us to enjoy the summer heat with our dogs. Whether you’re swimming with your dog or you buy a kiddie pool for your dog, they will appreciate a little reprieve from the heat. It’s also great exercise! Be careful though, dogs can drown so make sure your dog is supervised around large bodies of water. Here are pool safety tips for dogs that you’ll definitely want to make note of.
Let your dog enjoy a cold treat: Try making some homemade frozen peanut butter treats or buy some Frosty Paws at your local grocery store! Starbucks also offers pupuccinos for dogs. You can freeze watermelon for a healthy summer doggy treat! Here’s a delicious frozen yogurt treat that your dogs will surely love.
If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog: Dog’s paws can burn very easily. The streets and sidewalks get extremely hot in the summer. Take your dog out walking early morning or late at night when the cement has cooled down. How do you know it’s too hot? Do the barefoot test! Take off your shoes and try walking on the sidewalk. Is it burning your feet? Then it’s burning your dog’s paws.
Try some fun cool activities: Since the Arizona summers can get up to about 120 degrees, it’s fun to take road trips to cooler places like the beach or up north to Flagstaff or Sedona. Wynston and Khloee love the beach and it’s a great escape from the toasty weather. You can take a quick weekend trip or a mini vacation. You and your dog will have so much fun!
What do you do to keep your dog cool in the summer?
Eliza says
Yes to everything you’ve said! We don’t live in Arizona, but even on hot days here it is imperative to limit outside time to the cooler times of the day. Walks get moved to first thing in the morning, or later at night to avoid getting overheated!
Amanda says
You’re absolutely right. Early morning walks are great because the street and sidewalk have been cooling down all night 🙂
DZ Dogs says
All good advice! Our summer afternoons usually consist of going to the river to play and exercise. They also love their kiddie pool in our backyard.
Amanda says
The river sounds like so much fun! I wish we had one close by. Pools are all we have!
Lauren Miller (ZoePhee) says
Awesome post and great tips!
Linda Huss says
Frozen WATERMELON? Really? I will have to try that! Thanks for the blog!
Amanda says
Yes!!! Watermelon is so good for dogs and it’s a long lasting treat if you freeze it!