How to cool down a dog on the hottest summer days

Before we look at how we can cool our dogs down, let's remember that it's best to avoid the heat. Go for walks in the morning and evening hours, leave as early as possible if you're taking a trip, take frequent breaks, stay in the shade as much as possible, and remember to make sure your dog is drinking enough. Close the curtains on windows where the sun is beating down, and give your dog access to the coolest room. This is usually the hallway, where tile floors are also helpful.

If you are taking a trip, it would be a shame to leave your pet at home, but think about him when planning the trip. Choose a route through the forest rather than a bare ridge. It also helps if your dog has the opportunity to take a swim, but then you should wait a bit so his fur doesn't steam up. You should also give the length of your route some thought. Due to more frequent breaks you may not manage to walk as much as on cooler days, or when you walk alone.

You mustn't forget that dogs' thermoregulation works differently than human thermoregulation. Dogs only have sweat glands on their paws, so they play a small role in thermoregulation. Their main task is to moisten their paw pads and improve their grip. A dog's circulatory system reacts to excessive heat by accelerating its pulse and expanding the tiny vessels on the surface of its body. This way heat is dissipated from the body to the surface. In summer a dog's fur has a thin undercoat, is airy and allows good airflow. This causes the heat to dissipate from the dog's body. 

Evaporation is an important process, in which the dog's mouth plays a major role. The mouth and tongue are rich in blood flow, and as saliva evaporates with their accelerated breathing with their mouth open, it cools them down. Drinking enough water is therefore key for a dog's thermoregulation to prevent dehydration. Don't count on finding water to drink along the way, always carry a bottle for your dog and offer him water frequently. There are also various ionic drinks for dogs available on the market, which give your dog all the necessary substances.

So how can you cool your dog down? You have to do it gradually. If you were to shower your dog with icy water after a long walk, his body would suffer a dangerous shock and he could collapse. First cool your dog's paws, then move to the abdomen and groin, and you can also soak his head. The water should be lukewarm, not too cold. You should also not let your breathless dog jump into a cold lake. Let him catch his breath first and then wet his paws, and after a while let him go further and further into the water to allow the body time to respond to the temperature difference. 

Cooling pads and vests are great helpers in heat, whether you're at home or on a trip. The market is dominated by gel pads; you can take them with you on the road, place them in your dog's bed and even use them in the car. You activate them with water, which they soak up and then cool the dog through its evaporation for several hours.

What tricks do you use to cool your dog?