How hot is too hot for dogs? When the temperature reaches 75°F, it’s crucial to be careful when walking or exercising your dog.
Heatstroke in dogs can be incredibly dangerous and even if your dog appears fine while playing, they may not show signs of overheating until heatstroke symptoms have already started
Stay safe and stick to early morning or late afternoon walks when the weather is cooler. Use these enrichment ideas to keep boredom at bay when it’s too hot for dog walking and games outside.
Make a splash!
Backyard sprinklers or kiddie pools can provide lots of fun for water-loving pups and keeps them cool and active! Remember to provide shaded areas and fresh drinking water, as pups can get overheated quickly, even during water play. If your dog seems hesitant about water, introduce them gradually and make sure the experience remains positive and stress-free. With a bit of creativity and careful planning, your backyard can become a summer paradise for your furry friend!
Sniff it out!
Did you know just 20 minutes of sniffing is as enriching for dogs as a one-hour walk – so games that involve your dog putting their nose to work are a great way to beat the boredom! Incorporating scent-based activities into your dog’s routine can significantly enhance their mental stimulation. Try hiding their favorite treats or toys around the house or in a snuffle mat and encourage them to find them!
Frozen Treats!
A fun summertime activity that has a tasty reward is making frozen treats for your pup. There are plenty of dog friendly popsicle recipes but it’s important to read ingredients carefully to make sure they are safe for your pet to eat. This can create a fun game for your pet as they have to ‘work’ for their treat.
Another great alternative is freezing your dog’s normal food. By adding a liquid such as chicken broth, you can use containers to mold the mixture and serve once frozen. A perfect way to cool down your dog while giving them something yummy and enriching at the same time!
We love freezing yummy snacks like this one for the pups at day camp! We hollowed out a green bell pepper and stuffed it with things like kibble, peanut butter, chicken broth and topped it with a beef chew! YUM!
Although these blazing summer days can put a damper on your usual playtime routine, there’s no reason the fun needs to stop! Just remember, heatstroke in dogs is life-threatening and can also result in very serious complications. Recognizing early signs of heatstroke may help you remedy the condition before things get too serious.
Early signs of heatstroke include heavy panting and rapid breathing, excessive drooling, dry mucous membranes, bright red gums and tongue, skin that’s hot to the touch, and a higher heart rate. Affected dogs become hyperactive and may have difficulty maintaining balance. Immediate action and correct treatment can mean the difference between a swift and complete recovery and long-term complications
Our dogs live to please us, and if we ask them to jog or hike or play catch, they’ll do it with enthusiasm, even on the hottest days. So it’s up to you to keep the weather in mind and limit the time your dog exercises in the heat. Choose cooler times of day for play or training sessions.
Always provide plenty of cool fresh water, shade, and frequent rest periods when it’s hot. And never leave your dog in the car. They may miss you, but they’ll be better off waiting for you at home.
How hot is too hot for dogs? When the temperature reaches 75°F, it’s crucial to be careful when walking or exercising your dog.
Heatstroke in dogs can be incredibly dangerous and even if your dog appears fine while playing, they may not show signs of overheating until heatstroke symptoms have already started
Stay safe and stick to early morning or late afternoon walks when the weather is cooler. Use these enrichment ideas to keep boredom at bay when it’s too hot for dog walking and games outside.
Make a splash!
Backyard sprinklers or kiddie pools can provide lots of fun for water-loving pups and keeps them cool and active! Remember to provide shaded areas and fresh drinking water, as pups can get overheated quickly, even during water play. If your dog seems hesitant about water, introduce them gradually and make sure the experience remains positive and stress-free. With a bit of creativity and careful planning, your backyard can become a summer paradise for your furry friend!
Sniff it out!
Did you know just 20 minutes of sniffing is as enriching for dogs as a one-hour walk – so games that involve your dog putting their nose to work are a great way to beat the boredom! Incorporating scent-based activities into your dog’s routine can significantly enhance their mental stimulation. Try hiding their favorite treats or toys around the house or in a snuffle mat and encourage them to find them!
Frozen Treats!
A fun summertime activity that has a tasty reward is making frozen treats for your pup. There are plenty of dog friendly popsicle recipes but it’s important to read ingredients carefully to make sure they are safe for your pet to eat. This can create a fun game for your pet as they have to ‘work’ for their treat.
Another great alternative is freezing your dog’s normal food. By adding a liquid such as chicken broth, you can use containers to mold the mixture and serve once frozen. A perfect way to cool down your dog while giving them something yummy and enriching at the same time!
We love freezing yummy snacks like this one for the pups at day camp! We hollowed out a green bell pepper and stuffed it with things like kibble, peanut butter, chicken broth and topped it with a beef chew! YUM!
Although these blazing summer days can put a damper on your usual playtime routine, there’s no reason the fun needs to stop! Just remember, heatstroke in dogs is life-threatening and can also result in very serious complications. Recognizing early signs of heatstroke may help you remedy the condition before things get too serious.
Early signs of heatstroke include heavy panting and rapid breathing, excessive drooling, dry mucous membranes, bright red gums and tongue, skin that’s hot to the touch, and a higher heart rate. Affected dogs become hyperactive and may have difficulty maintaining balance. Immediate action and correct treatment can mean the difference between a swift and complete recovery and long-term complications
Our dogs live to please us, and if we ask them to jog or hike or play catch, they’ll do it with enthusiasm, even on the hottest days. So it’s up to you to keep the weather in mind and limit the time your dog exercises in the heat. Choose cooler times of day for play or training sessions.
Always provide plenty of cool fresh water, shade, and frequent rest periods when it’s hot. And never leave your dog in the car. They may miss you, but they’ll be better off waiting for you at home.
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