When it comes to boarding your dog, it can be a stressful experience for both you and your furry friend. This is especially true during the summer months when temperatures can soar, making it challenging to keep your dog cool and comfortable. In this article, we’ll provide you with tips and tricks on how to keep your dog comfortable while boarding in the heat.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Understand the Importance of Choosing the Right Boarding Facility
- Check for Adequate Air Conditioning
- Ask for Regular Walks During Cooler Times
- Pack Essential Items
- Ensure Adequate Hydration
- Provide Cool Treats
- Keep Your Dog’s Coat Trimmed
- Avoid Mid-Day Exercise
- Consider a Cooling Mat or Vest
- Keep Your Dog’s Paws Protected
- Know the Signs of Heat Exhaustion
- Stay in Touch with the Boarding Facility
- Conclusion
- FAQs
1. Introduction
Boarding your dog is often necessary, but it can be an anxious experience for both you and your pet, especially in the summer months. Dogs are more prone to heatstroke than humans, so it’s important to take steps to keep them cool and comfortable during their stay.
2. Understand the Importance of Choosing the Right Boarding Facility
Not all boarding facilities are created equal, so it’s essential to do your research before choosing one. Look for a facility that has experience in caring for dogs in hot weather and that provides adequate air conditioning and access to water.
3. Check for Adequate Air Conditioning
Make sure to ask the boarding facility about their air conditioning system. Ensure that it’s adequate for the size of the facility and that it’s maintained regularly to ensure it’s working correctly. You can even ask to see the facility to check the air conditioning yourself.
4. Ask for Regular Walks During Cooler Times
Ask the boarding facility to take your dog for walks during the cooler times of the day, such as early morning or late evening. Avoid walks during the middle of the day when the sun is at its highest and the temperatures are the hottest.
5. Pack Essential Items
Pack essential items for your dog, such as a favorite toy, blanket, or bed. Bringing items that smell like home can help ease anxiety and make your dog more comfortable.
6. Ensure Adequate Hydration
Make sure your dog has access to plenty of fresh water at all times. Consider bringing a portable water bowl to ensure your dog has access to water during walks or playtime.
7. Provide Cool Treats
Treat your dog to some cool treats, such as frozen treats or ice cubes, to help them cool down during their stay.
8. Keep Your Dog’s Coat Trimmed
Trimming your dog’s coat before their stay can help keep them cool. Make sure not to shave their coat completely, as this can leave them vulnerable to sunburn and insect bites.
9. Avoid Mid-Day Exercise
Avoid mid-day exercise and playtime when temperatures are at their highest. Instead, opt for early morning or late evening playtime when temperatures are cooler.
10. Consider a Cooling Mat or Vest
Consider purchasing a cooling mat or vest for your dog to wear during their stay. These items can help keep them cool and comfortable, even in hot temperatures.
11. Keep Your Dog’s Paws Protected
Hot pavement and concrete can burn your dog’s paws. Consider purchasing booties to protect their paws during walks.
12. Know the Signs of Heat Exhaustion
It’s essential to know the signs of
12. Know the Signs of Heat Exhaustion
It’s essential to know the signs of heat exhaustion in dogs, as this can be a life-threatening condition. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, vomiting, and collapse. If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, take them to the vet immediately.
13. Stay in Touch with the Boarding Facility
Stay in touch with the boarding facility while your dog is staying there. Ask for regular updates on your dog’s health and well-being and communicate any concerns you have.
14. Conclusion
In conclusion, boarding your dog in the summer months can be a challenge, but it’s essential to take steps to keep them cool and comfortable. By choosing the right boarding facility, packing essential items, ensuring adequate hydration, providing cool treats, and avoiding mid-day exercise, you can help ensure your dog’s stay is as comfortable as possible.
15. FAQs
- How often should I ask the boarding facility to walk my dog during their stay?
It’s best to ask the facility to take your dog for walks during the cooler times of the day, such as early morning or late evening.
- Can I bring my own portable water bowl for my dog during their stay?
Yes, you can bring your own portable water bowl to ensure your dog has access to water during their stay.
- Should I shave my dog’s coat completely to keep them cool?
No, it’s not recommended to shave your dog’s coat completely as this can leave them vulnerable to sunburn and insect bites. Instead, trim their coat to help keep them cool.
- What should I do if I notice signs of heat exhaustion in my dog?
If you notice signs of heat exhaustion in your dog, such as excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, vomiting, and collapse, take them to the vet immediately.
- Can I stay in touch with the boarding facility while my dog is staying there?
Yes, it’s recommended to stay in touch with the boarding facility while your dog is staying there. Ask for regular updates on your dog’s health and well-being and communicate any concerns you have.