How to Cool Down a Dog?

Are you worried how you will cool down a dog in these hot summer heat?

We all know hot summers are extremely unbearable and make us vulnerable!

But do you know this it can cause fatal to your dog? Yes! In summers especially, you must keep an eye on your dog.

High temperature can create a lot of problems for your furry friend. It is life-threatening if you find your pet drooling, excessive panting then there is a high chance of heatstroke.

We understand your problem therefore we are here ready with a solution for you!

This article will guide you on how to cool down your dog! There are various methods to do it, and we have covered them all!

Shall we begin?

How to Cool down a Dog?

There are several methods to cool down a dog some of them are given below

1. Try Freezable Toys

Do your dog loves playing with toys? Then you can experiment with some frosty toys. It will be an enjoyable way of lowering their body temperature.

This Icy toy cool down a dog in two ways:

• Freezable Treat Toys: In this toy, you can fill food and freeze them. When you give him this treat he will use this tongue to lick an ice-covered treat out of a toy.
• Freezable Chew Toys: You have to fill water and then freeze it. This icy toy will help you to cool down a dog and his body while chewing.

You can try The Pet Safe Chilly Penguin Freezable Treat Holding Toy. It is frozen fun and holds your dog’s favorite treat such as flavored water, broth, peanut butter, yogurt, or any wet dog food. It is a safe and satisfying toy. This Chilly penguin is also easy-peasy to clean too.

You can also go for Nylabone Moderate Chill & Chew Toy this toy can be chilled and used by your dog. This chew toy satisfies the natural urge. You just have ice and throw it at your dog.

2. Look for Cool Spot or Shade

On a warm hot day, why many dogs dig a hole? Have you ever wondered this? This is because they try to reach underground soil that is cold and chill.

Don’t stress to cool down a dog you just need to spot a cool area or shades and encourage them to lay down. A cold surface includes tiled and concrete floors. Even nature’s shaded backyard will also work.

Remember this cooling technique also has cons. With the passing of time place will not remain cool just like how one side of your pillow is cold but doesn’t last.

As most dogs don’t remain to sit in one spot, so this can be challenging. If you have such issues then you can try cooling mats. These mats are cold and remain cool forever. You can place it anywhere you wish inside or outside the home. Your pet can enjoy mat coolness even while you watch TV he can sit next to you and can have coolness.

3. Grooming is a Must

Maintaining your pooch’s hair is also an important factor to cool down a dog. The weather warms up and due to hair, they feel warmer. Regular grooming in dog daycare can help your pet to regulate its temperature and prevent heat strokes. It is vital for those breed dogs who have thick and long hair.

Their hair is to protect them from extreme winters, it also keeps them cool in the summer heat but if his hairs are very long then grooming is a must. You have to make sure his fur is clean and brushed. This allows air to circulate through the body. You don’t have to shave them off course! Just a little trimming and it is done.

4. Mist Them

Using a garden hose to drench down your pet is a great option, but it is too messy right!

You can chill with your pet because we are here for you.

Try using a spray bottle to cool down a dog. It has many perks such as you can spray to a specific area where he needs to get wet and no mess is created, and if you use the mist then there is not even the slightest chance of mess to happen.

There is a technique of misting, if you lightly mist your dog all over it won’t help. For maximum refreshment, you should spray at his paw, underbelly, spray where there is less hair. You can use plant mister for spraying water to your pet. Their nozzles are finer than an ordinary spray bottle that means less mess and stress more water on your pet!

5. Squishing and Swimming

A quick dip can deal him to heal.

We all love to enjoy swimming on a hot summer day, isn’t it? Similarly, dogs can also cool themselves down simply by swimming. If your best friend enjoys swimming then this is a refreshing and entertaining deal.

Few dogs like Spaniels, Poodles, Irish Setters, and Retrievers love to swim. A quick cool dip in a pool, lake, or ocean wherever it is can help to regulate your dog’s temperature down on a bright sunny day. But make sure to take the right measures and prevention while swimming.

If you don’t leave near the waterside no worries you can grab a dog pool for your pet and use that at home. Easy, isn’t it?

6. Keep them Hydrated

Hydrate your dog by regularly giving him fresh and cold water to drink. You can avoid heatstroke if you keep him hydrated. To know if he is dehydrated you have to check whether his tongue is dry or not. You can identify this easily if he is panting then he is cooling himself.

You must give your dog water at least once in an hour this is exclusively for summer days. If he is overheated it is fine to give him some ice cubes or icy treats to munch on. You can DIY home ice creams for him. But, make sure you feed an overheated dog that and not just ward dog because it can be dangerous and can cause him to go into shock.

Symptoms of Overheating in Dogs

Heatstrokes happen when your pet is enabled to reduce his body temperature, and this can be fatal!

Signs of overheating are;

• Drooling
• Excessive salivation
• Heavy panting
• Loss of consciousness
• Glazed eyes
• A rapid pulse
• Lack of coordination

If any of these symptoms occur you can definitely try to regulate their body temperature by using the above-listed methods even then it happens you must go to the vet for a check-up.

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FAQs

How to cool down a dog?

There are several methods to regulate your pet’s temperature some of them are

• Try to keep them in a cool spot or shady area.
• By grooming them regularly, increases the air circulation in their body.
• Use mist, spray at paws, and underbelly it works.
• Give them icy treats or icy treat toys.
• Regularly give them water to drink this decreases the chance of dehydration.

How can one tell if a canine is overheated?

When dogs are overheated they show symptoms such as

• Hyperventilation
• Excessive panting
• Dry or pale gums
• Rapid pulse
• Confusion and Weakness
• Vomiting and Diarrhea

Does getting wet cool down a dog?

Wet towel cools them!

A drenched towel works, they help them to keep their body temperature low, and it is a significant way to cool down a dog suffering from heatstroke. But, make sure it is not freezing cold.

Do ice cubes cool down a dog?

Yes! Ice cubes work.

Dogs can cool down themselves either by panting or through their paw pads. So ice cubes are the nice external way of cooling them down. You can give them Popsicle or you can also give ice-cold water to lower their body temperature and avoid overheating.

Let’s sum up!

Wrap Up

Always check on your pet’s health first. Your pet is your family off course.

Summers are special at the same vulnerable. You must keep an eye on your canine and cool down a dog. They can be dehydrated or can even suffer from heatstroke easily.

Never ever miss giving them water, grooming, and misting them. If they enjoy swimming take them for water sports or if they enjoy playing with toys give them icy toys for entertainment and refreshment.

You can also breeze them. If you want to take them for a walk always take them in the coolest part of the day like early morning or evening walks are the best time for a healthy walk! I hope you will be able to cool down a dog!

References:

1. Heat Wave Approaching! Should You Shave Your Pet? – ASPCA
2. Do dogs sweat? – Psychology Today
3. 7 Tips on Canine Body Language – ASPCA
4. Dehydration and Overheating in Dogs – American Kennel Club