How to help your dog through the heat
Not all dogs thrive in the heat. Here are some tips on how you can help your dog if they are struggling on hot days.
We also have an entire category of cooling products available at Hunni.
Cooling Mat
A cooling mat is ingenious if your dog is struggling with the heat. The mat can be placed on the floor, in the dog bed, or taken in the car for a ride.
The mat contains a gel that has a cooling effect for several hours. On very hot days, the mat can also be placed in the refrigerator before being given to the dog.
It's a good idea to introduce the mat on a day when your dog is very hot – they often quickly get the idea then.
Ensure plenty of water
Your dog should naturally always have access to fresh water, but on hot days, it's extra important that the water bowl is well-filled.
On really hot days, the need for water can also arise during walks. A to-go water bottle or a foldable bowl can be very practical here.
Many dogs eat less in the heat, and some also don't drink enough, even if they are hot. If it's difficult to get your dog to drink enough – or you just want to ensure they get enough – you can give Bone Broth - see here
. 
Remove fur from under paws
Your dog sweats through their paw pads but cannot sweat through their skin. Therefore, dogs also use their tongue to get rid of excess heat.
It can be a good idea to trim the fur under the paws in the summer. This not only helps with heat but is generally more comfortable for many dogs.
A trip to the beach or a cool bath
Something that can really help your dog in the heat is a dip in the water.
However, not all beaches allow dogs, so pay attention to signage.
A cool bath at home can also do wonders if the beach is a bit far away. You can actually even just dip their paws in cold water if a full bath seems daunting.
Take the long walk in the evening
Most people give their dog a good long walk in the afternoon, but on hot summer days, the walk can quickly become both too long and too hot.
A good tip is therefore to shorten the afternoon walk and instead take the long walk later in the evening.
Also, remember to protect your dog's paws on hot asphalt – feel it with your hand or your own foot first.
Paws also dry out more easily in the summer, and a good paw wax can help here.
Dog ice cream or lightly thawed BARF
Who doesn't love a cold ice cream? Your dog will probably appreciate it too.
You can buy both ice cream kits and ice cream molds for dogs and make your own dog ice cream – for example, with Bone Broth.
An alternative to dog ice cream is BARF – both food and snacks.
BARF consists of frozen meatballs of raw meat, and you can easily take a meatball from the freezer and serve it to your dog. If your dog is really struggling with the heat, you can let the meatball thaw for about 30–60 minutes so it's still nice and cold.
In our shop on Christianshavn, you can buy MUSH BARF.
Signs your dog is too hot
• Heavy or rapid panting
• Very red gums
• Lethargy or fatigue
• Drooling more than usual
• Vomiting or restlessness
• Appears dizzy or unstable
If your dog appears severely affected, seek help quickly.
• Shade and breaks
Small but relevant addition:
Seek shade and take breaks
Even active dogs can quickly overheat. Ensure breaks in the shade during walks or at the beach.
Never leave your dog in the car
Even on days that don't feel extremely hot, the temperature in a car can rise very quickly.
Replace physical exercise with mental stimulation
On very hot days, scent work, lick mats, puzzle toys, or search games at home can be a good alternative to long walks.
