3 ways to keep your dog cool this summer

It only makes sense.

If you are hot, then you take off your jacket; if you are cold, then you put it back on. In the winter, your dog grows a warm, thick coat. In the summer, your dog sheds, and has a thinner coat. Still though, he looks so hot with all that fur. However, there are reasons and alternatives you should consider before you take the clippers to your dog,

First things first

Your dog (and his ancestors) has been outdoors for a very long time. Seasonal shedding is an obvious illustrator of this. Just like his coat keeps him warm in the winter, his summer coat also keeps him cool. Coats vary as much as the breeds; but, for the most part, the rule of thumb is no shaving. In general, your dog has two layers of fur. The outside layer traps the heat and keeps it away from the skin. The inside layer is cooler. Your dog gets rid of excessive heat in other ways. Panting is one way to get rid of the heat. When your dog pants, it is much like a human sweating: it is a form of evaporative cooling. Also keep an elevated dog feeder or automatic pet feeder full of water to keep them hydrated throughout the day.

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Your dog's coat protects his skin from the hot summer sun.

Did you know that your dog can get sunburned, too? If your dog has thin or short hair, then he is more likely to experience sunburn. Sunburn can affect all dogs, however, on unprotected areas such as their ears and noses.

So, what are some alternatives to shaving?

Regular grooming is the number one way to keep your dog cool. While he is shedding his winter coat, you can still help him get rid of it faster. Brush your dog often. There are special combs made to get deep down into his fur. In the early summertime, you may need to comb your dog a couple of times a week. Regular brushing will make his coat shiny and lessen the need for bathing, because brushing and combing can remove dirt and grime from his fur, taking the place of a bath. Brushing regularly is also a great chance for the two of you to bond. He will love the attention, and you will know that you are helping him stay cool. If you must cut your dog's hair, then go to a professional groomer. Tell the groomer to leave at least one inch of hair on your dog. This is the minimum suggested length to protect him from the sun. Be extra careful if you get your dog shaved; he may need extra sunscreen when he's outside. You can also look into outdoor dog beds and ones like the canine cooler dog bed which can make resting outside more refreshing for your pooch.

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Water is another alternative.

We love a refreshing jump in the pool when we're hot, and so will your pet. Buy a small kiddy pool, and fill it with cool water. Throw some ice cubes in the water to make it even more exciting and cold. Leave it in the backyard and let your dog play. Put new water in it each day he plays, so the water will be clean and cool. If you don't have room for a kiddy pool, then purchase a sprinkler. Sprinklers are portable, and all your need is a hose. Your dog will love playing in the unpredictable water flow! If there is a lake or body of water nearby, then take your dog on a little day trip. Grab his favorite toy and hop in the car. He will love fetching his toy out of the cool water! Don't forget a leash, a towel, a scoop and a few plastic bags, and plenty of water for the both of you. You may also want to call ahead before you leave to make sure pets are allowed.

If it is blistering hot outside, and you don't have a pool

Then let your dog spend some time inside your home. Even if it is just for an hour, the air conditioner will be refreshing. If he is not housetrained, then let him sit in a crate or in a carrier. Even if he is confined to his crate, he will be more than happy to be inside. Always make sure your pooch has access to plenty of water inside or out.

When it's really hot outside

Then it makes sense to think that shaving your dog will cool him off. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Your dog's coat is made to keep him cool in the summer. There are a couple of things you can do to cool him off. Daily brushing can help get rid of his winter coat. Letting him play in water (a kiddy pool, the lake, the sprinkler) or bringing him indoors can be a huge relief from the heat. No mater what, your dog should have fresh water available to him at all times.

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