Keep Your Pup Cool This Summer... and Whatever You Do, Don't Shave Them! 🐶☀️

When the temperatures climb, it's not just humans who struggle with the heat.

Dogs can overheat much faster because they don't sweat as we do. They rely mostly on panting to cool off, which means a fun afternoon outside can turn dangerous pretty quickly.

Here's a simple trick: Add the temperature and the humidity together. If the total is 150 or higher, it's probably too hot for your dog to be running around outdoors. Basically, if you're sweating just thinking about going outside, your dog probably feels the same.

Here are a few more ways to keep your four-legged friend safe this summer:

🐾 Watch for heatstroke.
If your dog is panting heavily, acting sluggish, or suddenly loses energy, it's time to get them into the shade and offer plenty of cool water. If they seem seriously overheated, gently cool them down with water and contact your veterinarian right away.

🏊 Don't force them into the water.
Not every dog dreams of being the next Michael Phelps. While many breeds love swimming, others would rather keep all four paws firmly on dry land. If they ignore the stick you tossed into the lake, they're politely declining your invitation.

🔥 Protect those paws.
Sidewalks can become scorching hot in the summer sun. Before heading out, place the back of your hand on the pavement for a few seconds. If it's too hot for you, it's definitely too hot for your dog's paws. Stick to grass or head out earlier in the morning or later in the evening.

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✂️ Trim... don't shave.
It might seem like shaving your dog would help keep them cool, but for many breeds, it does the exact opposite. Double-coated dogs have fur that helps regulate their body temperature and even protects them from the sun. A light trim is fine, but before reaching for the clippers, check with your vet or look up your dog's breed. Plus, a shaved dog can end up with sunburn and become an all-you-can-eat buffet for mosquitoes.

🐕 Give them a full-body cuddle inspection.
After hikes, camping trips or backyard adventures, run your hands through their coat. Check for burrs, ticks, bug bites, skin irritation, or anything they may have picked up while investigating every single bush in the neighbourhood.

At the end of the day, your dog doesn't care if they miss a walk during a heat wave. They're perfectly happy relaxing in the air conditioning, judging you while you eat a freezie they know you aren't sharing.