We have had some really hot days recently, way warmer than usual for us this time of the year. The heat index has been over 100 degrees several times already. We only officially started summer about a week ago. This made me think it is a good time to give you some ideas that some readers may not have thought about to help their dogs stay cooler.
- Keeping them inside where there is air conditioning or in a basement during the hot parts of the day.
- Providing plenty of cool water for your dog at all times when exposed to the heat. I recommend glass or ceramic dishes like these https://amzn.to/4k8a1Hl https://amzn.to/4lr3YPe
- If you’re walking your dog carry plenty of water for your dog(s) to drink, I have a collapsible silicone dish I attach it to my backpack or belt loop, it look like this: https://amzn.to/40lbMd9 There are a lot of options out there, spill proof bottle like this is: https://amzn.to/3G7vfaB A silicone bottle leak proof bottle is nice as well https://amzn.to/3THu8Bo I like silicone over plastic as plastic is known to break down over time & I don’t want any pets consuming plastic. This one has some nice features & a built in bowl, plus it’s also silicone.
- Cooling collars for your dog like these https://amzn.to/4nkE0ic can add some relief from the heat. These also come in a variety of types & styles This next one can be worn on the neck or around the head covering their ears.https://amzn.to/3I1Utro
- When trying to cool a dog off, it is important to cool their ears & paw pads, these are two quick ways to help cool them faster. I had to know this when I had a seizure dog & had to cool him off quickly to bring his temperature down as quickly as I could.
- Letting your dog walk in water or wetting their feet or ears. Echo likes to walk & lay in the nearby river where Hunter will just drink at the edge.
- Cooling mats are another way to help keep your pet cool. These mats come in a variety of sizes & colors & are self cooling, they do this by pulling heat from the pets body into the mat https://amzn.to/46diGF9 https://amzn.to/3TcunnX https://amzn.to/4kYs4kx
- A pool for your dog to splash around in, this fold-able pool is made for dogs https://amzn.to/44lJIYm
- When walking your dog do it in the early morning or later when it is cooler. Make the walks shorter & watch for signs that your dog is overheating: slowing down sooner than usual, excessive panting with tongue hanging of the mouth, tongue getting larger or any other signs that your dog is not acting normal. Stop & rest in the shade of a tree or building & offer your dog some water. Avoid blacktop due to the heat it holds, or close it quickly as you can, stay on sidewalks verses the streets which are usually asphalt.
- Let your dog outside for shorter periods of time, but more often if needed. Make sure shade & water are available for them at all times. My dogs want to be wherever I am so if I am outside so are they. I too have to take breaks so I can go inside with them. I have sprayed them with the garden hose to cool them off, one likes it better than the other, but they both seem to appreciate being cooler.
My previous dogs Sam & Sydney both were water dogs & would go in any puddle, pond, creek or any body of water they could find. Use caution & check that there is not any Blue algae in any body of water before your dog goes in it. Blue algae can be very dangerous & even deadly. It is not really blue, but does have a tinge of blue to it from the photos I have seen. It is slimy & can be oily looking sometimes. Usually in stagnant or still water, if you have never heard of it I recommend you Google it & also find out if it is near where you plan to take your dogs. If unsure just error on the side of caution & don’t let them near any water you are unsure of. Some places will post it near the water or online, but check the water shoreline for yourself to be sure it is safe.
I hope you enjoy your summer with your furry friend(s), be safe & look out for them in the heat as well as yourself.
If you are enjoying my blog posts please subscribe to my blog. You will just get an email when I publish a post, not spam. Please check out the items I recommend, & buy something for that special pet in your life. It helps my blog to be seen if you: visit often, subscribe, click the ‘like’ icon at the bottom of my posts. Telling your friends on social media is a great way to help spread the word about my blog. I have 57 other posts on my blog & you can find the table of content on my main page under the ‘SHOW’ tab in the upper left. My goal is to help others to help their pets to Thrive & not just survive. If you have an idea for a future post feel free to email me or comment about this post or any of my other posts. Comments help me to know what blog topics people like & are learning from. My email is echoinggreatpetcare@gmail.com Thanks, Debbie
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