6 Fun Ways to Cool Your Dachshund Down This Summer
Summer has arrived! We can stay nice and cool by swimming in a pool, drinking some lemonade, or just…sweating. Unfortunately, dogs don’t sweat like we do.
When the temperatures rise, it can be dangerous for our “hot dogs.” It’s important to take certain precautions to keep them cool and safe in the summer heat.
We have some really fun ways to cool your Dachshund down this summer including water activities, frozen treat recipes, and cooling dog gear that your doxie shouldn’t be without.
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Table of Contents
Why Do Dogs Pant?
Your dog will pant to help regulate their body temperature.
When your pup inhales air through his nose, it picks up moisture from their wet nose. That moisture traps the heat produced from his body and then is exhaled out through their mouth.
Do Dogs Sweat?
Dogs don’t sweat like humans do. Their sweat glands are located in their paw pads and ear canals.
Ways to Cool Your Dachshund Down This Summer
Summertime should be fun time! Here are some fun activities to help you and your doxie beat the heat.
Your Dachshund can stay cool and have fun with a “step on” drinking fountain. It is hilarious to watch you pup pouncing and biting at the cool splashes.
Just set up the Dog Drinking Water Fountain (from Amazon) in a shaded area and hook it up to your back yard hose. It’s super easy to setup and tons of fun.
I also liked the idea of a mini splash pad set up for my kids and dogs, but the dogs nails always end up popping it! So, this ‘step on’ drinking fountain works much better for the pups.
Swimming: If your doxie enjoys the water, take them for a swim. Always swim alongside them and make sure they have their life jacket on. Dogs can get tired while swimming, so make sure they take breaks from the water often. It is a lot of work for those little paws to constantly paddle around.
Note: Don’t take your pup swimming in moving or rushing water and never force your dog in the water. They will go in if they feel comfortable.
Pool: If you don’t have a lake or pond nearby, you can fill up a small plastic baby pool and let your Dachshund splash around. Fill it a couple of inches at first so they don’t feel overwhelmed or shocked by the super cold water. They may just enjoy getting their paws cooled off.
Canoeing: Canoeing can be a fun outdoor activity for you and your dog. Stick with calm lakes or ponds so your dog feels safe in the boat. Bring along plenty of drinking water, yummy dog treats, and a comforting toy to help them stay calm during the ride.
Pictured above is my Dachshund, Reno, in his life jacket. As you can see, he wasn’t thrilled, per the doxie white eyes. Safety First Reno!
Note: Even if your dog can swim, always have them wear a dog life jacket.
Keeping your Dachshund hydrated during the hot summer months is a must. Getting your doxie to drink isn’t always an easy task. Frozen doggie treats or DIY Doggie Ice cream goes over really well with my pups! It is a special treat that we only give during the summer, so they get super excited for their chilled treats.
These adorable Dachshund Shaped Ice Cube Trays are BPA Free, durable, and dishwasher safe. So you can make tons of frozen treats for your dogs all summer long.
Simple Recipes:
Frozen Dog Treat Recipes are really simple and fun to make at home…Easiest DIY Ever! I promise, your pup is going to love these frozen treats.
- Combine 2 cups of plain yogurt and 1 cup of dog-friendly fruit like blueberries, strawberries, or bananas in a blender.
- Add a teaspoon of honey for a sweeter taste if you want, it’s optional.
- Then pour this smooth mixture into your favorite dog-themed ice cube tray.
- Let them set in the freezer for about 5 hours, Enjoy!
If you like to follow you tube videos for recipes, here is a DIY Watermelon Dog Treat from Gone to the Snow Dogs you will love.
We have a lot of fun recipes on our Frozen Dog Treats Pinterest Board as well. Check them out, there are so many yummy combinations to try.
A cooling vest for dogs provides protection from the Sun’s UV Rays and cooling through evaporation.
The Ruffwear Swamp Cooling Vest (from Amazon) allows dogs to stay cool and active in hot climates. These vests are so cool, they have a water-activated system.
You simply have to soak the cooling vest in water, wring out, and put it on your dog.
The evaporative cooling system pulls heat from your dog’s body. It is perfect for hiking and everyday use in the summertime.
Note: Even with a cooling vest, still remain cautious about excessive exercise when it is hot outside. Cooling vests are less effective on ‘humid days’ because there is already a lot of moisture in the air, which means less evaporation.
In the USA, avoid the sun during peak time: 10 am to 4 pm daylight saving time.
The Dog Self-Cooling Mat can go outside, on the sofa, in the dog kennel, and even on the car seat.
It is self cooling, so there is no need to keep it in your refrigerator. The mat is cool to the touch. It absorbs your dog’s body heat and keeps them cool when they get too hot.
This cooling mat will be your Dachshund’s favorite place to lay this summer, so it will need a wash now and then, luckily it is machine washable.
If you spend a lot of time out in the garden, back yard, or at family picnics, you need to help your Dachshund find some shade.
Giving your dog a shady spot to lay down will help keep them cool and comfortable.
The Shaded, Elevated Dog Bed can come in really handy when there isn’t a lot of shade to go around.
The breathable mesh allows air flow to keep your dog cool and comfy. You can even add the cooling pad (listed above) on top of the dog bed to add extra cooling.
Symptoms of Heatstroke
Heatstroke is serious and can be fatal for your dog if they are exposed to the heat for too long. If your dog’s temperature is too high and he is not able to release the excess heat from his body, he is at risk for heatstroke.
Here are some early warning signs that your dog is overheating:
- Heavy Panting
- Fast Breathing
- Excess Drooling
- Bright Red Tongue and Gums
- Wide Eyes
- Weakness and Loss of Balance
- Rapid Heart Beat
Cool your dog down immediately and take your dog to the vet ASAP if your dog has overheated and needs help before they go into shock.
Dehydration Symptoms:
Always provide plenty of cool water for your dog indoors and outdoors. They lose a good amount of fluid through panting and they need to stay hydrated to stay cool.
Watch out for the following Dehydration Symptoms:
- Panting
- Dry nose
- Dry gums
- Sunken Eyes
- Acting Lethargic
- Drooling Thick Saliva
How to Prevent Heatstroke & Dehydration
You can prevent Heatstroke and Dehydration before it happens.
- Take walks during the cooler parts of the day (avoid peak sunshine time 10 am – 4 pm)
- Limit playtime and exercise in the heat
- Take breaks in the cool shade
- NEVER leave your dog in a hot car!
- Drink plenty of water
Did you discover some really fun ways to cool your Dachshund down this summer? Get creative, keep your wiener dogs active with water games, cooling dog gear, and occasionally enjoy a frozen doggie treat this summer to stay safe and comfortable.
How do you keep your dog cool in the summer time? We would love to hear from you.
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