Tips on how to keep your pet cool and comfortable in the hotter weather:
Never leave your dog in the car.
Keep your house cool.
Watch when you exercise. Limit when and how much you do when it's hot and humid. Take walks in the cooler part of the day, in the early morning and evening hours.
Check the pavement. Before you head out for a walk, touch the pavement. If it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for your dog's paw pads.
Offer plenty of water and shade.
Make cool treats. Help your canine chill from the inside out. For puppy popsicles, make ice cubes with tasty treats inside. Or fill and freeze a chew toy to make a chilly snack.
Keep an eye on the humidity. Stay inside, and limit exercise, too.
Take care of at-risk dogs. Be watchful if you have a snub-nosed pet like a pug or bulldog. Their smaller airways make it harder for them to release heat when they pant. It's also easy for old and overweight dogs, or those with heart and breathing problems, to get heatstroke.
Groom your pet. If your dog has long hair, get rid of any mats and tangles. The extra fur that keeps him warm in winter may also keep him cool in summer.
Visit your vet. Keep his shots up to date, especially in summer.
Watch for signs of overheating. Your dog can't tell you when he doesn't feel well, so keep an eye out for heatstroke, which can have these symptoms:
- Heavy panting
- Heavy drooling
- Trouble breathing
- Rapid heartbeat
- Dark or red gums and tongue
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Agitation
If you see any of these signs then get him to a vet immediately.
Source: Pets Web MD