As temperatures soar during the summer months, pet owners need to be vigilant about their furry friends’ well-being. Unlike people, cats and dogs cannot cool themselves efficiently by sweating because they primarily rely on panting and, to a lesser extent, sweating through their paw pads. Overheating can lead to serious health issues such as heatstroke, dehydration, and death. Read our Cupertino Animal Hospital team’s 10 hot tips to help your furry friend stay cool and safe during the summer months.

1: Design cooling garments for your pet 

Create cooling bandanas and vests for your pets using simple materials such as cotton and cooling gel packs. You can also soak a bandana in water, freeze it, and then tie the cloth around your pet’s neck for a refreshing and cooling garment during hot days. 

2: Freeze treats for your pet

Make your pet homemade popsicles to keep them cool and hydrated, or fill their favorite chew toys with canned food or yogurt and freeze them for a refreshing treat. Use pet-safe ingredients, such as no-sodium chicken broth, xylitol-free peanut butter, and pet-safe fruits, to create delicious frozen treats, pouring the mixture into ice cube trays or silicone molds and freezing. 

3: Play in the water with your pet

Set up a water play area in your yard to keep your pet entertained and cool. Use sprinklers, wading pools, or splash pads to create a fun water park experience. Encourage your pet to splash and play in the water to stay cool, ensuring they stay hydrated. Swimming is also a fantastic way for pets to cool off. However, not all pets are natural swimmers, so monitor your furry pal closely to prevent an accident. 

Keep in mind that frequent water exposure can lead to ear infections, especially in breeds with floppy ears or pets who are already prone to ear problems. Use an ear cleanser that contains a drying agent, such as salicylic acid, to help eradicate excess moisture after swimming, and wipe out your pet’s ears thoroughly with cotton balls or gauze to ensure they are dry.

4: Give your pet a cooling bed

Give your pet a cooling bed designed to regulate their body temperature. These beds often contain gel or water that absorbs heat and keeps your pet cool. Alternatively, you can make a do-it-yourself (DIY) pet cooling bed by filling a sock with uncooked rice and freezing it, then placing it in your pet’s bed for a refreshing place to rest.

5: Groom your pet for the summer

Regular grooming is another important way to manage your pet’s body temperature. While shaving your dog might seem like a good idea, it’s not. Trim your pet’s fur rather than shaving it completely because fur acts as insulation against the heat as well as the cold, enabling your pet to regulate their body temperature. In addition, brush your pet regularly to remove loose hair and prevent mats, which can trap heat.

6: Avoid walking on a hot pavement with your pet

Protect your pet’s paws from hot surfaces by using pet booties or paw wax. These products create a barrier between your pet’s paws and hot pavement or sand, preventing burns and discomfort. Before walking on asphalt, test surfaces with the back of your hand; if it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your pet’s paws.

7: Provide plenty of fresh water for your pet

Keeping your pet hydrated is always crucial, but especially when temperatures skyrocket. Always ensure that your pet has access to fresh, cool water by placing multiple water bowls around your home and yard. Consider adding ice cubes to the bowls to keep the water cooler for a longer period.

8: Create a cool environment for your pet

Ensure your home is a cool refuge for your pet. Use fans, air conditioning, or cooling mats to help regulate the temperature. Create shaded areas in your yard where your pet can escape the sun, and prevent them from staying in areas that become excessively hot such as garages or sheds.

9: Avoid taking your pet outside during the hottest parts of the day

Limit your pet’s outdoor activities during the peak heat hours of late morning and early afternoon. Schedule walks and playtime during the cooler parts of the day such as early morning or late evening. 

10: Monitor your pet for heat stress signs

Be vigilant for heat stress or heatstroke signs, which include excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, vomiting, and uncoordinated movements. If your pet exhibits any of these signs, immediately move them to a cooler area, offer water, and monitor their body temperature.

As you and your furry friend play outdoors this summer, keep a sharp eye out for overheating and dehydration signs. If your pet exhibits overheating signs, contact our Cupertino Animal Hospital team.