You’ve got an ice-cold drink in your hand, wearing a loose fitting short-sleeve shirt and shorts, basking in the lovely rays of summer…but your canine companion isn’t so comfortable. They’re still wearing a fur coat, and shedding isn’t making up the difference under that hot sun. They’re mopey, indifferent, and even the approach of the mailman ceases to warrant a woof.
Summer malaise can impact even the heartiest pooch, and we’ve found a dozen dogs either showing the familiar symptoms or the attempts of their human companions to treat their sunshine blues. With a little loving care, we can help our four-legged friends beat the heat.
Groggy Doggies
You come upon your typically energetic buddy slumped or sprawled on the ground, or against the garage. They’re checked out. They’re listless.
Inability to Climb Even One Stair
Seriously, they’re just like, “leave me here, I’m fine. The elevation of that porch is just too much to handle. You go inside, I’ll just park here for the rest of the day (yawn).”
Uncertainty About Going Outside
If they do come inside, the idea of going out again is far too taxing. They make it as far as the dog door, and then honestly it’s just too hot to care. “Let the sliding panel hit me in the head, I just don’t care anymore. It takes my mind off the interminable heat…”
They’re NOT Having A Ball
Their favorite toy just gets blank stares. Fetch? Are you kidding? SO not interested.
Puppy Power Depletion
Even that youthful vigor has been sapped, that boundless energy vanishing in light of summer’s relentless assault. They can’t keep their eyes open. Game over.
Pooch Paralysis
You’ve tried every verbal cue under the (incredibly hot) sun. “Just leave me here, it’s hopeless.” They’re limp like a puppy puppet with its strings cut. Summer malaise has won. Unless…
Treatment or Workarounds (Success Not Guaranteed)
You may just have to let them hide, lay around, and endure, providing plenty of water and shade until the hot season wanes and their energy returns. But this doesn’t stop some dog lovers from trying some innovative offerings in the interim:
Summer’s Greatest Fan
Note: This won’t really address true issues of heat exhaustion (for tips on avoiding serious summer heat illnesses, please check this out), but the cool breeze might be something they enjoy. The electric powered breeze might not truly help, but it can’t hurt.
Find a Cool Hangout
Every time the refrigerator opens, they get that momentary spillover of chilly goodness. “Open the door again please, that felt so good…”
Pooped Puppy Massage
They’re so pliable, you might use that listlessness as an invitation to give them a soothing rubdown. Take relaxation to a whole new level!
Suck It Up
If they’re going to be so statuesque, it seems as good a time as any to make sure they’re clean. Use the malaise to get in a thorough cleaning; they might even enjoy it!
Just Add Water
It might be the only thing they need to lessen the lethargy is a good old fashioned splash of cool water! Help them overcome the summer struggle with a refreshing rinse at the water park!
The simmering summer season can be debilitating to a dog, but you can help beat the blues. Give them more rest, a cool spot to get energized, and a healthy dose of attention and affection. This will not only give them the ability to survive, but to thrive!
Note: This post addresses silly summer malaise. If you’re concerned about the signs of heat exhaustion, talk to your vet and learn to spot the signs with our post, 3 Tips to Keep Your Dog Cool This Summer.