I don’t know about you, but here in Australia it sure heat’s up in the summer and it can get pretty unbearable. But whilst we have pushed into winter, you guys in America are feeling HOT HOT HOT!
For some dogs, the summer months can be really uncomfortable and difficult to manage.
Amos is one of these dogs, despite his short coat, he doesn’t handle the heat well at all. We also have no air conditioning as we live in an old Queenslander so it gets really hot.
That is why we spend so much time at the creek and playing with the hose and the sprinkler. But I wanted to share with you some things that I do during the summer to make Amos as comfortable as possible whilst inside.
COOLING VEST
This is my absolute TOP TIP and my best summer purchase. I have tried cooling vests before and honestly they didn’t work, so I had almost given up. Now during the day, Amos usually sleeps between 11am and 3pm, however, when it is too hot he finds it extremely uncomfortable to sleep. He is constantly pacing the house trying to get cool and it is really hard to watch.
So when I first saw these vests I thought why not, let’s give it a whirl! I happened to be attending the Brisbane Dog Lovers Show and they too had a stall, so I made sure I went to check it all out.
The day I purchased this vest it was close to 40 degree Celsius in Brisbane, and as soon as I put it on Amos I knew I had made the right choice. He just went and lay down and went to sleep. The biggest difference I notice in using the cooling vest is that Amos is able to relax and sleep during the day, making him significantly more comfortable.
In terms of practicality, it is extremely easy to put on. All you do is soak it in water for 3-5mins, wring it out and pop it on. Amos absolutely loves it!
I usually get about 3-5hours out of it before I need to wet it again. It really depends on how hot it is and also whether Amos chooses to sunbathe in it directly under the sun!
Amos is easily able to play in it, and on the really hot days we keep it on during our afternoon play and into the night, taking it off just before bed.
We basically used it every day in the summer and honestly, it is worth every penny! They do ship worldwide and the owner, Belynda, is just lovely.
Like I said, it definitely is my best 2018/2019 summer purchase!
Product: Wilko Pet Care Summer Cooling Vest
Price $44-$60
COOLING MAT OR WET TOWEL
Now we previously had a cooling mat with Amos, however, Amos being the chew monster that he is decided to have a nibble on it and ruined it. So because of this, I chose not to purchase another one for him.
However, a lot of my friends with dogs absolutely love laying on their cooling mat during the summer months and find it extremely cooling and comfortable.
On those really hot days, along with his cooling vest, I often just use a wet towel that I have soaked in water and leave on the ground for Amos. He may or may not use it, but it is there should he need it and it makes me feel more comfortable.
I also always leave two water bowls out in summer just in case he accidentally knocks one over, which he has never done, he has a backup bowl!
DO SOME TRICKS
I often use these days to refresh some basic tricks indoors. I also keep a close check on how Amos is feeling as to gauge what we do and how much we do. I mean, the heat does drain you! Just think of how horrible and exhausted you feel on those hot days. Do you feel like doing anything? So I make sure I check in with myself and Amos and then make a call. It really depends on the day and how he is feeling as to what we do.
It is also much harder to concentrate in the heat, so if you are trying to train, keep that in mind. You may need to lower your expectations or stick with the basics instead of trying to learn something new.
CHEW SOMETHING
On a hot day, there is nothing better than chilling in your cooling vest and having a good chew on a nice treat. Wait, is that human or dog?!
Chewing not only assists with dental hygiene and scraping away plaque, but it provides both mental stimulation and enrichment. Chewing also helps to relieve stress by the release of endorphins, providing a calming and comforting effect. Exactly what they need on a hot day!
Some of Amos’ favourite indoor chews are:
- Deer antlers
- Goat horns
- Fish skins
- Lamb’s neck
- Pig’s trotters and pig’s ears
- Kangaroo tail
- The list goes on!
So do you have any other tips to keep cool during summer? Tell us in the comments!
My name is Mel and I am the proud dog mum of Amos Pearce. We live in Brisbane, Australia and just love adventuring though life together. Growing up, I used to hate dogs but after being diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, I started to see dogs in a different way. Now I like to think of myself as the ultimate Dog Mum and I love it! I honestly can’t imagine life without Amos. Amos is a rescue from RSPCA Queensland and a proud RSPCA Furbassador. Together we share our most precious moments with you all as part of one big awesome life journey. Our little family rocks!
