Introduction

The weather has been incredibly hot lately. My Golden Retriever lies by the air conditioner vent all day, panting with a look of complete resignation. As a long-time dog parent, seeing my furry friend like this breaks my heart. So, I've compiled years of experience into this guide to help more dogs get through this scorching summer.

Having a dog is both challenging and joyful. That moment each morning when your dog wakes you up with kisses, watching them wag their tail and act cute - it makes even the toughest workday worthwhile. However, with the weather getting increasingly hot, seeing my furry friend looking listless all day makes me want to do something to help.

Keeping Cool

Last summer, my Golden Retriever really struggled with the heat, lying motionless on the floor all day. It pained me to see this, so I started exploring various cooling methods. After numerous trials and errors, I finally developed an effective approach.

First, let me share my proudest invention - dog-friendly "ice cream." I remember the first time I made it, pouring sugar-free yogurt into my dog's toy ball and freezing it. When I gave it to my dog the next day, they ran around the house with excitement. Later, I tried peanut butter too, which worked great. Just remember to use sugar and salt-free peanut butter - pet-specific peanut butter works best.

Speaking of chilled treats, I have another special recipe. I pour cooked chicken broth into ice cube trays, adding chopped carrots and broccoli to make nutritious ice cubes. When my dog is tired from playing, I give them one or two cubes - it's both cooling and nutritious. Just remember not to give too many at once to avoid upsetting their stomach.

Besides these treats, I also prepare a special cooling mat. However, I don't recommend buying gel cooling mats from the market, as they can be dangerous if your dog bites through them. Instead, I wrap a tile in a towel and place it in a shaded area - when the dog feels hot, they'll naturally lie on it.

At home, I prepare two or three resting spots for my dog. For example, I put cushions in both the living room and bedroom, letting them choose freely. I've found that dogs are very smart and always find the coolest spots in the house. Sometimes when I return from work, I find them lying on the bathroom tiles, looking so comfortable that I'm tempted to join them.

Diet Management

Summer requires special attention to dogs' diet. My Golden Retriever often loses appetite due to the heat, so I adjust their meal plan accordingly. First, I change from two meals to three meals per day, reducing the portion size of each meal. This prevents them from eating too much at once and overloading their digestive system.

Speaking of food, dealing with stomach issues is my biggest headache. After much experimentation, I developed a foolproof recipe: shredded cooked chicken breast mixed with well-cooked white rice. This mild combination is perfect for dogs with upset stomachs. Just remember to remove the chicken skin to avoid greasiness.

If you notice your dog gaining weight, which is common in summer due to reduced activity, I add low-calorie vegetables like peas and carrots to their food. Make sure to use salt-free vegetables, preferably fresh ones you cook yourself. My cousin's Labrador successfully lost weight using this method.

Hydration is crucial. Dogs easily become dehydrated in summer, so I place water bowls in different locations around the house. I've noticed that placing bowls at different heights encourages them to drink more. For example, one on the floor and another on a small table near the sofa.

To encourage drinking, I use some tricks. Adding a few drops of chicken broth to the water makes it more appealing. Just ensure it's clear broth without salt or seasonings. Sometimes I slightly warm the water, as some dogs don't like cold water.

Daily Care

There's endless knowledge about daily care. First is the basic issue of cleanliness. Dogs sweat more in summer, and without proper cleaning, bacteria can easily cause skin problems. However, bathing too frequently can damage their skin's protective layer.

My solution is to carry wet wipes - specifically pet-friendly, no-rinse wipes. After each walk, I clean their paws first, then wipe down their body, particularly sweaty areas like armpits and belly. This maintains cleanliness without harming their skin.

Speaking of cleaning, I must share my special method - baking soda and vinegar cleaning. This works great for carpet or sofa stains. First, absorb the stain with kitchen paper, sprinkle baking soda, then spray diluted white vinegar. After a few minutes, wipe with a dry towel - it removes both stains and odors.

Body odor is another summer nuisance. I've found that daily brushing significantly reduces this. Brush in the direction of hair growth with moderate pressure to remove dead hair and promote circulation. I usually brush them in the evening when it's cooler and they're more relaxed.

Seasonal Care

While it's summer now, it's worth knowing about care in other seasons. For example, in winter, dogs' paws can become dry and cracked. I prevent this by applying vaseline to their paws daily to keep them moisturized. Be gentle during application to avoid hurting them.

Fleas and ticks are a major summer concern. While there are many commercial treatments available, I prefer natural methods. I dilute apple cider vinegar with warm water in a 1:1 ratio, put it in a spray bottle, and spray it on their fur daily. Insects dislike the vinegar smell, and it's harmless to dogs' skin.

Sun protection is also important in summer. Many people don't realize dogs can get sunburned, especially short-haired or white dogs with sensitive skin. I avoid walking them during peak sun hours, preferring early morning or evening. If we must go out, I have them wear sun-protective clothing. Though they might not like it at first, they gradually get used to it.

For sun-protective clothing, I recommend light, breathable materials in light colors to avoid heat absorption. Size must be appropriate - too tight is uncomfortable, too loose won't protect effectively. I usually have two pieces to rotate, ensuring they always wear clean clothes.

Closing Thoughts

Looking back on my years of dog ownership, I deeply understand that it's not just about feeding and watering them. Every detail requires careful observation and understanding. When your dog wags their tail at you and looks at you with those big, bright eyes, all the effort becomes worthwhile.

Dog care isn't necessarily difficult, but it's not simple either. The key is patience and attention to detail. Like caring for family members, you need to keep them in your thoughts constantly. Each dog is unique, with their own personality and habits. We must learn to observe and understand their needs.

Finally, I want to say that having a dog is a heartwarming experience. The love and companionship they give us far exceeds what we give them. I hope every dog parent can enjoy a pleasant relationship with their furry friend and get through this hot summer together.

Remember to frequently exchange experiences with other dog parents, as everyone encounters different problems and might have different solutions. Only by learning from and helping each other can we do our best in caring for our dogs. After all, we share the same goal - to make our furry friends' lives better and happier.