Keeping Your Dog Healthy in Hot Weather

Hot weather requires special care for dog for their physical & mental well-being, follow these steps to learn more

Jun 18, 2023
 
Dogs at the beach
 
Summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors with your dog, but it\'s important to take precautions to keep them safe and healthy in the heat. Here are some tips on how to feed and exercise your dog in hot weather:

Diet

  • Feed your dog a diet that is high in water content. This will help them stay hydrated and prevent dehydration. Good sources of water include wet food, fruits and vegetables, and frozen treats.
  • Avoid feeding your dog foods that are high in fat or sugar. These foods can make it harder for them to cool down.
  • If you are feeding your dog dry food, make sure to add water to it to make it more moist.

Exercise

  • Take your dog for walks or hikes in the early morning or late in the evening when it is cooler outside.
  • Avoid taking your dog for long walks or hikes on hot, humid days.
  • If you are going to be gone for an extended period of time, make sure to leave your dog with plenty of water and a cool place to rest.

Other Tips

  • Make sure your dog has plenty of fresh, cool water to drink. You may need to change their water bowl more often in hot weather.
  • Keep your dog out of the sun during the hottest part of the day.
  • If your dog starts to show signs of heatstroke, such as heavy panting, glazed eyes, rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, vomiting, or seizures, immediately take them to a veterinarian.

Fun Games for Dogs in Hot Weather
  • Frozen Kong: Stuff a Kong with your dog\'s favorite treats and freeze it. This will keep them entertained for hours.
  • Water balloon toss: Fill water balloons with water and toss them to your dog. They will love chasing them and trying to pop them.
  • Swimming: If your dog enjoys swimming, take them to a lake or pool to cool off.
  • Fetch: This is a classic game that dogs love. Throw a ball or toy for your dog and let them chase it.
  • Hide-and-seek: This is a great game for mentally stimulating your dog. Hide around the house and let your dog find you.
Additional Tips and Tricks
  • Grooming: Keep your dog\'s coat trimmed short to help them stay cool.
  • Check for ticks and fleas: Ticks and fleas are more common in the summer, so it\'s important to check your dog for them regularly.
  • Take your dog to the vet for regular check-ups: This is especially important during the summer, when your dog is more likely to be exposed to heatstroke or other health problems.
Here are some additional tips and tricks to help you keep your dog cool in hot weather:
  • Create a cool oasis for your dog. If you don\'t have a pool or access to a lake, you can create a cool oasis for your dog in your backyard. Simply fill a kiddie pool with water and add some toys for your dog to play with. You can also put down a sprinkler or hose for your dog to run through.
  • Take your dog for walks in the shade. If you do decide to take your dog for a walk, try to do it during the cooler hours of the day and stick to shaded areas.
  • Avoid hot surfaces. When you\'re out and about, be sure to avoid hot surfaces like hot pavement or sand. These surfaces can burn your dog\'s paws.
  • Keep your dog hydrated. Make sure your dog has plenty of fresh, cool water to drink at all times.
  • Be mindful of your dog\'s coat. If your dog has a thick coat, you may want to consider trimming it to help them stay cool.
  • Watch for signs of heatstroke. Heatstroke is a serious condition that can be fatal if not treated. If you notice any of the following signs in your dog, immediately seek veterinary attention:
    • Heavy panting
    • Glazed eyes
    • Rapid heartbeat
    • Difficulty breathing
    • Vomiting
    • Seizures
By following these tips, you can help your dog stay safe and healthy in hot weather.