Summer Safety Tips: How to keep your dog cool as the days get hot

Summer in Colorado means plenty of fun and adventure. As the days get longer, we spend more time outside, exposing ourselves AND our dogs to heat-related ailments.

We’re here to help with summer safety tips for keeping your dog cool and comfortable all summer long.

Enjoy the mornings Heading out for a hike? If you plan to bring your dog, get started early and be mindful of midday heat. If you’re not an early riser, you can also consider evening hikes.

Hydrate! It’s not just for the dogs. Keeping you and your pup hydrated will ensure all that fun in the sun stays that way! Bring a collapsible water bowl or get your pup their own doggie water bottle and regularly offer them water.

Give your pup some clothes! A cooling vest and other sun safety accessories are available at most pet stores. Often made of UV reflective material, cooling vests are a great addition to your hiking pack.

Frozen treats Whether you make your own snacks for your dog, or purchase them from your local pet store, frozen treats are the tastiest way to beat the summer heat.

Look for signs of overheating Your dog can’t tell you when they are feeling a little too hot, but they do communicate it in other ways. Excessive panting, lethargy, increased drooling, and disorientation are all signs your dog is overheating. By spotting these signs early, you can act quickly before more serious symptoms such as vomiting, collapse, or heatstroke occur.

How to cool down your hot dog

Place a cool, wet towel on your dog’s underbelly and inner thighs. The femoral artery is located in this area and can help regulate your dog’s body temperature

Go for a swim in a puppy pool. Or lake. Or river! As long as the body of water is safe, algae-free, and not too cold, it will help cool your dog down while also giving them a way to burn off extra energy.

Put your dog in a tepid shower. If you’re at home, a quick shower might be the best way to help your overheated pup. Pay attention to the water temperature – cold water can shock their system, leading to further complications.

Paws first. Submerging your dog’s feet in cool, tepid water can help them cool down more effectively than putting water directly on their fur because dogs don’t sweat through their skin.

Dig a hole. If you’re on the trail with no exit or body of water in sight, and you are concerned about your dog, find a shady spot to dig a hole to cooler ground and lay tour dog in it. Similar to the cool towel trick, make sure your pup’s underbelly is touching the coolest part of the ground.

Now that you’ve got summer safety tips for your canine companion, you are ready to tackle any adventure in Colorado while keeping them cool! Here’s a pup-approved list of dog-friendly adventures to last you until fall!