Beat the Heat this Summer
Summer is here! With longer days and warmer weather, you and your pup are bound to spend your days soaking up the sun. The strong summer heat can be hard for some dogs to deal with, especially if you aren’t up on the dos and don’ts of canine summer safety. Here are a few tips and things to look out for this summer so you and your dog can keep the fun going all summer long:
Stay hydrated
Dogs, like humans, could always use a little more hydration in their diet. Make sure they always have access to cold drinking water on hot days, and always bring water with you if you are taking your dog on longer walks or more strenuous activities. If your dog doesn’t drink enough water throughout the day you can add some water to their food at mealtimes to sneak in some extra hydration.
P.S. feeding your pup food like our FreshCooked meals can help manage your pup’s water intake. All of our recipes contain at least 65% moisture. Because we use real ingredients, this means there is a lot of natural moisture present in the meat, fruits, and veggies in the recipes. We also use a state-of-the-art steam-cooking method to retain the nutrients and bring out the natural moisture of all of the premium ingredients we use.
Keep out of the heat
If you live in an area that is prone to heatwaves, be conscious of how your dog will react to the heat. Their fur is basically like wearing a coat outside, so if you are too hot outside, they definitely are. Be sure to walk them in areas that have grass or shaded sidewalks so their paw pads don’t get burned on hot surfaces. Most importantly, never leave your dog in a hot car or room and make sure they have a shady area to rest if they are outside.
Know the signs of heat exhaustion
Most signs of heat exhaustion are fairly obvious: excessive panting, dry nose and mouth, loss of appetite, and decreased urination. Dogs that are overheating can also have a runny nose, dry or white gums, or tiredness. This is not an exhaustive list of signs, so make sure to keep an eye on your dog and note any changes in their behavior, and reach out to your vet if you have any concerns.
Skincare and Haircare
The best way to beat the heat is to get your pup a fresh summer cut at the groomer. They know how to thin out their coats or shave them down so your dog can stay cool in the summer. If your dog is spending a lot of time in the sun, you can also use a dog sunscreen to spray on them before you hit the great outdoors to protect their skin.
The best rule of thumb is just: if you’re hot your dog is hot. Make sure you and your dogs are drinking plenty of water and staying cool in the shade this summer!