Top Tips to Keep Your Dog Cool This Summer
Summer is here at last and with the sunshine, BBQ's and beach days come the soaring temperatures that all pet owners need to be careful of. It is on days like this that Dogs are at risk of over heating with heat exhaustion. Here at A Coombs Pet Centre we have put together a short list of our top tips to keep your Dog nice and cool in this years summer heat.
Tip 1 - Walk your Dog in the Morning or Late at Night
Probably the easiest and most important tip we would give is to exercise your Dog in the morning or late at night so that you miss the high temperatures that occur at midday. Exercise is an integral part to any Dog's lifestyle but during heat waves we advise all customers to stop with all high intensity exercises and just allow your Dog to relax.
Tip 2 - Always take water with you on every walk
It is vital that you keep your Dog hydrated during summer walks. Don't get caught short, make sure you are always carrying a Dog Water Bottle or Collapsible Bowl with water. If you do forget and you live local to one of our pet stores feel free to pop in and we will grab some water for your Dog straight away.
(Always remember that darker coats absorb more heat than lighter coats. Also, overweight dogs are at higher risk for dehydration. Watch for signs of dehydration. Remember that Dogs can't sweat. They cool off by panting, so an overheated dog will drool a lot. It will become tired, its eyes will be bloodshot, and it may appear a little pale. If you lift its skin, it will take longer than usual for the skin to fall back into place.)
Tip 3 - Use Dog Booties
Now a lot of you laughed when you saw them in our store, but Pawz Dog boots are actually one of our favourite Dog products at A Coombs Pet Centre. If you are unable to walk your dog during the early and later hours of the day, this is a good way of protecting them. Heat rises from the ground and dogs absorb and release heat through their feet. Just like boots prevent the dog from absorbing the cold in the winter, they also isolate heat. If you don't want the boots then spray their paws and stomach with nice cool water. A wet towel does more good on the bottom of your dog than when laid on the top of its coat.
Tip 4 - Don't leave your dog in the car
Cars retain more heat than an open area, even if it is in the shade. Plus, a dog can get overexcited in the car due to passersbys or panic from claustrophobia/separation Anxiety making dehydration more likely. On longer trips, make sure you have water for the dog and keep the AC running.
Tip 5 - Let them Dig!
In nature Dogs would dig their dens not out of frustration but to find food, hide, give birth--or keep cool! If it's possible, locate a shady area where it's okay for your dog to dig. Then let them Dig to their hearts content. It will keep them entertained and cool.
Well that's it! There are of course many more ways to keep your Dog cool this summer and we would definitely like to encourage you all to do some research into how you can keep your dog safe in the sun this summer.