Chris’ Top Summer Tips to Keep Your Dog Cool!

With July and August being our hottest months, it is important to keep your dog in mind when it comes to keeping them cool.  Here are some tips to beating the summer heat and preventing life threatening conditions such as heat stroke in your dog.

1. Exercise your dog early in the morning or later at night.  Pick the coolest times of the day to exercise your canine friend and yourself.  I keep recommending plenty of exercise and I’m a firm believer that dogs need vigorous exercise, but this is the time of the year to back off on the intensity.
2. Let your dog check the weather.   Allow your dog to step outside and feel for itself just how hot it is.  Instinctually your dog will understand why the walks are shorten, or simply come back inside where it is safe.  Depending on the age and health conditions of your dog they may not be able to stay outside with the heat.
3. Watch for signs of dehydration.  Dogs can’t sweat.  They cool off by panting, so an overheated dog will drool excessively.  They will become lethargic, their eyes will be bloodshot.  If you lift the skin over the neck, it will take longer than usual for the skin to fall back into place.  If you look at the gums they may appear really hot red at first then pale as the dehydration worsens.  The gums may also become very tacky and dry following the excessively drooling.  Seek veterinary attention right away if conditions worsen.
4. Keep your dog hydrated.  Different dogs have different needs when battling the heat.  Keep in mind that darker coats absorb more heat than lighter coats.  Also, overweight dogs, elderly dogs, and puppies will dehydrate faster.  Always make sure your dog has plenty of fresh water available to them.  Carry a bottle of water when going on a walk for your dog, and a collapsible dog bowl is a great investment.
5. Dogs cool from the bottom up.   When spraying your dog with water to cool them down start with the paws and stomach areas, not just the top of your dog.
6. Find ways to cool your dog.  If you don’t have air conditioning, find other means for cooling you dog.  Find a spot in the shade and set up a kiddie pool.  Even those dogs who do not like water usually like the pool to cool off.  You can even take a small bucket of water, place a few toys in it and freeze over night.  Add the frozen cube of toys to the pool and look out, your dog will have so much fun licking the ice and trying to get their toys.  Another idea is to lay down a wet towel for your dog to lie on, or simply set up a fan in front of a pan of ice.
7. Let your dog dig.  Dogs in the wild dig their dens not out of frustration but to keep cool.  If your dog wants to dig, locate a shady area where it’s OK for them to dig.
8. Never leave your dog in a parked car.   The car retains more heat than an open area even with the windows open and parked in the shade.  On longer trips, make sure you have water for your dog and keep the AC running.
9. Use hot weather as an excuse to swim with your dog.  Instead of walking your dog, take the dog on a swim!  Swimming with your dog can be a powerful bonding experience for the two of you, similar to the walk.
10. Consider your dog’s housing.  If your dog is not kept inside where it is cooler, do they have plenty of shade for the entire day?  Remember their dog house is confining and does not allow ventilation, so natural shade is required.

Share some ideas to keep both you and your canine friend cool this month, send me an email message and I will share next month your ideas!