Temperatures are constantly rising, leaving many pet parents wondering how they can make summer for dogs in thick coats more comfortable. Some people may think that shaving dogs is the best way to keep them cool, but for dogs with thick coats, this can do more harm than good.
Although their thick coats are built to keep them warm in cold weather, they also protect their sensitive skin from the sun and allow them to more easily regulate their temperature. But, this doesn’t mean they can’t benefit from a little extra help to stay cool during the summer months!
Commit to regular grooming at home
Dogs with thick coats have something called a “double coat,” meaning they have a soft, fluffy undercoat and a stiff upper coat. These combine to insulate your puppy so they stay warm in inclement weather, but during the summer months they can retain too much heat.
The top coat sheds year-round, but the bottom coat only sheds seasonally and needs regular grooming to help remove this coat effectively. During the spring and summer, you’ll want to brush your dog’s coat every few days with a special rake, like Maxpower Planet Pet Brush that will help remove the undercoat. Once removed, your pet will be able to warm up more often on warmer days.
Book your grooming appointments in advance
When it comes to keeping thick-coated dogs cool in the summer, at-home brushing is only half the battle. You’ll also want to make an appointment with a professional groomer every four weeks. Scratching at home, followed by a shower and high-powered blow dryer at grout shops, will help separate the soft undercoat from the coarse undercoat. This will make it easier for the groomer to thin the undercoat.
Looking for alternative exercise options
There will be days during the summer when it’s too warm for your pet to safely exercise outside. To make sure your dog doesn’t miss out on their exercise these days, it’s a good idea to be prepared with ideas for alternative exercise options. Some ideas include:
- Indoor dog park: More and more cities are offering indoor dog parks that pet parents can use as an alternative to traditional outdoor parks. Some reservations require advance, so make sure to check if this is the case for you.
- Vary their exercise time: On hot days, the best times to walk your dog are before sunrise or after sunset. During these times, the air is cooler, so you don’t have to worry about direct sunlight and don’t risk your dog burning their nails on hot concrete.
- Get creative with your indoor space: If you have to skip your puppy’s regular exercise outside, see what you can do indoors. If your house or building has stairs, you can run up and down several times in a short, but intense, workout. You can also play a game of stretching, hide-and-seek, or any other game that gets the dog running around the house.
Invest in coolers and toys
In addition to proper grooming and adjusting to their exercise routine, there are a number of products on the market designed to keep pets cool.
- One more cooling pad on their regular bed: The Green Pet Shop Cooling Pads It’s pressure-activated, which reduces heat when your pet lays on it, and the gel in the pad automatically ‘recharges’ after 15-20 minutes of non-use.
- Wear a cooling jacket when they go out: The Canada Pooch Chill Seeker Cooling Vest Contains water-retaining fabric that will evaporate slowly when in direct sunlight. This helps your pet stay cool and helps them regulate their temperature better when outside.
- Have fun with frozen food: The Chew King Chill Fill The toy allows you to make your own frozen treats. Just add a handful of your puppy’s favorite treats Freshpet recipe, add a cup of water, freeze it and in a few hours, they’ll have a delicious treat to cool off!
Recognize the signs of heatstroke in dogs
The last, and possibly most important, way you can prepare for the summer with a thick-skinned puppy is to learn the signs of heatstroke in dogs. When out and about in the summer, take care to make sure your dog doesn’t start exhibiting any of the following behaviors:
- Heavy panting
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Unstable
- Comatose
If they start to show any of these signs, immediately take them to a shaded area and pour cool – but not cold – water over them, and give them a small amount of water to drink. As soon as they breathe back to normal, take them to the vet right away for a thorough examination.
Taking the time to prepare your dog to be heavily equipped for summer will ensure that it’s an enjoyable season for everyone. If you have further questions or concerns about your pet’s health in the upcoming warm weather, talk to your veterinarian.
