Hot days can be beautiful, but they do pose some problems for your dog. Here’s 7 ways to stop your dog from overheating.

1) Exercise Your Dog either Early in the Morning or Late at Night

Exercising your dog early in the morning or late at night is a good idea as these two parts of the day are the coolest. You and your dog will feel comfortable when you walk during these parts of the day. While I am a proponent of vigorous exercises for dogs, I recommend reducing the intensity of exercises during the summer season.

2) Try Using Doggie Boots

You can buy doggie boots from your local pet supply store. These boots can be important especially if you are not able to walk your dog early in the morning or late at night as the boots will help protect your dog. Keep in mind that heat often rises from the ground particularly on surfaces such as asphalt and cement and your dog will absorb and release this heat through its feet. Apart from helping your dog avoid absorbing the cold in winter, doggie boots can help isolate heat.

You can also try dog cooling pads from DogProductPicker.com to help to keep your dog cool.

3) Check for Signs of Dehydration

Since a dog does not sweat, panting is its way of cooling off.  Therefore, when a dog drools excessively, it means that it is overheated. The dog will also have bloodshot eyes, become lethargic and look a little pale. In addition, the dog’s skin will also take longer than usual to fall back when you lift it.

4) Ensure Your Dog Stays Hydrated

Different dogs react differently to heat. For instance, a dog that has a darker coat will absorb more heat than a dog that has a lighter coat. Overweight dogs are more vulnerable to dehydration. It is a good idea to have a bottle of water with you whenever you go on a walk with your dog. It can even be better to have your dog carry the bottle of water for you in a vest or backpack. Carrying a bottle of water will give your dog a sense of purpose and keep your dog cooler.

5) Look for Creative Ways to Cool Your Dog

If you do not have air conditioning, look for a spot in the shade and make a kiddie pool. You can then place a fan in front of a pan of ice or make your dog lie on a wet towel. At the Dog Psychology Center, we have sprinklers which can spray the dogs with a gentle mist of water.

6) Remember That a Dog Cools from the Bottom Up

When spraying your dog with water, spray the stomach and paws instead of just spraying the top side of the dog’s body.  It is better to use a wet towel on the bottom of your dog than on the top of the dog’s coat.

7) Allow Your Dog to Dig

Your dog can choose to look for his own way to deal with heat. Dogs naturally dig their dens to hide, find food, give birth or keep cool. They don’t dig their dens out of frustration as some people may believe. If possible, look for a shady area which may be ideal for your dog to dig.