How to Keep Your Dog Cool This Summer

With escalating temperatures and unpredictable heat waves hitting the UK, it can be tough to know exactly what to wear when heading out the door in the morning. But spare a thought for your faithful four-legged friend, who has to wear the same fur coat everyday, no matter how hot it is!

The least you can do is make them more comfortable and help them cool down during the summer months. Have a look through our top tips for keeping your dog cool this summer.

Make Time for Grooming

Depending on the breed your pet might have a tough time during summer, especially long-haired dogs such as Bearded Collies, Afghan Hounds, Yorkshire Terriers or even Bernese Mountain Dogs. Thicker coats are important to keep dogs warm during winter and also cooler during summer, but they can prove unruly and uncomfortable if not maintained properly.

That's why grooming your pet is important all year round, removing thicker wads of hair or tangles to make sure that the coat is kept in optimal condition, and not a mess that can cause your dog to overheat during warmer weather.

B&M Top Tip: Use a wire brush or a grooming mitt to brush your dog at least once a month to remove excess hair, and try to remove any mud or dirt as soon as possible with a bath.

Every Dog Needs a Cool Spot

If there is a cooler spot in the house that your dog usually goes to when they get too hot, such as a tiled floor or a shaded, cool room, then make sure it's easy to access by leaving doors open throughout the house. Dogs thrive on routine and disturbing this can cause unnecessary stress. Also, having windows and doors open is preferable to make sure there's cool air circulating through the house.

Alternatively, get one of our Pet Cooling Mats and create a new cool spot in the house! Just make sure your pet knows where it is by leaving a treat or a toy nearby.

I'll Drink to That

Your dog’s number one way to stay cool is taking on a lot of water during the hottest parts of the day. That means you need to keep their water bowl filled and make sure access to it isn’t restricted in any way.

If you feel like the water bowl you have isn’t large enough, perhaps think about getting a better one that's also non-slip, like our Stainless Steel Red Bowl.

Go for Walkies While It's Cool

If you have a particularly energetic dog then the likelihood is you will still need to take them for a walk during the day. However, if it's very warm then you might need to alter their walking routine slightly. Try to walk them either first thing in the morning or later at night, as this will make sure they aren’t running around during the hottest part of the day.

Set up a Fan Near Their Bed

Keeping the air indoors at a pleasant, cooler temperature can be tricky but it's important for us all. If you don't have the luxury of an air conditioning unit, set up a fan in the room your pooch spends the most time in, or where their bed is located. If for any reason you need to leave the house without them, consider leaving the fan on so they can keep their cool.

B&M Top Tip: Why not try our Blaupunkt Oscillating 16” Pedestal Fan?

Windows Get Tongues Wagging

Last but not least, everyone knows the golden rule that under no circumstances should you leave a dog in a hot car during the day. This can be extremely dangerous to their health and it only takes a few minutes for dogs to get too hot and overheat (dogs can suffer severe brain damage in just 15 minutes, or even worse die).

If you have to take the dog with you in the car, make sure they're cool by putting the windows down (but not too far if you think they may jump out - safety first!) or having air conditioning on. Never leave them in the car on their own and use our Pet Car Seat Cover to make sure they are comfortable on short journeys.

Are you enjoying the summer with your faithful pooch? Share all your best summer pictures over on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!