When the Summer hits, most of us are just looking forward to the warmer weather. It’s a bit of a selfish couple of months because we tend to put our thoughts towards what we’re going to wear, what we’re going to do, where we’re going and so much more. There’s not much thought given to the other people in our life – especially not our pet dogs. At least, not as much thought as we should be giving them. Summer can be a hard time for our pooches, and they deserve to be given a comfortable ride.

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Check Tarmac

Although most dogs have hardened paws to get them through tough terrain, those who aren’t used to living in hot countries aren’t used to treading on tarmac that has heated up. Their paws have no resistance to it, and it can end up burning them. We have shoes to keep our feet safe, but dogs don’t. If you can’t physically Walk on the pavement outside, then don’t expect a dog to. The best thing that you can do is place the back of your hand onto the floor and see how hot it is. If you’re removing it quicker than you expected, don’t take your dog out. It’s best to walk them early in the morning or late at night, before the sun has risen enough that its heat has thoroughly absorbed into the ground.

Provide Outside Shelter

If there is no shade outside for your dogs, you need to think about providing some. The best dog houses for your garden are the ones that are ventilated and offer a cool retreat, and you can find reviews online for them at sites such as Paw Castle.  The great thing about them is that they come in a variety of materials to suit your budget and the style of your garden. Whether wooden or plastic, it’s more important that you’re looking at it as a source of comfort for your dog away from the heat.

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Paddling Pools – Not Just For Kids!

Most dogs love the water – especially if they’re retrievers. You may find that if you have a swimming pool or paddling pool, your dog will automatically try to jump in anyway. It provides a great way for them to cool down as well as a fun activity for them to do. If you’re not able to walk them at any other time of the day, this is a good source of exercise for them, and they’ll love dipping in and out while the sun is shining down. You only need a small, cheap one to provide the entertainment.

Trim Away

If your dog is a long-haired breed or need regular trimming, make sure that they are fully cut down before the warm weather really hits. Think about it as you having your hair down on a hot day or tying it back – you know which one you’d rather do to keep from heating up. It’s the same with dogs, so go as low as you can with the fur cut to keep them cool over the summer.