How to keep your dog cool without AC in your home

The Summer heat can be tough to manage without AC at home. Here are some simple tips to keep your dog cool and avoid any heat stroke.

Keeping your dog cool during hot days:

• Keep cool water available at all times. Dogs needs cool, not cold water as it can shrink the blood vessels and actually generates more heat.
• Place your dog's bed and toys in the coolest part of your house. Avoid direct sun exposure through windows.
• Invest in a cooling crate pad or place a wet towel on the floor for your dog to lie on. 
• Fill a spray bottle with cool water, which you can spray on areas that are not exposed to the sun (groin, bottom of feet and inside the mouth) to help cool their whole body faster.

Signs of heat stroke:

The Signs of Heatstroke

If your dog shows any of the following symptoms on a warm day, they could be having a heat stroke and need urgent care:

• Rapid or difficult breathing 
• Extreme thirst.
• Vomiting.
• Disorientation.
• Dark or bright red tongue and gums.
• Thick saliva or heavy drooling

For more information about dog heat stroke and what to do, check out our blog post on how to prevent overheating.