How to Keep Your Dog Cool & Hydrated This Summer

How to Keep Your Dog Cool and Hydrated This Summer

When the sun finally makes an appearance, it’s natural to want to spend the whole day outdoors with your four-legged best friend. However, hot weather presents real challenges for our companions. Unlike us, dogs can’t sweat through their skin to cool down; they rely primarily on panting and releasing heat through their paw pads. Because of this, heat stress can escalate incredibly fast if we aren't careful.

At Wulfjoy, we want you and your dog to enjoy every ounce of summer safely. Here is our easy-to-understand guide to beating the heat, keeping hydration fun, and recognising when it’s time to head for the shade.

Simple Ways to Keep Your Dog Cool

Adapting your daily routine is the easiest way to prevent your dog from overheating. Here are a few practical habits to adopt during warmer months:

• Walk Early or Late: Shift your exercise routines to the early morning or late evening when ambient temperatures and UV levels are at their lowest.
• Test the Tarmac: Asphalt and pavements absorb intense heat from the sun. Place the back of your bare hand firmly on the pavement for five seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it is far too hot for your dog's sensitive paw pads and can cause painful burns.
• Swap Walks for Brain Games: On exceptionally hot days, skip the walk entirely. Keep your dog indoors and tire them out safely with mental stimulation, such as scent games, hide-and-seek with treats, or basic obedience training.
• Cool the Vital Zones: If you use a damp towel or cooling vest to refresh your dog, focus on their chest, neck, armpits, and belly. These are the areas where major blood vessels run closest to the skin, providing the fastest cooling relief.

Hydration Hacks for Hot Weather

While keeping a fresh bowl of clean water available at all times is essential, you can also make hydration an active and refreshing part of your dog's day.

• Add Moisture to Meals: Consider adding a splash of water or hydration toppers to dry food to naturally increase your dog's fluid intake during mealtimes.
• Avoid Ice-Cold Water for Overheating: If your dog is showing signs of being too hot, always use cool or tepid water rather than freezing cold water. Shocking their system with ice water can cause their blood vessels to constrict, which actually traps heat deep inside their body.
• Stick to Safe Water Sources: Splashing in a paddling pool or clear stream is fantastic, but stay away from stagnant summer ponds. These can harbor toxic blue-green algae or harmful parasites that make dogs incredibly sick.

How to Make Goat's Milk Ice Lollies

One of our amazing Wulfjoy ambassadors recently shared a brilliant summer hack on Instagram for her beautiful Dalmatian, freezing nutritious goat's milk into refreshing ice lollies! Goat's milk is naturally packed with vitamins, highly hydrating, and incredibly gentle on canine tummies. By freezing it, you create a slow-release, cooling treat that offers fantastic mental stimulation.

Refreshing Goat's Milk Ice Lolly Recipe

Original Bowl Creator

This bowl was shared by @smudgeandpeanut. Visit their page for the original post and more dog mealtime inspiration.

Create your own cooling summer treats at home with this incredibly simple method:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup of all-natural goat's milk
• Instructions:
  • Pour the all-natural goat's milk directly into your lolly molds or an ice cube tray, leaving a little room at the top for expansion as it freezes.
  • Pop the tray flat into the freezer for 3 to 4 hours, or until it is completely solid.
  • Pop an ice lolly out of the mold and let your dog enjoy it out in the shade for an instant, healthy cool-down!

Shop the Wulfjoy ingredient:

Shop Wulfjoy Whole Goat Milk Powder

Spotting the Signs of Heatstroke

Being a responsible pet parent means knowing exactly when to step in. Heatstroke is a medical emergency, and recognizing the early warning signs can save your dog's life.

• Early Warning Signs: Watch out for heavy, frantic panting, excessively thick saliva or drooling, bright red gums or tongue, and general lethargy or a reluctance to move.
• What to Do: If you suspect your dog is overheating, immediately move them to a cool, shaded area or an air-conditioned room. Sponge or pour cool (not freezing) water over their body, maximize airflow with a fan, and contact your vet immediately for advice.

References & Resources

Want to dig deeper into hot weather canine safety? Check out these excellent expert guides:

• To understand the science behind canine heat regulation and raw feeding hydration, read ProDog Raw's Expert Advice on Avoiding Heatstroke.
• For essential summer pet checklists and veterinary guidance, visit Pets at Home Dog Cooling Advice.

Summer is a wonderful time to bond with your dog. By making a few simple adjustments to your walking times and serving up hydrating, frozen treats like our goat's milk lollies, you can ensure your companion stays safe, happy, and beautifully cool all summer long.