Whether you are a groomer or a dog owner, the summertime can present problems with the heat and pets. If you are a groomer, many clients will come in asking for a summer haircut, but leave thinking it’s all they need to do to help keep their furbaby cool. Consider offering flyers with tips on summer heat safety, signs to look for, and ways to keep the summer heat at bay.

Dog owners, you need more than a haircut for your pooch this time of year. (Although, maintain a great cut that makes it easy to keep your pup’s hair from getting matted.)

Beating the Heat: Your Pet’s Summer Safety

Remember, don’t ever leave your dog in a car, don’t tie him up in the sun, don’t walk him during the hottest part of the day, and don’t walk him on the hot asphalt. Prevention is always your easiest bet. 

Keep your dog well groomed.

A double-coated dog has a top layer of “guard hairs” that act as insulation against the heat and sunburn, but the undercoat is a part of its natural cooling system. If this layer is not properly maintained, it can become matted and prevent air flow across your dogs skin. Make sure that you frequently brush your dog to help remove excess fur.

Even a dog that doesn’t require haircuts still needs groomed. Keep a brush handy and rinse your pup off with room temperature water to help its body temperature regulate.

Find cool ground.

Your dog spends a lot of time relaxing and napping, make sure that there is a cool place to lay on this summer. No dog should be outdoors in the heat for extended periods of time, but if your family is outside or your pup just loves to feel the fresh air, invest in a breathable cot that you can sit in the shade. It allows air to flow under it, making the entire experience more enjoyable (and safer). 

Many people try to keep their utility bills down by avoiding cooling their homes while they are not home. This can be unfair to any animals in the house. It can be hard to be comfortable when warm. Consider your furbaby before bumping the thermostat back up.

Keep your pup hydrated.

While it’s obvious that your dog needs to be drinking water, many people forget to refill the water bowls, keep the water cool, or encourage more drinking. Water is the number one way to cool your dog down or prevent overheating. Dehydration occurs quickly in the summer months, so go ahead and fill that bowl up often and continually check to make sure it’s a welcoming temperature.

Buy a baby pool.

Head to the nearest discount store and pick up a plastic toddler pool for a few dollars. Fill that sucker up and watch the excitement. Your dog will frolic like never before.

Make (or buy) frozen treats.

Homemade treats are simple and inexpensive to make, so toss some in your freezer and pull them out when the temperature rises. You can also buy your favorite treats and freeze them just as easily.

 Your dog is just as excited for summer as you are, but it can be easy to overlook your pup when you are out and about and enjoying the sunshine. Learn the first signs of dehydration or heat exhaustion, but always try to prevent anything from happening.