How to Care for Your Dog in Summer

1 Cooling Without Shaving

Many owners shave or over-bathe dogs to cool them, but that is counterproductive. A shaved dog’s skin is exposed to sunburn and insect bites, raising skin-disease risk, and frequent baths strip the skin’s protective layer. Don’t shave the coat.

You may thin it slightly and trim the paw fur, since dogs shed heat through their paw pads—shorter paw hair helps them cool.

2 Indoor Cooling and Walk Timing

1. Cooling mat. Dogs often sprawl on cool floors; a cooling pad lowers temperature and improves sleep.

2. Cool the room. Keep air circulating; use a fan or AC when hot, but keep the dog out of the draft and set AC no lower than 26°C to avoid chills.

3. Walk timing. Avoid midday heat that risks heatstroke or burnt paws. Walk at cooler dawn and dusk, carry water, and rest the moment the dog seems tired, thirsty, or unwell.

3 Diet and Hydration in Summer

Heat lowers appetite, yet dogs still need nutrients. Feed lighter meals with some fruit and vegetables, and keep water plentiful—a little watermelon is fine, but never iced, to spare the stomach.

Because food spoils fast in heat and appetites drop, feed in small frequent portions and clear leftovers so the dog doesn’t eat spoiled food. These steps help your dog stay healthy through summer.