Keeping Your Dog Cool During the Hot Summer
It’s the responsibility of the dog’s owner to keep him cool and protect him from the summer heat. Did you know that dogs don’t sweat? They don’t have pores like humans. That’s why you see them panting. Panting is a dog’s way of turning on a fan and cooling him off. Here are some ways to keep your dog protected and cool this summer as well as some things you should never, ever do.

Parked Cars
Never, ever, ever leave your dog inside a parked car. Even if you plan on only being gone ten minutes to run into the store and pick something up, do not leave your dog in the car even if you leave the windows cracked open for air. Not only is it too hot to leave a dog in there, but the concrete in the parking lot multiplies the heat and sends it radiating back up intensifying the effect. If you’re foolish enough to leave your dog in a hot car, don’t be surprised to find the police or humane society waiting for you when you get back, especially if someone can document that you left your dog in the car for fifteen minutes or longer.

Wading Pools
Baby pools are an inexpensive way to let you dog cool off this summer. You can fill a shallow one up with water and your dog will know when to climb in and splash around when he needs to cool down. Plus, he could drink out of it if he wanted to.

Sun Shade/Shelter
If your dog is going to be outside in the yard for an extended period of time, he’s going to need a place to take shade when he gets hot. Does he have access to a shady tree? Do you have an awning or canopy to provide him shade? Can you lie under a picnic table, chair, or covered patio? Pay attention to where the sun shines during different hours of the day because it moves throughout the afternoon and what area may be shady at 10 am won’t be shady at 2 pm. Also, think about what times you’re leaving your dog out. During the hottest part of the day is the wrong time to let him outside to play. Try putting your dog outside early in the morning or later in the evening if you are going to put him outside on hot days.

Water
Of course there’s no such thing as too much water for your dog during the summer. Make sure you give him fresh water daily and if it’s really hot outside, you might need to refresh it throughout the day to cool it down. You could even put ice cubes in the water to cool it down or give your dog crushed ice for him to chew on. Keep the dog’s water bowl covered in the shade and use more than one bowl in case he knocks one over.

That’s it! Just following these simple common-sense measures will keep your dog safe and cool this summer.

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