Keep Your Dog Cool this Summer!
Dogs do not sweat. They can only lose heat through their tongue and paws. So help them keep cool this Summer!
Tips to Keep Your Dog Cool:
1. Keep them in a cool, shaded basement during the day with access to plenty of iced cold water.
2. If they have to be outside, provide plenty of shelter (kennel or gazebo or something similar) and access to plenty of cold water.
3. Black dogs or dogs with heavy coats can suffer more in the heat. If you dog seems more hot than usual, try soaking a towel in cold water and wringing it out, then place the wet towel on the dog's bed to help keep them cool inside.
4. Buy a fan for your dog! Keeping the air around them circulating will help your dog cool off.
5. Walk your dogs in shaded areas before or after the heat of the day. Or take them to the lake! Just be sure that your dog still has access to shade at the lake :)
6. Use dog-safe sunscreen if you think your dog might be at risk for sunburn. Protect their paws against hot pavement and/or decks by using boots or products like Pawsitive FX.
7. Products likevChilly Necks are bandanas with nontoxic polymer crystals in them - you wet them and they stay wet, helping your dog to cool.
8. RC Pet Ultimate Cooling Coats - these are great for active dogs that still want to go in warmer weather. You soak them, wring them out and the wet vest act as swamp coolers to cool the dogs down. In stock and retail from $45.
9. Cooling beds - we don't have them in stock, but we will happily order them for you. They are filled with a cooling gel and water to keep your pet cool.
10. Make a doggie popsicle! You can go big or small with these cool treats. For the small/easy version mix low sodium beef or chicken broth with some yummy meat treats. Then pour the mixture into a reusable (or disposable) drink cup and pop in the freezer. Once frozen you can pop these treats out of their containers and give them to your pets as an awesome summer snack! To go big, use a bucket or large water dish to throw large toys like Kongs, treats, carrots - anything safe that your dog likes and that can be frozen. Pour water around your concoction and freeze. Serve in your sheltered back yard or deck!
11. Buy a kids paddling pool (the type that is only 5" or so deep) and fill with water and perhaps some ice if necessary. Keep water clean (regularly change the water) and keep your pooch cool happy!
12. Leave your dog at home! Most dogs give you that super sad, please take me with you face, when you are about to leave them at home, but don't give in to the sad face!! Leaving your dogs at home could be the best thing you do for them all summer. If you are travelling in the car and your dog does not need to take the trip - then leave them at home! If you do have to take them in the car, then don't make any stops where your dog will be left in the car. A car's internal temperature - with the windows down - can still reach 37C in 10 mins and 43C in 20 mins. This can cause brain damage or death in a dog. The sad faced dog does not know the consequences of a little trip in the car - but you do, so just leave them at home :)
10. Make a doggie popsicle! You can go big or small with these cool treats. For the small/easy version mix low sodium beef or chicken broth with some yummy meat treats. Then pour the mixture into a reusable (or disposable) drink cup and pop in the freezer. Once frozen you can pop these treats out of their containers and give them to your pets as an awesome summer snack! To go big, use a bucket or large water dish to throw large toys like Kongs, treats, carrots - anything safe that your dog likes and that can be frozen. Pour water around your concoction and freeze. Serve in your sheltered back yard or deck!
11. Buy a kids paddling pool (the type that is only 5" or so deep) and fill with water and perhaps some ice if necessary. Keep water clean (regularly change the water) and keep your pooch cool happy!
12. Leave your dog at home! Most dogs give you that super sad, please take me with you face, when you are about to leave them at home, but don't give in to the sad face!! Leaving your dogs at home could be the best thing you do for them all summer. If you are travelling in the car and your dog does not need to take the trip - then leave them at home! If you do have to take them in the car, then don't make any stops where your dog will be left in the car. A car's internal temperature - with the windows down - can still reach 37C in 10 mins and 43C in 20 mins. This can cause brain damage or death in a dog. The sad faced dog does not know the consequences of a little trip in the car - but you do, so just leave them at home :)
