How can I keep my rottweiler dog cool during the summer months?

Question

I live in Texas, and as you may know it get's pretty hot in the summer months. My house was built from the ground up a couple of years ago in a brand new subdivision so there are no trees in the yard, and as a result there is little shade. Because I work throughout the day (without the possibility of coming home during the day) I must leave my dog outside. He has a dog house that he could go in to get away from the sun but he rarely utilizes it. Does anyone know of any other techniques that I could use to make sure he does not receive any heat-related illness. Serious answers only. Thanks.

Answer 1

I have two outside dogs and last summer I put up a tarp for shade and bought a mister from Wal-Mart. It does not use much water at all and they can get under the mist anytime they want. They did great. I didn't run it except when it was over about 90 or so. I also kept a small swimming pool filled for them to get in. Good Luck.

Answer 2

You have a black dog in the summer months in Texas. Outside is not the place for him to be. Males are also more prone to heat exhaustion. I also have Rottweilers, I just recently lost one to immune disease, but both of mine have been house dogs since day one.

Have you considered crating him during the day inside, or can you shut off rooms (if you don't want him to have full access) so that he can stay inside? Most dogs can do just fine up to 8 hours on their own without having a middle of the day break.

It's very dangerous to leave them out, so much can happen when you are not there. Since there is no shade it's going to be difficult to provide a cool place for him. A kiddie pool would be the way to go but you are also going to have to make a shaded area for him. A dog house would be too hot as there is no air circulation. There is also no guaranteed that he would lay in the shade or use the kiddie pool

Your best way to keep him alive though is to keep him in an air-conditioned house. Rotties love interaction with their family and it would be better to leave him in the house all day than outside in the Texas heat and humidity.

Answer 3

Just try keeping fans on. If you're willing to spend money some pet stores offer a cooling pad for dogs. It's just like a little bed that keeps cool so they'll be more comfortable. Keep ice cubes in the water dish, make sure there's plenty of shade around. And if your dog likes water then let him play in the sprinklers or give him a cool bath. Great idea with the ice cube treats btw! =)

Answer 4

The only thing I can add to what has already been said is to get him some "open" shade out there. By that I mean an area that is shaded but not enclosed. That's probably why he doesn't use the dog house much, no ventilation.

I live in Texas too and have two Golden retrievers who stay outside while I'm at work unless it's raining, too hot or too cold.

Just curious... is he house broken? If I'm ever in doubt I leave mine inside I just make sure they do their business right before I leave and immediately after I get home.

Answer 5

About a few years ago I lived in Oklahoma....Oklahoma is just as hot.

Well then I had two Basset Hounds[Now I have three]
And we were suffering from the same problem. We had a little bit of shade but they didnt like laying in the same place all day.
So, we decided to get one of those plastic kiddy pools and fill it with new fresh water every day.
It worked wonders.

The Kiddy Pool not only served as a water pool but both of the dogs would jump in and cool off. And it worked. Everytime they started to get hot they would jump in for a little bit.

If your dog isn't afraid of water, I would HIGHLY recommend this.

Good luck!

Answer 6

Lots of water. However, if the dog is trained properly, there is no reason that it cannot stay in the house for 8-9 hours a day and hold it while you are not there. It is much more comfortable for the dog and much safer! If you are gone longer than 9 hours or so, then you may have no choice but to leave the dog outside, but it is still very cruel and dogs can overheat very easily. If you are gone more than 9 hours, try to get a friend or family member to come and let the dog out to potty.

Answer 7

Get a little kiddie pool to put in your yard and fill it with water. You might have to change it every day to keep the water cool, but he would appreciate it. You could also put a fan outside for him if he will use it, and make sure that he has plenty of water. Try to put an umbrella over the water dish, too, so that at least that will always stay cool.

Answer 8

you could put a fence around his area, and cover part of it with a tarp to create some shade. Also have a large bucket of some sort, FULL of water, one that can't be turned over!!!
Another thing you could do is find someone that you trust to come let the dog out during the day while you are gone, that is if the dog is allowed inside.

Answer 9

I'd recommend creating an awning, over part of your yard. He may not be going into the dog house b/c it will hold the heat in.

Also, make sure he has plenty of water that is kept in the shade, as well. I know many people who have bought a small baby pool and kept in filled in the backyard to provide relief from the heat as well.

Good luck!

Answer 10

Leave your dog in the house. I live in Texas too. I leave my pit bull in the house all day while I work and he is comfortable and cool. Plus no one will come in my house.
Go to Walmart and buy a plastic kiddie swimming pool, put it in the yard for him. My friend's Rotties love their pool. Keep fresh water on hand at all times. Plant some trees for future shade. Put an awning on the backside of your house for shade.