5 Ways to Protect Your Dogs from the Summer Heat

Summer is here, and for Canadian’s, this is the best time of year. For a few months, we finally get to leave our homes without bundling up. For pet owners, it means spending some quality time with their fluffy companions outside. As fun as summer can be, the heat that comes with it can be uncomfortable at times or even dangerous, especially for our pets.

 Here are a few tips to keep your dog cool and hydrated this summer.

Always Have Water on Hand

Whether you’re going for a casual walk or spending the day at the beach, make sure you bring water with you if you have your pup to keep them hydrated. It’s easy for dogs to get dehydrated when it’s hot outside, especially when exercise is involved. If it’s really hot, consider bringing along a wet towel or cooling pad. This cools down their bellies and armpits, helping them regulate their temperature.

Give Them Frozen Treats

We give kids frozen treats like popsicles to keep them cool during the summer, and you can do the same for your dog! At Just Raw, we offer a number of Raw Meaty Bones, which come frozen. These are the perfect cooling treats to feed your pet to keep them refreshed.

Look for Shade

If you’re spending the day outside with your dog, make sure that you’re giving them a chance to hang out in the shade. Just like humans, getting out from under the hot sun will help them cool down and prevent them from getting heatstroke or getting dehydrated.

Consider the Timing

Certain times of the day are hotter than others. Morning and evenings are typically cooler as the sun isn’t as high in the sky. If you want to take your dog on a hike or go to the park for a ball trip, consider doing it earlier or later in the day. The afternoon is the hottest part of the day, and your dog won’t be able to be outside for as long. If you do have to go out when it’s at its hottest, make sure you have water on hand. You can also bring along a spray bottle to mist them to keep them cool.

Learn the Signs

Before you and your dog jump into summer activities, take some time to learn about the signs of heatstroke and dehydration. You can even ask your vet the next time you visit them. In addition to learning the signs of these conditions, also learn how to treat them! Many people think tossing their dog into cool water or giving them lots of water is the best way to handle dehydration or heat stroke, but these can actually harm them. If you think your dog is too hot, give them water slowly so they don’t vomit it up, and cool them down gently by placing water on their belly and pads of their feet.  

Have more questions? Contact us today!