With summer here, there’s no better time to treat your pet and yourself to a little R&R getaway. But as the weather heats up, it’s important to remember to keep our furry companions as cool as possible while out and about. Typically releasing heat by panting, this can be inefficient when it comes to protecting them from getting overheated.
We’ve put together our 8 top tips to help keep your pets cool this summer
Tip 1: Freeze water bottles for crate travel
Frozen water bottles will not only cool the overall temperature in the crate down but will also keep your pet nice and cool while they’re travelling in the car. You can also freeze the water in their drinking tray so it melts slowly as the weather warms up, keeping them hydrated with cold water.
Tip 2: Make delicious frozen treats
Looking for a way to occupy and refresh your furbaby? You can freeze their favourite treats to keep them pre-occupied! Easy frozen treats include frozen watermelon, frozen banana bites and frozen dog-friendly yoghurt. You can even freeze peanut butter in a Kong toy or their favourite kibble in a mixture of water and chicken stock in an ice cream tub and let them work away at it.
Tip 3: Place a cooling mat in their corner
Whether it’s on the couch or by the window, you can purchase a cooling mat that activates once your pet lies down on it. The mats usually contain a cooling gel which helps to keep your dog cool by absorbing its body heat and dissipating into the environment. Just make sure you keep an eye on your furbaby when you first introduce it, especially if they’re a chewer.
Tip 4: Get a cooling vest or collar for walks
Using similar technology to cooling mats and beds, cooling collars and vests can also help keep your furbaby cool for a few hours. There are also other varieties that don’t use cooling gel technology, but can be activated by soaking in water and wringing the excess off.
Tip 5: Playtime in the pool
Is your pup a water baby? An ingenious, budget-friendly option is to purchase a kiddie pool, get out the garden hose and fill it with water. Your dogs can splash around in it and even enjoy a bit of a drink, if they’re thirsty.
Tip 6: Safe exercise
We know how important it is to keep your furbaby active and mentally stimulated, even if the sun is beating down outside. Consider taking your dog for a walk in the early morning or late at night when the temperature is cooler and the sun isn’t out. If it’s still too hot, turn the air conditioner on and play a few rounds of fetch down the hallway – that’s sure to get them tired out and ready for a nap once the fun’s over.
Tip 7: A case of cold feet
Since they don’t sweat, cats and dogs regulate heat and their body temperature through their feet and paws. Consider dipping their feet in water to help cool them down.
Tip 8: Bring collapsible water bowls when you’re out and about
Sometimes an occasion calls where you have to bring your furbaby along, whether it’s for a road trip or a quick duck out to the shops. Invest in a collapsible water bowl that you can fill on the go, keeping your furry BFF refreshed wherever you may be.