Summer is officially here! While it might be your favourite time of year, with ice cream, air-conditioning and ocean swims to cool us down, your pooch might feel a little differently. While people can easily trade jeans and jackets for shorts and a t-shirt, our furry friends don’t have this same luxury.
There are, however, some simple ways to keep your pooch comfortable as the heat peaks. Keep reading to see five simple ways to keep your pooch refreshed, cool and happy this summer.
1. Drink up!
Replenish your dog’s bowl with fresh, clean, and cool water throughout the day. You might even like to keep a few water bowls around the house and outside in the shade. On those scorching days, add some ice cubes to keep the water chilled for longer.
2. Ice down
A chilly towel is a quick, easy and effective way to cool your pooch. All you have to do is put a soaked towel into a plastic bag, freeze it for a few hours and voila – the perfect cooling toy.
3. Optimise your exercise
Whatever time of year, exercise is essential, however, being clever about when you go is key to surviving the summer season. We recommend taking your dog out in the early morning or late evening. It’s also important to remember that dogs don’t always recognise their own boundaries and might need your second set of eyes to know when to slow down.
Monitored exercise not only applies to walking and jogging, but behaviour training too, which can be emotionally taxing and particularly hard in the heat. When you do train, opt for a cooler space and a few treats.
4. Make it a splashing good time!
Spray your dog with cool water from a spray bottle, particularly beneath the legs, on the tummy, and paws to provide immediate comfort. If this method is new for you, your dog may be scared of the bottle’s spray motion. As with most new things, you will need to train them and slowly introduce the new stimulant. Alternatively, you can wipe them with a moist flannel.
5. Hair goes nothing
While a fluffy coat might make your dog look adorable, your dog will thank you if it’s groomed in summer. Depending on the breed, your dog may either be happier with a short cut or naturally keep cool with a long coat. Either way, grooming is a helpful way to soothe, tidy and clean your dog’s coat. If you’re unsure which option is best for your pooch or would like to schedule a specialised wash with our skilled groomers, book today by clicking here.
