How to Cool Down a Dog in the Summer

1 Keep Long-Haired Dogs Groomed

Long-haired dogs can really feel the heat during the Summer, so keep your fluffy pooch well-groomed to help them feel cooler. Whether you take them to a groomer for a regular trim or just keep their fur washed and brushed, it will make a big difference for their comfort.

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2 Get a Cooling Pad

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Between the hot asphalt outside and the potentially warm, padded dog beds inside, it can be hard for your pup to find a place to really cool down. Consider purchasing a cooling pad so they can take a break and lower their body temperature during the heat of the day.

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3 Give Them Access to Shade

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If you let your dog run around freely in your backyard over the Summer, just make sure they have access to shade. Trees, umbrellas, or even a large table can offer them the relief they need from the hot sun.

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4 Involve Them in Backyard Water Fun

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Next time you or your kids head out into the backyard to play in the sprinkler or partake in other backyard water fun, involve your beloved dog! They'll have just as much fun — or maybe even more — and stay cool at the same time.

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5 Get a Cooling Vest or Collar

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Have you ever wrapped a damp bandana around your neck to keep cool? It works wonders, and you can give your pet the same relief with a cooling collar or vest to help them maintain a cooler body temperature!

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6 Buy a Kiddie Pool

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Even if pets are your children and you don't have any human kids, a kiddie pool is a great purchase. Your dog will have the freedom to hang out in the pool whenever they need to cool down, and you won't have to worry about them overheating.

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7 Take Them Swimming

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Some dogs don't like to swim, while others are basically fur-maids (fur-covered mermaids!). If your dog falls into the latter category, take them for a day out at the beach or a dog-friendly pool for some much needed fun and cool-down time.

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8 Give Them Frozen Treats

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If your dog still isn't cooling down from the outside, try cooling them down from the inside! Feed them some treats frozen in ice cubes and they'll be cooler in no time.

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9 Limit Your Walks to Cooler Times of Day

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One of the best ways to ensure your dog doesn't overheat to begin with is to avoid taking walks during the hottest times of day. Instead of walking your dog at three or four in the afternoon, consider walking them first thing in the morning or taking a relaxing evening stroll when the sun starts to go down.

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10 Keep Them Hydrated

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None of these other tricks for keeping your dog cool will work if they aren't properly hydrated! Make sure your pooch always has access to fresh water so they don't suffer heat stroke or heat exhaustion.

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11 Keep Their Paws Protected

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Hot asphalt is bad enough for humans wearing shoes — can you imagine how it is for your bare-footed pets? Keep your pup's paws protected from the hot pavement with a pair of booties, or stick to grassy areas or unpaved trails for your walks.

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12 Make a Sandbox

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Wet sand stays wet and cool for hours, so consider a sandbox for your dog this Summer! They'll be able to roll around as much or as little as they need to — just make sure you don't let it dry out for too long.

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