Summer Dog Safety Tips - Keep Your Dog Cool
How To Keep Your Dog Cool In Warm Weather
With warmer weather rapidly approaching, your dog will likely
be spending more time enjoying the great outdoors. Rising temperatures can not
only be uncomfortable for your dog but potentially dangerous. Unlike humans who
can sweat to lower their body temperature, dogs lack this capacity. They depend
on panting to release their excess body heat. Heat can be a particular problem
for large dogs and dogs with heavy coats. No matter what size dog you have or
what type of coat he wears, all dogs need a little extra TLC when the mercury
rises. Here’s how to keep your dog cool as the temperatures rise:
How to cool your dog: Have your dog professionally
groomed
This is particularly important if your dog has a long heavy coat or is a
breed with a double coat. You can make his summer days much more pleasant by
having his coat cut to a shorter length. Be careful not to cut your dog’s fur so
short that his skin is exposed since this can increase his risk for skin cancer
as well as a potentially painful sunburn.
How to cool your dog: Get your dog a cooling bed and cooling accessories
A cooling bed looks like a typical dog bed but has channels that you fill
with cold water to keep your dog cool. Generally, these beds are made of vinyl
which makes them quite durable. You can also buy cooling vests and bandanas for
dog. These items contain polymer crystals that absorb and retain water. Simply
soak the items in cold water and place them on your dog before he goes outside.
Similar vests are used for military dogs, allowing them to stay cool for several
hours in hot, humid conditions.
How to cool your dog: Play water games with your dog
On hot, humid days, the temperature may be too high for you to take your
regular walk together. Instead, why not grab the garden hose and play some water
games with your dog? You can also get your dog a children’s wading pool to enjoy
on hot, sticky days. Be sure to get a durable plastic one particularly if you
have a large dog who loves to chew. How to cool your dog: Exercise your dog early in the
morning or after dark
If you take your dog on a daily walk, reschedule it so you can do it when the
temperatures are the lowest. Substitute a trip to a local lake, a dog park with
a pool, or other site with a body of water instead of your usual walk on hot
days. This can be a relaxing change for both of you. Be sure to keep air
circulating in the car on the way to your destination and never leave your dog
in a hot car for any period of time.
How to cool your dog: Turn on the fans
If your home lacks air conditioning or tends to heat up, leave several fans
blowing in the area your dog stays while you’re at work. Add some ice cubes to
his water and give him a Frosty Paws dog ice cream when you return home. As a
special treat, you can also make ice cubes out of beef bouillon to add flavor to
your dog’s water.
Remember these tips and keep your dog cool and safe during the sweltering
summer months ahead.
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