How to keep your dog cool in hot weather

If you are in a hot climate like we are here in Texas, you might be questioning if its too hot for your dog outside or thinking of ways to keep your dog cool while they are outdoors. 

Often, the harder or faster you dog pants, the hotter they are. Here are some things you can do to help keep your dog cool or cool them down. 

One of the most important things to do is keep your dog hydrated. It is a good practice to make sure your dog has access to water whenever possible and take frequent water breaks when walking outdoors. 

When the temperatures rise outside, the pavement outside gets extremely hot as well. A good rule of thumb is if its too hot for you to walk barefoot on the pavement, it is too hot for your dogs paws as well. If possible, walk your dog on grass or get some dog shoes to keep your furry loved ones paws from getting burnt. 

Making homemade "pupsicles" for your dog to enjoy is another way to keep your dog cool while out in the heat. There are simple recipes online that you can try! These frozen treats are a fun change to plain water. 

Finally, having your dog lay on a cool tile or ceramic floor is a quick way to cool them off after exercising outside. If your dog needs a break from the heat while your are still outside, try finding a shady spot for your dog to lay down and rest. 

We hope these tips & tricks give you some new ideas to keep your dog cool outside in the hot weather!