The hot and humid summer weather is underway in New Jersey. Pools are opening up. Beaches are packed. The creaks of the boardwalks might be ringing in your ears. Humans love this time of the year. Sadly, dogs have mixed emotions about the summertime. Dogs enjoy sunbathing and rolling around in the grass but don’t do well with the heat. Dogs have a lot tougher time staying cool than humans do. Your dog being boarded shouldn’t be the only option you have when a beach vacation is around the corner. You should feel comfortable about how to keep your dog cool during the summer. Here are some tips!
Hydration
Like humans, dogs need to be hydrated too. Dog bodies are made up mostly of water like human bodies. However, their bodies do a poor job of cooling themselves due to their fur and weak endocrine system. If you opted to hang out with your dog during your summer outings rather than a dog boarding service, hydration should be stressed heavily while you are outside. Based on the dog’s age, weight, and medications, you have to make sure their water intake is stable. The water intake should be adjusted based on environmental factors too. If the weather is hotter than usual or their day is more active, you want to adjust their water intake accordingly.
A general rule of thumb is to have your dog drink around a half-ounce of water per pound of body weight. Don’t force it down their throat, however. Dogs are smarter than we think and know when something is up. Be sure to always have water on standby, but don’t dose them with it constantly. Too much water can cause severe bloating. A great tip is to utilize ice cubes, which are easier on the body and just as revitalizing.
Breaks
Dogs may have four legs, but they can’t run around for hours. After rigorous and long-term exercise, you should have your dog take a break for a little bit. During breaks, observe your dog’s behavior and look for signs of dehydration. If signs of dehydration are occurring, call it a day and head for a cool space for a while. Make sure the break is in a shaded area. Offer up snacks and water to make sure they have the energy to finish off the day properly.
How do you know if your dog needs a break? There are some obvious signs that signal your dog is starting to slow down. Excessive panting is a tall tale sign that they need to relax. When humans are gassed, they tend to breathe through their mouths. Dogs do the same exact thing. Outside of panting, whimpering and laying down is another sign as well. Whimpering is their way of saying, “Hey! Let’s relax for a little bit!” Don’t push your dog to the limits.
Cool Spaces
Whether outside or inside, make sure a cool space is carved out. While outside, look at the surrounding environment and make sure there is a cool space you can bolt to if your dog gets overheated. While indoors, make sure your dog has a space where they can cool off and relax. If your home is always blowing the AC, a spot near one of the vents in your house will do the trick.
If you have any questions or concerns about keeping your dog cool doing the summer, reach out to Halo House Animal Resort at 856-694-0980!