Keeping a visiting dog cool and happy

[SnookeringYouTonight]

I've got a young and energetic but well behaved dog visiting today, leaving tues. I'm just wondering what little things I can do to help him keep cool? I know and love dogs but haven't had one since childhood, so I'm just looking for some ideas.

We have a nice big garden with plenty of shade. I'm thinking I'll keep his water bowl topped up with fridge cold water, and not let the kids (or enthusiastic husband 😆) run around with him too much! I have fans indoors obviously but I don't think I want to leave him with one tonight just in case...

Yes I can ask his owner and I'm sure he'll be fine regardless, but I just wanted to show some effort and spoil the doggo a bit! So any suggestions welcome 😊

Edit to add - of course he will only be walked really early or late.

You don't need to do anything extra, just let the dog regulate itself, ie don't throw balls and encourage exercise when its hot. Let them rest and sleep.

Thank you 😊

I did think I'd dig out the small plastic paddling pool, but then thought that might be a bit too exciting and the running around being bonkers might cancel out the cooling effect of the water!

Check with the owner, but ice cubes or frozen carrots can be a good option if the dog has strong teeth. Wet a tea-towel and freeze it.

They're tricks dog owners use on puppies to keep them occupied but they work wonders for hot weather as well.

What breed? Do they have a long/thick coat?

We have a poodle X and although her hair is shorter in the summer, we wet her down if its really hot. She is small enough to sit in the utility sink and wet with luke warm water (not freezing cold). Occasionally she enjoys licking ice cubes in her water. Otherwise, she has a cool, gel mat she can lie on.

He's a spaniel, so fairly long coat.

I like the carrot idea!

We have a 5yr old sprollie so springer collie cross who's got a long coat. We walk early in the morning and late in the evening in a wooded area that has water.
She's pretty good at finding and lying in the shade in our garden. We leave a fan on in the kitchen and water bowls inside and out.
She does love when we get the hose pipe out and spray her every so often.

Damp his top fur every so often too, especially his head.

Thanks all for your suggestions!

It's actually been a bit more overcast and felt less hot today than I feared (SE), so I did get the shallow little kids tray thing out and put water in it in the shade. Despite this particular beast making a beeline for every filthy puddle or pond usually, and despite me swearing it wasn't the case, doggo knew my intentions were to actually drown him in 4" of water so could not be persuaded to get in. The incredulous look on his face was worth the effort though 😆

A carrot is freezing for tomorrow, and a 6.30 stroll through the woods planned.

Ahh, I've now lived longer without dogs than I lived with them, but I still miss the company and madness. Maybe one day...

I hope all of your pooches are chill and a bit spoiled this weekend x

Look up the ice bowl OP. We do this for our pup we put carrots and fruit in (the fruit that dogs are allowed)

It's hotter today.

Things my Lab is doing include having an early walk, sleeping/resting on a tiled floor, going in the paddling pool and eating ice cubes put in his water bowl (entertains him for a bit when he gets bored after lunch).

It's not easy for anyone this heat, but it sounds like you are doing a great job.