Summer is a wonderful time for fun and adventure. Often we want to include our dogs in the playful spirit of the season and most times our plans are great for everyone –but when summer hits, it can really drain our best furry friends if we don’t take extra precautions.

Five Tip for Keeping Dogs Cool, Comfortable and Happy

You already know never to leave your dog in the car, even when it is overcast, but there are more ideas to consider to ensure your pet’s comfort.

• Look for cooler sleeping environments. In cold months, dogs prefer a plush warm bed to curl up in (sometimes our bed!) but in warmer months, that favourite spot designed to hold heat in can be too warm. Look into raised beds, cooling mats or even a combination of both like the K&H Coolin’ Gel Pet Cot. This dog bed makes use of both air flow around the sleeping surface and a special gel-filled mat to pull excess heat from your dog’s body.

• When the mercury starts to climb to unreasonable temperatures and you’re thinking about a day trip to the beach, your dog is better off at home. Heat stroke and exhaustion can happen quickly, even if your dog seems to initially be having a great time. When at home, ensure shade and air flow are available to your pooch at all times. Inside is the best place for them and fans or air conditioning on timers can be a great way to keep the indoor temperature comfortable.

• Hydration is the most important aspect to keeping your pet healthy in the heat. Ensure plenty of fresh cool water is available anywhere your dog spends time. You can get creative by adding dog-friendly treats like frozen blueberries to the water to create a “bobbing for berries” activity that encourages drinking water.

• Water is good for your dog’s exterior as well. You may have heard that dogs don’t sweat. They do, but only very small amounts through their paws and nose. When they’ve been in the heat, or are panting hard, mist cool water on their feet and in their face. Put a cool, wet towel down for lying on, or even add a small pool to the yard or deck. Think “ground up” in terms of what to cool off first. Tile floors can be great with a mat or soft towel because they tend to stay cooler than other flooring, but don’t be surprised if digging is a new pastime as dogs will dig down to the cooler earth for a place to relax.

• Sometimes a dog is fearful of water and doesn’t understand your efforts at trying to make them more comfortable. This can increase their stress and make the heat harder on them. Or perhaps your dog is simply too active to sit still and cool down. When this is the case, a cooling cover like the RC Pets Ultimate Cooling Coat can help keep a dog’s temperature at a normal level. The RC Pets product absorbs the water you add for cooling but also has mesh for air flow so dogs can stay active and comfortable.

When your dog is your best friend, remember to take the time to incorporate a few special techniques to keep them cool during the dog days of summer.