Do you feel like the last of the summer weather is here? Unfortunately, in some states, there are still many hot days to come, and this can pose a problem for our four-legged furry friends—the heat can be too much for them to handle.

Always Consult A Vet

As always, consult a professional at McKinney vets before making any changes that may affect your pet’s health or their overall wellbeing. Dog health should always be looked after by a professional and not by a novice dog owner, but there are some things you can do to help them stay healthier during the summer.

Summer Tips For Dogs

Keep Fresh Water Available At All Times

Dogs should have access to fresh drinking water at all times.

This is important if you want them not only hydrated but also clean. Provide a change of water every two hours at the minimum so they won’t dehydrate over time if left in one spot for too long.

Limit or Prevent Excessive Activity

You may think that it’s OK to let your dog run all day, but this can also be damaging.

The number one thing you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy during the summer is to keep them busy. Make sure to take them for walks and playtime daily, but keep it short and limit it to cooler times.

Clean Them Regularly

You wouldn’t like to be left in a dirty and sweaty bed all day, and your dog feels the same way, too.

Try to give your dog a bath at least once a week. Make sure you keep is clean and hairless during the summer, as this will help them cool down quicker and also prevent any skin infections or heat illnesses.

Don’t Overfeed

An overfed dog is one that’s prone to obesity.

If you feed your dog more than is actually needed, they’ll be too fat with too much food to keep cool, and this can cause them to become sick with heat-related illnesses.

Make Sure That They’re Supplemented With Vitamins and Minerals

A balanced diet is very important for your dog’s overall health, but it’s also important to look after them in ways that don’t have to do with food.

It’s a good idea to give your pet some vitamins and minerals, as these can help them stay healthy during the summer. However, keep in mind that some of the effects of vitamins and minerals may not show immediately, so you may have to wait a couple of weeks before you can see results.

Choose A Sheltered Bed for them

Dogs love to sleep on a nice big bed, but if that bed is outside in the sun, they will quickly overheat, which can be very dangerous.

Instead, give them a nice sheltered bed. This way, they can keep cool while they’re sleeping and won’t overheat or suffer from sunstroke if they’re outside.

Keep Them Cool With Cooling Pads

Cooling gel pads are popular in the summertime, and they can help to ease the heat on your pet.

It’s important that you watch your pet when they’re on these pads, as cooling pads may get hot if left in direct sunlight.