How to keep your dog cool in summer

Whether you're at home or on the road with your furry friend, there are many simple and effective ways to help them beat the heat. Here are some ideas that you can easily apply in your daily life or during your summer getaways.

Always have fresh water available

· Always carry a portable water bowl when you go for a walk or on a trip.

· Change the water frequently if it is in the sun or if it gets hot.

· Add a few ice cubes to the water bowl (without overdoing it) to keep it cool.

· If your dog doesn't drink much, try unsalted homemade broth or wet food to keep them hydrated.

Extra tip: there are automatic fountains that keep the water moving and cooler, which are ideal for the home.

Wet towels, cooling blankets, and fans

If you don't have air conditioning, don't worry: there are other equally useful options for cooling your dog down.

· Wet towels: wet them with cold (not ice-cold) water and place them on your dog's body, especially on their belly, neck, and paws. You can also spread them out on the floor for your dog to lie on.Cooling blankets: these are designed to absorb body heat and stay cool without needing to be plugged in. They are perfect for the car, home, or terrace.

· Fans: placing a fan near your sleeping area can help, especially if the room is well ventilated. Avoid pointing it directly at their face. Avoid completely wetting your dog at bedtime, as this can cause uncomfortable dampness or even colds if there are drafts.

Choose carefully where your dog will spend time:

· Make sure it has shade throughout the day, either natural (trees) or with awnings, umbrellas, or tents.

· If you're at the beach or in the countryside, bring a portable dog tent or an umbrella to protect it from direct sun.

· At home, let it choose where to lie down. Tile or terrace floors are usually cooler than a soft bed.

· Avoid artificial grass, as it can get extremely hot under the sun.

Remember that very hot surfaces (like asphalt or sand) can burn its paw pads. Before going out, test it yourself with your hand or foot.

Recommended activities with your dog during summer

The heat doesn't have to mean boredom for your furry friend. In fact, there are many ways to have fun together in summer, as long as you choose the right time of day and take some precautions. Here are safe and refreshing ideas to enjoy with your dog.

Walks early and late in the day

Avoid walking when the sun is strongest (between 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM). It's best to go out early in the morning or in the evening, when the temperature has dropped and the ground isn't hot.

During walks:

· Look for routes with shade and natural areas.

· Always bring fresh water and a portable water bowl.

· Take frequent breaks if your dog needs them.

Useful tip: there are water bottles with built-in dispensers, perfect for walks or trips. You can find them here on Amazon

Water games for dogs

Water is a great ally in summer. If your dog likes it, take advantage! Some ideas:

· Set up a small pool or tub in the garden or on the terrace.

· Play with hoses, sprinklers, or buckets of water (if it's not scared of them).

· Try paddle surfing or kayaking if it's used to water and you use a life jacket.

· Visit a dog-friendly beach or river where swimming is allowed.

There are floating water toys specially designed for dogs, which resist bites and don't sink. You can check some out here on Amazon

Quiet games indoors or in the shade

During the hottest times, it's better to avoid intense physical activity. Instead, you can:

· Hide treats around the house or garden and play scent games.
· Use stuffed and frozen KONG toys to keep it entertained while cooling down.
· Offer it snuffle mats or interactive toys, like those you can find here on Amazon , to stimulate its mind without physical effort.

Traveling with a dog in summer can be a wonderful experience... as long as we keep their special needs in mind regarding the heat. Whether by car, train, or plane, there are some key recommendations to make the journey comfortable, safe, and cool for your furry companion.

Traveling by car: safety and coolness above all

The car is one of the most common ways to travel with a dog, but also one of the most dangerous when it's hot.

· Never leave your dog alone in the car, even with the window down. In just a few minutes, the temperature can rise to lethal levels.

· Use a safety harness, carrier, or separator grid depending on the dog's size and vehicle type.

· Always carry fresh water and a portable water bottle within reach.

· Plan frequent stops every 1-2 hours so they can stretch their legs, hydrate, and relieve themselves.

· Keep the car ventilated, with air conditioning or windows open (but without letting them stick their head out).

You can bring a cooling blanket in their area for extra comfort. There are models specifically designed for cars.

Traveling by train or public transport

If you're moving by train, commuter rail, or bus, make sure to check the travel conditions for animals:

· Both on Renfe and Iryo, dogs can travel by train, regardless of their size, as long as the specific conditions of each company are met. It's important to check the regulations, as they vary depending on the train type and the payment of a supplement.

· Try to avoid peak hours and the longest journeys if it's very hot.

· Bring water, snacks, poop bags, and wipes just in case.

· Use ventilated carriers and, if possible, cool towels or cooling blankets inside the compartment.

Traveling by plane: only if necessary

Flying in summer is not ideal for many dogs, especially if they have to go in the cargo hold. But if there's no other option:

· Avoid flights with long layovers or many hours of waiting.

· Check the airline's conditions, the required carrier type, and safety measures thoroughly.

· Ask if it's possible to choose flights at cooler times (early morning or night).

· Talk to your vet before the trip, especially if your dog is brachycephalic or older.

Basic kit for summer trips with a dog

Here's a list of useful things to always bring with you when traveling with your furry friend in summer:

- Bottle with portable water dispenser → See on amazon

- Cooling blanket or mat

- Refillable and freezable KONG → See on amazon

- Wet towel

- USB portable fan (if going by car or train) → See on amazon

- Snacks, wet food, and treats

- Carrier or seatbelt harness → See on amazon

- Poop bags and wet wipes

Having all this on hand makes the difference between a stressful trip and a comfortable, happy one for both of you.

Despite all precautions, accidents can happen. Knowing how to act in the event of heatstroke can save your furry friend's life.

Key steps if you suspect heatstroke:

1. Take it to a cool, shaded place immediately.

2. Offer it water, but without forcing it to drink or giving it too much at once.

3. Cool its body with cloths soaked in cold water (never ice-cold!), especially on the neck, armpits, and groin.

4. Avoid covering it completely with wet towels, as this can trap heat.

5. Call your emergency veterinarian even if it improves, as heatstroke can have serious internal effects.

Having your veterinarian's number or a 24-hour clinic on hand is key when traveling with your dog.

In summary...

Summer can be a wonderful time to enjoy with your dog, but it also requires certain precautions. With a bit of planning, hydration, and common sense, your furry friend can safely enjoy the good weather with you.

Do you have more tips to cool down your dog? Or have you tried any of the ones we mentioned?
Tell us about your experience in the comments or share it on social media mentioning @viajes4patas.

And if you're looking for more tips for traveling with your dog, keep exploring our Viajes 4Patas blog