While much of the U.S. is enjoying cooler temperatures, the southern sun is still unrelenting, and that could be a health concern for a dog. Hot weather mean hot dogs, and not the kind that comes in a bun! Axle is an active dog who enjoys the outdoors, so we have to come up with creative ways to keep him cool while it still feels like summer. Here are tips for dealing with hot weather.
1. Water
This may seem like a no-brainer, but the No. 1 way to keep your dog cool is constant access to fresh, cool water. Bowls and buckets can go stagnant and harbor dangerous bacteria, not to mention be a breeding ground for mosquitoes, which can transmit heartworms. A better alternative is a filtering pet fountain or water faucet adapter. We use a faucet adapter. It’s shaded by the house and gives access to cool, fresh water straight from the well. It’s made from stainless steel and doesn’t stay wet, so there’s little to worry about cleaning and no worries about bacteria or bugs.
2. Frozen treats
The easiest (and tastiest) way to take the edge off the heat is a frozen treat. Frozen peanut butter in bones, frozen raw meats or dog food, and for a lower calorie option, plain ice or lightly flavored ice. One of my favorite choices is chopped freeze-dried beef liver. I put a few pieces in a freezing mold with water for a perfect frozen treat. Bonus? It’s a ball-shape, so it doubles as a ball to chase around! I found a variety of freezing molds through Doggyloot, including the ball and bone shapes.
3. Pool time
Unfortunately for us, small kiddie-style pools are a huge no-no for Axle. He just hikes his leg and pees on and in them. Perhaps that’s his way of saying it’s too small for him. He prefers a larger pool that he can swim and splash around in. Just remember not to leave your dog unattended in a pool, as there is always the risk of drowning. If your dog is the social type, you can have your own doggie pool party!
4. Car rides
Cruising down the road with the windows down is another fun way to get your dog out and keep him cool. Axle loves car rides, and he makes quite the spectacle letting his ears flap in the wind! Little kids like to wave at him from their cars as we pass by, too. It’s so sweet!
What do you do to keep your dog cool during these hot days? Let us know in the comments below!
Learn more about dogs with Dogster:
- 9 Tips for Keeping Your Dog Cool This Summer
- Let’s Talk: Does Your Dog Love to Roll in Stinky Things?
- Be Polite to Your Dog — It Benefits Both of You
About Meghan Lodge: Fits the Aquarius definition to a fault, loves animals, and is always pushing for change. Loves ink, whether it’s in tattoos, books, or writing on that pretty sheet of blank paper. Proud parent of Toby (cat) and Axle (dog). I’m a former quiet nerd who’s turned bubbly animal-obsessed advocate.
