Reviewed by Dr Jill McMaster BVM&S MBA MRCVS, Veterinary Surgeon and in-house expert at BorrowMyDoggy on 6 June 2023
Ok so the UK and Ireland might not always be as sunny as a week in the Med, but it doesn't mean we don't get sunny spells and some pretty hot weather. Our dogs can find warmer days a little tough, especially if they have shorter noses, a thick coat or underlying health problems, but even without any of those factors to contend with most dogs find sunny days a bit more of a challenge. So we thought we’d do some digging and find some items that will help keep our canine companions cool in the warm weather. Take a look below to see what you should think about trying with your pooch.
Cooling mat
These mats are amazing! Many coolings mats are self cooling which means you don’t need to wet them or put them in the fridge. Just put them on the floor and your dog can sit or lay on them when they need it. They often come in a variety of sizes so there’s one for every dog, no matter their shape or size. Try not to force your dog to lay on the mat if they aren’t showing interest, instead try to tempt them with treats.
Cooling jacket
Much like the cooling mat, cooling jackets come in a variety of sizes and types. The most common is a jacket that is cooled with water, either by immersing the whole jacket or pouring water on it. Pop it on your pooch and it keeps them nice and cool when you’re out and about.
Cooling bandana/collar
If your furry friends isn’t a fan of jackets or if you’re looking for an alternative to the cooling jackets, try cooling bandanas or collars. These are worn around the neck and can also be either cooled with water or self cooling. A great alternative!
Paddling pool
Treat your dog to their very own pool - we’re sure they’ll love it! With some great options out there from foldable to plastic pools, they’re something for every dog. If your dog has a habit of digging you can also try buying some sand and turning your paddling pool into a sandpit and letting your pooch dig all they like - saves your favourite flower patch!
Summer toys
There are a number of different dog toys great for the summer. If your dog loves swimming and you have some safe and open water nearby why not try floating toys like buoyant balls. Chuck them in the sea and your dog can swim out and find them floating! If you’ve pup has a paddling pool you can always use floating toys in there too.
Another great summer toy for your pup are cooling toys. These are often put in the fridge or freezer overnight and the next day your dog can enjoy a nice cold dog toy! You can often do this with toys your dog may already have, like ropes or kongs.
Portable dog water bowl
A must-have for all doggies is a portable doggy water bowl or travel bottle. There are a ton of options from bottles with a bowl included, to collapsible bowls. Go for whatever you feel is best suitable for your dog.
Paw and sunscreen wipes
For hot or sore paws we recommend paw wipes, Pogi offer some bamboo based wipes which can be used all over your dog's body. Try keeping them in the fridge so are extra cooling.
Did you know dogs can suffer from sunburn too? Especially those with shorter coats, so why not look into sunscreen wipes or lotion. It’s important to protect both yourself and your furry friend in the sun.
Frozen treats
Frozen treats are a great way to keep your dogs temperature down. We have some great frozen treats recipes you can try out in on Homemade Dog Food and Treat page. Our favourites are the frozen yoghurt bones! Why not whip some up for your pooch?
Travel towel
A travel towel is a great addition to add to your doggy’s collection. Not only is great for drying them off after a swim but a good alternative to a cool mat. Just wet it and pop it in the fridge or freezer for a while and your dog can either lay on it or you can drape it over them. So versatile!
Elevated bed
UK dog owners went mad when Lidl brought out an elevated dog bed with a sun shade, not only keeping them cool by being off the floor but giving them their own personal shade too. There are similar beds on Amazon and pet shops so it’s not too late to get your pooch one!
We hope these items help you keep your pup cool this summer. We have some more tips about keeping your dog safe in the heat direct from a vet, so make sure to read up on those too. Here’s to a fun and safe summer!
Woofs and tail-wags,
The BorrowMyDoggy Team
