Our tips
Many people eagerly await the arrival of summer. The sun shines, the days grow longer, and we savor every free minute outdoors, whether on the balcony, in the garden, in the park, or perhaps even by the sea. Finally, time to breathe deeply, to unwind, and to let our minds wander.
But while we look forward to this carefree feeling, we mustn't forget one thing: our loyal four-legged companions. For many dog owners, the joy of summer is mixed with a touch of worry. Temperatures are rising, the air shimmers with heat, and yet dogs still need their daily exercise. It doesn't matter if the sun is blazing or the asphalt is scorching.
Stroll
1. Take a walk at the right time of day
Avoid walking your dog during the hottest hours of the day. The best time for a pleasant walk is early morning or late evening when the air is cooler and the sun isn't so intense. Hot summer days can often feel endless, and the heat is already exhausting for us humans – but even more so for our dogs.
Therefore, try to adjust your daily routine to the weather. Longer walks are worthwhile in the mornings and evenings when the temperatures are pleasant. At midday, however, a short walk is perfectly sufficient so your dog can relieve itself.
And don't worry if the walks are a bit shorter sometimes. Just like us, dogs get tired quickly in the heat and prefer to relax and doze. A happy dog isn't measured solely by its exercise, but by how loved and secure it feels.
occupation
2. MENTAL INSTEAD OF PHYSICAL OCCUPATION
Start hot summer days calmly and relaxed. If you want to keep your dog active despite the heat, be sure to schedule physical activities for the early morning or late evening when the air is cooler and more pleasant. Avoid strenuous activities at midday, when the sun is at its highest and temperatures are at their highest. Cycling, inline skating, or jogging are far too strenuous for dogs at this time and can quickly become dangerous.
Especially for breeds like Pugs or French Bulldogs, less is more on hot days, and it's often better to avoid physically demanding activities altogether. However, this doesn't mean your four-legged friend has to go without stimulation. You can challenge them in other ways – mentally. Learning new tricks, nose games, or exciting puzzles are ideal ways to keep your dog entertained and happy without overexerting them.
Forest
3. Better to walk the dog in the forest
On hot summer days, you and your dog might be drawn to the woods, and for good reason. Beneath the dense canopy of leaves, a natural, cooling layer forms, mitigating the heat. Even upon entering, you'll feel the air become fresher and breathing easier. Compared to open spaces like parks or fields, it's often several degrees cooler here.
Your dog can sniff, play, and explore nature to his heart's content without the heat tiring him out immediately. You, too, can enjoy the coolness, listen to the birdsong, and follow the rustling of the leaves. A walk in the woods thus becomes a little escape.
The canopy protects you from direct sunlight and helps prevent overheating, making even longer excursions safe. The forest is an ideal retreat to forget the summer heat and fully enjoy nature.
Cool
4. Before going for a walk: Cool down
High temperatures, blazing sun, and few opportunities to cool down on the go? Then treat your dog to a little refreshment before you set off. Wipe him down with a damp washcloth or towel to gently lower his body temperature. Be careful not to use ice-cold water, as this can be unpleasant for your dog.
Our dog towels and washcloths made from bamboo fibers are especially practical. They are absorbent, easy to care for, and feel pleasantly soft against your dog's skin. This way, you and your four-legged friend can start a relaxed summer walk together, feeling comfortable and more able to cope with the heat.
5. Heat-sensitive dogs in the shade
Whether in the garden, the park, or on a walk – in summer, especially on hot days, you should always remember to provide your dog with enough shade. He might enjoy dozing in the sun for a while and feeling the warmth on his fur. Nevertheless, it's important that he always has the option of retreating to a cool, shady spot whenever he wants. This way, he can enjoy the sun without the heat becoming too much, and you can both enjoy a carefree summer together.
6. Safe travels: Car journeys
Avoid long car journeys if possible, and never leave your dog alone in the car in high temperatures. Not even for 5 minutes! Cars heat up very quickly, and it can become dangerous for your dog in no time. Heat tends to build up, especially in dog crates, causing your dog to overheat even faster.
Even with air conditioning, you should leave your dog alone only as little as possible, if at all. On hot days, many people tend to set the air conditioning very high. The problem with this is that the strong draft can harm not only you, but also your dog, and can make him sick.
7. Always have water ready
Like us humans, our dogs also have an increased need to drink on hot days. Therefore, you should always have water with you for your four-legged friend, even on short walks.
A small water bottle or special dog water bottles and bowls can easily be stored on or in our WAU-TO-GO walking bag. This way you always have a little refreshment handy, and your dog can enjoy the summer in a relaxed and safe manner.
8. Cool snack for in between
Lick mat, dog ice cream, frozen Kong: Spread the lick mat with yogurt, wet food, or cottage cheese, put it in the freezer for five minutes – and you have a refreshing snack! You can easily do the same with a Kong or dog ice cream molds.
Homemade dog ice cream? No problem at all! Simply mix some water with foods your dog loves, such as liverwurst or yogurt. You can also add berries to create a kind of smoothie for your dog.
Caution: Toxic! When selecting ingredients, be sure not to give your dog any foods that are toxic to him. These include, for example, raisins, chocolate, macadamia nuts, alcohol, or avocados.
Delicious dog ice cream
Ingredients :
- approx. 350 g natural yogurt (unsweetened)
- 1 ripe banana , squashed
- 1 tsp honey (optional, depending on tolerance)
- Ice cube tray or special dog ice cream tray
👩🍳 Preparation :
1. Smash the banana
Mash a ripe banana until it is nice and mushy.
2. Mix yogurt and honey
Mix together yogurt, banana and a little honey (make sure your dog tolerates honey well).
3. Pour into the mold
Distribute the mixture evenly into an ice cube tray.
4. Freezing
Place in the freezer for about 5 hours.
5. Serve
💡 Tip :
You can easily adapt the recipe – for example, with some pureed apple, blueberries, or a dollop of peanut butter (without sugar and salt). Important: Always pay attention to your tolerance!
9. Cooling down for house and garden
Try to keep your house as cool as possible, even in high temperatures. Ventilate in the early morning hours and then keep windows and doors closed. Blinds and curtains can minimize direct sunlight.
If you have a garden, you can create small oases with simple means. Use the garden primarily in the mornings or evenings and avoid the strong midday sun. Parasols and sunshades can help in addition to natural shade. A small dog pool provides refreshment.
10. Observe and know your dog
Some dogs cope better with summer heat than others. Nevertheless, strenuous exercise should be avoided in high temperatures. It's all the more important, then, that you know your dog and its needs in this weather well and can assess situations correctly.
Therefore, take it easy on such days, observe your dog closely, and adapt to his needs. That way, nothing will stand in the way of a pleasant summer for both of you, despite the heat!
Conclusion
- Avoid walking your dog when daytime temperatures are at their highest; ideally, go early in the morning and later in the evening.
- Take it easy on hot summer days. Focus on mental rather than physical activities.
- If you have the opportunity, move your walks to the forest on hot days.
- Before you go for a walk: cool your dog down and wet him.
- Dogs that are particularly sensitive to heat should spend most of their time outdoors in the shade.
- Avoid long car journeys if possible, and never leave your dog alone in the car in high temperatures.
- Always carry water for your dog with you when you're out and about.
- Cool snack for in between: licking mat, dog ice cream , frozen Kong.
- Cooling solutions for home and garden: cooling mats, dog pool and damp towels.
- Observe and know your dog.