Keeping Dogs Cool in Summer: CBD for Hot Weather
As we approach the summer months, in many places the heat can become unbearable. Not just for us, but also for our pets. Staying hydrated and cool during the summer can be a struggle– and for our pets, this summer struggle can be even harder. Unlike humans, dogs don’t sweat, so staying cool can be a challenge. Combine that with walking barefoot on hot asphalt and you have the recipe for an overheated, tired pup. Fortunately, there are some tips for keeping dogs cool in summer, here are some ways that you can keep your dog hydrated and cool so that you can both enjoy the summer together.
How Much Water Should My Dog Drink?
If you are planning an afternoon out or a longer walk, make sure to pack plenty of water for you and your dog, and a water bowl for them to drink out of. A collapsible water bowl can fit right in your pocket and is easy to pack.
Keeping your dog hydrated may seem painfully obvious, but it is easy to forget that dogs need more water than usual during the summer. Although dogs usually only need an ounce of water per pound of their body weight per day, during the summer that can increase — especially for younger pups and females. When outside, your dog may also prefer smaller amounts of water over a longer period of time.
Schedule Walks During Cooler Times of Day
To avoid overheating, pay attention to the sun and the time of day when you are taking your walks. Just like you don’t want to be outside at noon when the sun is blazing highest, your pooch doesn’t want to be out either. Early morning and evenings are a great time to get outside for a nice long walk.
Dog Grooming For Summer
If your dog has a thicker, longer coat, regular grooming can help them tolerate the summer heat. Not only will grooming keep your dog nice and clean after they have spent afternoons romping outside, but it can help your pet regulate their temperature.
Your dog’s undercoat can provide protection against UV rays and can insulate against heat — but, if the undercoat is matted and not maintained, it cannot do its job properly. Between regular grooming, brush your dog to keep their undercoat healthy.
Cooling Activities for Dogs
During the hot summer months, even your dog’s beloved park trips can be exhausting. For some activities that will help in keeping dogs cool in summer, offer your dog a cool, wet towel to lay on or play with. Filling a kiddie pool with water for your dog is another way to perk them up. Giving your dog cold or frozen treats is another enjoyable way to combat the heat. If you live near water, find a safe dog-friendly lake or dog beach, and let your dog play in the water to cool down!
If you plan to board your pet during the summer, make sure that they are somewhere inside and are given the opportunity to play outside in a cool, shaded area. For example, pets boarded through Beautify the Beast at Fire Flake Farm get to run and play in a spring fed lake during the summer.
CBD for Dogs During Hot Weather
When the sun cranks up the heat in the summer months, our furry companions might need some extra help to stay their vibrant selves. Just like us, pets can feel the effects of heat, and that’s where CBD may help – to help them navigate the hot months with more comfort and ease.
CBD for Heat Stress in Pets
Imagine how we feel when the temperatures rise – a bit drained and irritable. Our pets can feel that too. CBD might help mellow out their stress levels if the heat is stressing them out. CBD interacts with their system in a way that could help them manage restlessness and discomfort caused by the heat. So, if your pet seems a bit frazzled this summer, CBD for stress & anxiety could offer them a smoother ride through the sweltering days.
CBD for Joint Pain & Inflammation in Hot Weather
Hot weather isn’t exactly a friend to those with joint discomfort – and that includes our pets. But CBD’s natural properties can contribute to a sense of relief in those aching joints. So, whether your pup is playing fetch or just strolling, CBD for inflammation and joint pain could be that helping hand your pet needs this summer.
CBD for Loss of Appetite in Hot Weather
You know how you sometimes lose your appetite when it’s super hot? Well, pets can feel that too. And when they start turning their nose up at their food, it could raise concerns about their nutrition. That’s where CBD for loss of appetite may be helpful. By interacting with their ECS to restore balance, it could potentially bring back their interest in food, ensuring they’re well-fed even when the heat is on the rise.
CBD for Skin Issues from the Heat
Summer skin issues aren’t just for us – our pets can experience them too. Allergies and itchiness can make their lives uncomfortable. CBD can promote a healthier skin response, soothing irritations and helping maintain skin moisture.
Scientists at the University of Pisa published an important study documenting an abundance of the two main cannabinoid receptors throughout the layers of dogs’ skin. While humans have more individual layers of skin and fewer cannabinoid receptors in each layer, dogs skin is thinner and contains an abundance of both CB1 and CB2 receptors. These receptors make it easier for compounds in a Full Spectrum Hemp CBD salve for dogs, to penetrate deep and stimulate the skin’s local endocannabinoid system.
CBD for Nausea in Hot Weather
The summer heat might be causing some nausea, leaving them feeling less than their usual selves. There are tons of cannabinoid receptors in the stomach and throughout the digestive tract, which makes a Full Spectrum CBD for nausea a great option. CBD can offer a calming effect on those hot weather tummy troubles. CBD can help their stomach settle, so they can get back to their playful selves.
Summer Dog Paw Protection
The air above the pavement can be up to 10 degrees hotter than the air above the grass. If just the AIR is that much hotter, imagine how painful it would be to stand, walk and run on that pavement without any shoes.
Before exposing your pooch’s paw pads to blistering hot pavement, reach down and touch it. If it is hot enough to give you pause (or, rather, paws), it is too hot for your dog. Try to avoid pavement and take a long walk through the grass. If your dog does hurt his paws or gets a sunburn, use a protective, moisturizing dog paw balm like CBD Dog Health’s NOURISH: CBD Salve for Dogs, to help with the pain and healing.
Related: CBD Salves for Dog Skin Conditions
Know the Signs of Dog Heat Stroke
Heatstroke in a dog can look different than heatstroke in a human. A normal temperature for a dog is up to 101.5 — any higher than that is a cause for concern. If your dog is experiencing rapid breathing and panting, muscle tremors, fatigue, or excess salivation, they may be having a heat stroke. If they are staggering or seem to be acting unusual, bring them inside and call your vet.
You can cool your dog down during a heat stroke with cool water and by wrapping them with cold, wet towels. Avoid trying to drop the dog’s temperature too suddenly, as this can be dangerous. Always remember to call the vet if your dog is exhibiting these behaviors and may be overheated.
More Dog Safety Tips For Summer
-Dogs with shorter noses and long, thick coats may be less comfortable as the temperatures rise. Dogs with a shorter nose, like bulldogs or pugs, have a much smaller nasal passage which affects their ability to regulate their body temperature. Although these breeds tend to have shorter, thinner coats, they should still be monitored a little bit extra for signs of heatstroke.
–NEVER leave your dog in a hot car.
–Don’t leave your dog tied up outside in the heat.
–Use common sense. If you would overheat and become exhausted, your dog probably would too. There aren’t many humans who would want to be tied up and left outside all day, locked in a hot car, left outside with no water, and given no way to cool down.
Remember, if you’re struggling in the heat, your pet likely is also. But in the realm of potential natural supplements for hot weather, CBD may offer a helping hand for your pet’s summer comfort. Just like sunscreen and plenty of water, CBD could become a part of your arsenal to keep your pet cool, comfortable, and happy during the sun-soaked days.
