Summer is officially here! (Well, as of this weekend.) This may very well be Fido’s favorite time of year! He gets to run and play in the sun, sniff all sorts of grass, and maybe even go hiking or swimming. However, heat can be dangerous for our canine pals, so you’ll want to take steps to keep your pooch cool. A Roanoke, VA vet discusses helping your dog beat the heat below.
Water
First and foremost, make sure that your pup always has fresh water. If you have a yard, you’ll want to keep water dishes outdoors and indoors. Wash Fido’s bowls daily, so they don’t collect germs or bacteria. You can also drop a few ice cubes into your dog’s bowl on hot days.
Cold Treats
Many of us love to cool off on sweltering days by enjoying a cold treat. Buy or make your furry bff some doggy ice cream. You can also make Fido some pupsicles. Put kibble, plain meat, or crushed dog biscuits in an ice cube tray, pour water or sodium-free broth over them, and then freeze overnight. Instant tail wags!
Bed Hack
There are some things you can do to make Fido’s bed more comfy. Try aiming a fan at or above it, to keep the air circulating. (Just make sure your furry friend can’t knock it over.) Another option is to put a frozen towel on your pup’s bed.
Splashing Fun
Do you have a yard for your canine companion to run and play in? If so, why not give it a pupgrade? Give your cute pet a kiddie pool to splash around in, or set up a sprinkler for him.
Schedule
You may want to tweak Fido’s schedule a bit. Try to limit his outdoor time during the hottest parts of the day. Walk and play with him in the mornings and evenings, when it’s cooler out.
Cooling Jackets
Does your canine companion hate the heat? A cooling vest may help! Just be sure to measure your four-legged buddy before ordering, to make sure you get the right size.
Trim
Some of our canine pals are more comfortable in summer with a cool trim. However, this isn’t an across-the-board suggestion. Ask your vet if a cute doggy haircut is a good option for Fido.
Please reach out to us, your Roanoke, VA vet clinic, anytime. We’re here to help!
