Helping Your Hound Beat the Heat
Summer is loads fun but hard on humans, too – the humidity, the temperature, the sweat stains on our favorite shirts. But, for dogs, the ante is upped much higher. Creatures permanently clad in fur coats, warm weather isn’t just inconvenient for canines, it’s downright dangerous. So how can you help your pet keep its cool when Mother Nature has other plans?
Consider the following:
Get them shaved
Not all dogs need to be shaved. Those that shed lose their fur so often that they can avoid the groomers (look at your sofa for evidence). But just because you don’t regularly groom your dog doesn’t mean they can’t benefit from a buzz cut. Some breeds have so much fur that you might swear they’re part alpaca. And that makes summer especially hot for them.
Offer plenty of shade:
No matter how much fur your furball has, all dogs need plenty of water and plenty of shade. On hot days, make sure you don’t leave your pet outside for long stretches at a time. And consider buying a kiddie pool where they can splish and splash. But don’t overfill it – leaving your dog around water can be risky.
Give them cool snacks:
The pet food industry is on the ball when it comes to novel ideas. And that’s why pet ice cream is a thing. If you can’t find frozen snacks for Fido, you can make your own. Consider tossing a roll of meat into the freezer and cutting off a piece for your pooch to chomp on. Many dogs also enjoy chewing on ice cubes.
Limit walks:
Limiting dog walks isn’t something your pet probably wants, but activity during high temps can easily overheat your hound. Avoid activities during mid-day or afternoons and stick to mornings or evenings. If the only time you can walk your pooch is when the sun is overhead, limit the duration to fifteen or so minutes. And take a cue from your dog – if they look uncomfortable, they are.
Cool of their sleeping quarters:
If your home doesn’t have air conditioning, make sure your dog’s sleeping quarters are safe and cool. A water bottle filled with ice in their doggie bed is a great way to help your dog rest comfortably.
Give extra care to dogs with special needs
If you have a pet with special needs, they’re older or ill (for example), make sure you give them extra care. Anything that causes stress or strain (as heat does) tends to have a greater impact on dogs if their health is already compromised.
Never leave your dog in a hot car
This point can’t be overstated enough – leaving a dog in a hot car for as little as fifteen minutes can cause brain damage or death. It can also cause damage to your vehicle; in some states, good samaritans can legally break your car window if they see a dog inside on a hot day.
JJ Keeler lives in Colorado with a house full of pets. She owns three dogs, two cats, and a hamster she bought as a bribe to get her daughter to ride the school bus. She has a BA in English Literature from the University of Colorado and has worked as a professional writer for fifteen years. Her clothes are perpetually covered in pet hair.
