During the summer, people and pets alike tend to spend more time in the sun. This season is the perfect time for outdoor activities, but unless your dog spends their days in an air-conditioned pet daycare center, they may not be getting the heat relief they need. Here are a few ways you can help your pup stay safe and comfortable throughout the season.

How Can You Help Your Dog Beat the Summer Heat?

1. Let Them Splash

Introducing water to outdoor play gives your dog the opportunity to cool off and have some fun. Turn on the sprinkler and watch them run through the streams, or fill up a doggie pool and let them splash around. Just be sure to supervise your pet at all times and clean their ears out afterward to prevent ear infections.

2. Seek out Shade

Whether you’re at a park or in your backyard, encourage your dog to stay in shaded areas. Trees, buildings, patio umbrellas, and other structures can keep pets out of direct sunlight. Stay away from hot surfaces like asphalt, which reflect more heat and can burn the pads of your pup’s feet.

3. Provide Drinking Water

Dogs can dehydrate quickly, especially during the summer. Give them access to clean water at all times to encourage hydration. Make sure to change their supply out for fresh, cool water often—your dog doesn’t want to drink warm water in hot weather any more than you do. If you’re going out, always bring a portable bowl and water bottle with you.

4. Use Sunscreen

Many pet owners are surprised to learn that there are sunscreens available for dogs. Pets can get sunburn and skin cancer just like humans, so it’s important to protect them when they’re out in the sun. Apply a layer of sunscreen to areas with sparse or no hair, like the belly and bridge of the nose. Only use products specifically made for dogs.

5. Know When to Stay In

Your pooch may want to go out 24/7, but sometimes it’s best to remain indoors. Check the day’s temperatures beforehand and stay inside during heat spells. Try to avoid going out around midday, when the sun is at its highest. Take your walks in the early morning and late evening, and keep bathroom breaks as short as possible.

When you’re not home to help your dog stay cool, they need a cozy pet daycare to beat the heat. All Creatures Inn of Nicholasville, KY, provides a fun, safe, and relaxing second home for your furry family members year-round. With climate-controlled rooms and indoor/outdoor runs, a spacious outdoor play area, luxurious pet grooming services, and a staff with a passion for pet care, you can be sure your dog is in good hands. Visit the dog kennel’s website for more information about their services. To sign up for pet daycare or boarding, call (859) 233-9000.