How to Keep Your Dog Cool in Summer

How to Keep Your Dog Cool in Summer

Summer can be a great time to enjoy more time outdoors with your dog, but warmer weather also means taking extra care. Dogs can overheat quickly, particularly during exercise or when they do not have access to shade and water.

Here are some simple ways to help your dog stay comfortable during warm weather, plus an easy frozen goat milk treat you can make at home.

Simple Ways to Keep Your Dog Cool

A few simple changes to your routine can help your dog stay comfortable on warmer days.

• Walk Early or Late: Plan walks for the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or later in the evening. Avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.
• Check the Pavement: Pavements can become extremely hot in direct sunlight. Place the back of your hand against the surface for five seconds. If it is too hot for your hand, it is too hot for your dog's paws.
• Try Indoor Activities: On particularly hot days, replace a longer walk with activities such as scent games, puzzle toys or simple training exercises at home.
• Provide Shade: Make sure your dog always has access to a cool, shaded area where they can rest.

Hydration Tips for Hot Weather

Fresh drinking water should always be available to your dog, particularly during warm weather.

• Keep Water Available: Make sure your dog has access to clean drinking water throughout the day.
• Take Water on Walks: If you are going out with your dog, take a portable water bottle or bowl so they can have access to water when needed.
• Try Frozen Treats: Ice cubes and suitable frozen treats can be a fun way to keep your dog occupied during warm weather. Always supervise your dog when giving frozen treats.

How to Make Goat Milk Ice Lollies

One of our WulfJoy ambassadors recently shared a lovely summer idea for her Dalmatian, using goat milk to make homemade frozen treats.

Freezing goat milk powder prepared according to the product's feeding guidance can create a simple frozen treat for your dog to enjoy on a warm day.

Refreshing Goat 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 frozen treats at home with this simple method:

• Ingredients:
  • WulfJoy Whole Goat Milk Powder
  • Fresh water
• Instructions:
  • Prepare the goat milk according to the feeding guidance on the WulfJoy packaging.
  • Pour the prepared goat milk into suitable lolly moulds or an ice cube tray.
  • Leave a little room at the top as the mixture will expand when frozen.
  • Place the tray in the freezer until completely frozen.
  • Remove from the mould and let your dog enjoy the frozen treat.

Always supervise your dog when giving frozen treats and make sure the treat is an appropriate size for your dog.

Shop the WulfJoy Ingredient

Shop WulfJoy Whole Goat Milk Powder

Spotting the Signs of Heatstroke

Heatstroke is a medical emergency. Watch for signs such as heavy panting, excessive drooling, lethargy, weakness, uncoordinated movement, vomiting or collapse.

If you think your dog is overheating, stop exercise and move them away from the heat immediately. Start cooling them with water that is cooler than their body temperature and create airflow with a fan or air conditioning where possible. Contact your vet and follow their advice.

For serious overheating, the RSPCA advises cooling your dog first and then transporting them to a vet in a cool, well ventilated vehicle.

Summer Safety Checklist

• Keep fresh drinking water available. Frozen treats do not replace water
• Provide access to shade
• Walk during cooler parts of the day
• Check pavement before walking
• Avoid strenuous exercise in hot weather
• Never leave your dog in a hot car
• Watch for signs of overheating
• Keep frozen treats appropriately sized and supervise your dog

References & Resources

For more information about keeping dogs safe during hot weather, see the RSPCA's summer dog safety and heatstroke guidance.

If your dog may have heatstroke, start cooling and seek urgent veterinary care rather than relying on frozen treats. Summer can be a wonderful time to enjoy the outdoors with your dog. With access to shade and water, sensible exercise and a few simple precautions, you can help keep your companion comfortable during warmer weather.