Hot dog! The summer heat can be a lot, especially for your mini bernedoodle. To beat the heat and keep your pup cool, here are some tips you’ll want to use this summer.
Stay Hydrated
Ensuring your bernedoodle stays hydrated during hot summer days is essential in not only keeping them cool but also for their overall health and well-being. Water helps to regulate a dog’s body temperature and maintain healthy bodily functions, just like humans. However, because of the bernedoodle’s thick coats, they are particularly susceptible to dehydration during the summer.
So, always make sure there is fresh water accessible to your pup at all times. If you’re going out and about with them, bring a portable water bottle and a collapsible bowl for your dog to drink from. On especially hot days, add a couple of ice cubes to their bowl to keep the water cool and refreshing.
To make sure your dog is drinking enough, keep an eye on how much they drink every day. A general rule of thumb is dogs should drink anywhere between ½ to 1 oz of fresh water per pound of body weight. If you notice your mini bernedoodle isn’t drinking enough, try adding a little low-sodium chicken broth to their bowl to entice them to drink more.
Take Breaks to Cool Down
Our sweet dog friends can’t verbally tell us when they need a break from exercise and play. So it’s on us as humans to take breaks more frequently so they keep cool. For walks and general play, take a break every 15-20 minutes. For activities that are more involved like fetch and hiking, try and take breaks more frequently.
During breaks with your dog, be sure you provide water, find shade, and have a little sit. And don’t forget to take a picture. Why? Because why not? Breaks are the perfect time to snap a cute picture of you and your pup chillin’!
Go for a Swim
A common question asked about bernedoodles: do they swim? Yes, they do! They love water after a little encouragement. Poodles were originally bred to be retrievers and used for duck hunting, so it’s only natural for this mix to enjoy a swim. So whether it’s a lake, stream, or even just a kiddie pool in your backyard, swimming is the perfect way to keep your mini bernedoodle cool.
If it’s your pup’s first time swimming, be sure to take it slow. And no matter what body of water you take your bernedoodle to swim in, make sure you’re always keeping an eye on them.
Use Elevated or Cooling Bed
On hot days, your pup will likely look for a nice spot to lie down that isn’t hot. To help them out, give them an elevated or cooling bed that will help them stay comfy and cool all summer.
An elevated bed is perfect for when your dog wants to spend some time outside. Just like how laying in a hammock is cooler than lying on the hot ground, an elevated bed gets your pup off the hot ground surface and allows for a breeze to get beneath your dog.
If you want to take it a step further, a cooling bed is a great solution. Cooling beds are made from a special gel that absorbs heat or are filled with water and helps keep your pup cool on hot days. These mats can be placed in your bernedoodle’s bed or on the floor to provide a cool and comfortable resting place.
Get Them a Summer Cut
As mentioned previously, bernedoodles have beautiful but thick coats, and they can make your pup hotter in the summer months. To offer some relief, get your mini bernedoodle a summer cut right before the heat sets in. This cut is kept about less than an inch on the body and 1 inch on the legs but with longer hair on the tail. By keeping the hair short, your pup will feel a lot cooler and more comfortable. And who wouldn’t – you certainly don’t want to wear a thick winter coat when it’s warm outside, and neither does your bernedoodle!
Avoid Leaving Your Pup in the Car
This tip is a “don’t do” rather than a “do.” During the summer, don’t leave your pup in your parked car, even if it’s just to pop into a store for 10 minutes. On a warm day, the temperature in a car can exceed 120 degrees in a matter of minutes – even with the windows partially open. Even parked under shade, your car can become too hot for your dog and cause them to overheat. Not to mention, heat stress isn’t the only danger your pet faces. When left alone, your pet could be stolen from your unattended car.
To avoid heat stress and potential heartbreak, either leave your dog at home while you run errands or take your pet with you if the businesses you’re going to are pet friendly. You both will be happier for it.
Ready for Your Next Best Friend?
Even during the dog days of summer, these tips will help you keep your bernedoodle cool and comfortable!
If you’re considering adding a mini bernedoodle to your family, Alpine Bernedoodles is ready to help. We are located in the beautiful town of Montrose, Colorado, and it is our passion to produce exceptional quality bernedoodles. Our bernedoodles are bred with responsibility and integrity to be cherished family companions. Every puppy is raised with attention to physical and mental health and nurtured with love and care. Thank you for your interest in our puppies!
