During breaks on walks the dog should have the opportunity to rest in the shade.
Product test

Summer with a dog: cooling off for your four-legged friend

Tanja Lehmann
16.6.2017
Translation: machine translated

In summer, the thermometer is always scratching the 30 degree brand. It's not just us who suffer from the heat - it's also exhausting for our furry friends. Of course you want to have your dog with you on your summer outings. But you need to know that dogs don't react to heat like we do. They can have trouble cooling down in temperatures above 28 degrees. With our advice, your dog will stay healthy and happy even in the heat.

Recognising the symptoms of overheating and dehydration

"Is my dog too hot or even dehydrated? " This is a question that some dog owners will often ask themselves these days. There are clear signs that your dog isn't quite all there anymore

Always pay attention to whether your dog is panting heavily, drooling or has thick, sticky saliva. These are signs that your dog is overheated. If you don't take action in this case, it can lead to heatstroke. If you notice these signs in your dog, cool him down immediately. If in doubt, it is better to consult your trusted vet once too often than too little.

Prevent overheating

In general, you should avoid long walks in the midday sun. It is better to go for a walk in the woods in the evening to prevent overheating. Your dog should also always have access to a shady spot. That way, he can decide for himself when he wants to retreat into the shade. Even if you are taking your dog for a walk, for example, it makes sense not to take a break on a bench in the blazing sun, but to find a place for your four-legged friend under a tree. In summer, tarmac roads can become very hot due to the sun's rays. In the worst case scenario, your dog could burn its paws. The best thing to do is to take your shoes off briefly and test with your feet to see if the temperature is bearable.

The most important thing at the end: Never leave your dog alone in the car! Even if the window is open and the car is in the shade, the heat build-up in the car during your absence is enormous. Even at a temperature of 20 degrees, the car can become a death trap for your faithful companion. Leave your dog at home or with friends if he can't be with you
.

Heat development in a closed car

This is how quickly temperatures can become life-threatening: temperatures in a grey car after 5 to 60 minutes in the sun. From the orange area onwards, there is a danger to life.

Ways to cool off

Always offer fresh water

When it comes to drinking, it's the same as with humans: Dogs need enough fluids. They like to drink a lot when it's hot. A drinking bowl or other source of liquid should always be within reach. If you are out and about with your dog, always remember to keep a bottle of water in your bag or rucksack. This bowl is cooled before use so that the water is nice and cold.

Swisspet Melamine dog & cat cooling bowl ICE (35 cl)
Food bowls
Quantity discount
CHF14.90 per piece for 2 units

Swisspet Melamine dog & cat cooling bowl ICE

35 cl

Cool ground

A shady spot is a blessing on hot days. It is even more effective for dogs to cool down if they can lie on a cool surface. It is therefore better to avoid sun-heated floors, tarred paths or paving. There are probably a few tiles in your home on which the dog can cool down well. Blankets or a dog bed are no longer needed on hot days. Cooling mats also help with cooling.

Shower for the dog

Gently showering your dog is always a good idea in hot weather. However, the water should not be too cold, but pleasantly cool. Dogs also like the water mist from atomisers or the water jets from the lawn sprinkler. The garden hose is also suitable for a small shower. With the cone jet nozzle of the mobile outdoor cleaner from Kärcher, you can gently clean dogs' paws and give them a light cool-down.

Off to the cool water

Many dogs like to swim. So a dip in the cool water is a real treat. Whether it's a stream, a pond or a lake - or perhaps even a dog pool in the garden at home - the wet cooling off brings fun and a good mood. Some dogs also like to fetch out of the water. Just give it a try! Dog life jackets are available for poor swimmers so that safety is not neglected during swimming fun.

Swisspet Melamine dog & cat cooling bowl ICE (35 cl)
Food bowls
Quantity discount
CHF14.90 per piece for 2 units

Swisspet Melamine dog & cat cooling bowl ICE

35 cl

Cold compresses

In hot weather, you can dip a towel in water, wring it out and then place it on the dog's body. A damp towel can also be used as a cool surface. Alternatively, a cooling collar or coat is also suitable.

Swisspet Dog cooling coat COOL (30, Dog coat)
Dog clothing
CHF44.25

Swisspet Dog cooling coat COOL

30, Dog coat

Dog glacé

Why not treat your dog to a cooling ice cream? Of course, a Magnum is not suitable here. How about homemade dog ice cream? This can be made with chilled low-fat quark, yoghurt, cottage cheese or wet food, for example. Simply put it in the freezer for a short while and you're done. You can also offer your dog normal yoghurt ice cream. However, you should observe whether the dog tolerates such ice cream. If you prepare the dog ice cream in small format, it can even be filled into a Kong. This makes it a playful refreshment.

Lurch Ice cube tray
Ice cube moulds
Quantity discount
CHF11.90 per piece for 2 units

Lurch Ice cube tray

KONG Classic (Dog chew toy, Dog food toy, Retrieval)
Dog toys
CHF22.90

KONG Classic

Dog chew toy, Dog food toy, Retrieval

To the entire range of dog-related products

You may also be interested in these topics:

  • Product test

    Tick protection for humans and animals!

    by Madeleine Bello

Header image: During breaks on walks the dog should have the opportunity to rest in the shade.

14 people like this article


User Avatar
User Avatar
Tanja Lehmann
Senior Category Business Manager
tanja.lehmann@digitecgalaxus.ch

Friends, family, cats and good wine are my lifeblood.


Product test

Our experts test products and their applications. Independently and neutrally.

Show all

Comments

Avatar