Top 5 Tips to Keep Your Pooch Comfortable This Summer

While you and your pooch may be enjoying all that the spring has to offer, summer will come with its own share of challenges.

When the relative humidity and temperature starts to climb, it can be difficult to venture outdoors and your home may be sweltering if you don't have air conditioning. According to KNDO.com, there are many methods to keep your pooch more comfortable during the summer, whether you're away at work or enjoying quality time with him outdoors. Keep the following tips in mind to improve dog wellness during the hottest months of the year.

1. Take a trip to the groomer.
  While your pooch will experience the spring shedding of his thick winter undercoat in the coming weeks, he may be in need of a major trim after a long season indoors. A trip to the groomer will help keep your pooch comfortable during the hot months of summer and remove any tangles or matted fur in his coat. Not only will your furry friend look great, he'll feel better, too!

A pet water fountain.
If your home doesn't have air conditioning, your pooch will drink a lot more water than usual and may just exhaust his supply before you come home from work. Remember that dogs cannot cool themselves by sweating like humans can. They may sweat a small amount through their pads, but the main way a dog cools off is through panting. Unfortunately panting is not always enough especially during times of extreme heat and when it’s hot and humid. A steady supply of water is a wonderful way to improve animal wellness and keep your companion in tip-top shape throughout the day. The steady supply of water will encourage him to drink more, which may just help him lose a few of those winter pounds and improve his overall well-being.
Linen check.
Whether you have a pet bed for your pooch or some old linen, he'll need a refreshing change during the summer. Along with giving these linens a cleaning every week to get rid of germs he may track inside, it may also be wise to replace the internal filler of his bedding or sleeping pad. This will make his sleeping space far more comfortable and can ease the strain on his back and joints. As difficult as the heat may be for you, imagine how your dog must feel! The summer comes with its own share of trials and tribulations for pet parents, but it doesn't have to be an arduous experience. By following these tips and making dog wellness a priority, you can make the season far more comfortable for your furry friend.
Shelter from the sun.
Most dogs typically enjoy a little sunbathing, but they will ultimately need a cool, shady spot to relax. Too much sun exposure can not only lead to heat exhaustion but also cause sunburns. There is sunscreen available for dogs but it’s really not ideal. Trees can be nice but an actual structure is always better. Insulated doggy houses are a great option and if you decide to go this route make sure it is well-ventilated. Open-air tents and canopies are more great options
Cooling pools!
Do you have a water dog? A large tub or kiddie pool may be a great addition to your yard. Most dogs enjoy playing and lounging in the cool water during those hot days. Remember to change the water frequently and dump the water when not in use to keep mosquitoes away. You can always try running a sprinkler to see if your dog prefers that to a pool.

No matter how you decide to help your dog(s) stay cool the best thing you can do is keep a watchful eye on them. If you are ever in doubt, get your dog to a cooler area. Contact your vet immediately if you feel your dog could be showing signs of heat stroke.

What’s your dog’s favorite way to stay cool in the warm weather?