Three tips to keep your dog cool this summer
Being out and about in summer with your pup is great fun, but be cautious of the amount of heat they are experiencing and make sure you prevent them from overheating or getting heat stroke with these three cooling tips...
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Chill out on a cooling mat
Stretched out on a cooling mat under the trees is the ultimate way to spend a lazy afternoon. There are various mat options, from simple freezer-ready mats to fancy, weight-activated, automatically cooling mats that are ideal in kennels, on dog beds or even in the car. You might want to get two or three of these mats, as cats love them too!
Icy dessert treats
We love a scoop (or two) of ice cream on a summer’s day…and so does your pup! Blastin Biltong or Vroomin Venison are just some of the dog-friendly ice cream options available from various pet shops (online and in-store). This is a great option for teething puppies, adult dogs who need to cool down and senior pooches who haven’t got all their teeth and would struggle with a chewy treat. For a budget-friendlier option, you can also just cut up some chicken or vienna pieces and pop them into the ice cube tray, fill up with water and freeze. These meaty (or peanut butter) cubes will give your fourpaws lots of entertainment and are diet-friendly.
Cool gear
If your dog really overheats and suffers during summer or if you enjoy going on adventures with your furbaby and want to make sure they keep cool while out in the sun, you might want to look at some of these cool gear options:
- A cooling bandana is an easy way to keep your pup chilled. Just wet the bandana, wring it out and put it in the fridge for about 10 minutes before placing it around your dog’s neck. It’s like putting a wet towel around your neck on a scorching day.
- A cooling vest/jacket is the ultimate adventure accessory. Look out for features such as being lightweight, UPF 50+ rating and an evaporating system.