How to Keep a Dog Cool in Summer
When summer rolls around, it's important to make sure that your dog remains cool and healthy. Dogs are susceptible to many summer time ailments relating to heat. When it comes to keeping cool in the summer, don't forget about your best friend. It is possible to keep your beloved dog cool, even in the summer!
Instructions
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Create extra shade. Dogs should have at least one large shady spot to spend time in if they spend time outside. Create additional shady spots by using umbrellas, canopies or tarps so that your dog has some space to move around.
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Limit sun exposure. Dogs can get sunburn and skin cancer just like everyone else, so it's important to limit the amount of time your dog spends in direct sun. This is especially important if your dog is light-colored or has thin fur. You can use spray on sunscreen to coat your dog's fur if you are going to the park or beach, or anywhere where they will be in the sun a lot.
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Exercise in the morning and evening. If you normally play with your dog in the daylight hours, switch it to early morning or evening, when the temperatures are cooler. Dogs can overheat easily, so talk shorter walks than normal or reduce playtime to prevent over-heating.
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Place additional water bowls. Double the normal amount of water that is available to your dog. Place large bowls of clean, fresh water in shady spots outside and inside as well. Refill them frequently and wash the bowl every day or two to prevent algae growth and insect breeding.
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Take your dog with you. Don't leave your dog unattended for long periods of time in the summer. They could run out of water or worse. Bring your dog with you but never, ever leave them in the car, not even for a minute during sunny days, winter or summer.
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Leave the fur alone. Dog fur acts as an insulator, keeping cooler air by the skin. Don't shave your dog in the summer as you are ridding them of a valuable way to keep cooler. Also, fur acts as a natural sunscreen.
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Tips & Warnings
Provide double the amount of water you normally do.
Never leave your dog in the car. Ever.
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Comments
View all 17 Comments-
Savvyone
Jul 15, 2010
Thanks for sharing, great post on pets. -
ehudsonj
Jun 22, 2009
I do full-heartedly agree with the never-never leave them in the car, but even some times even our best try to keep us and rover cool, fails! Here is where I wish to add the help we got once - Shadow (she is now passed on), a Labrador-cross(with? - never knew) (She came from the SPCA), was overcome with "heat-stroke" - This kind fella came slying over to us with a bag of ice cubes from the gas station, told us to crush them smaller quickly, then take some and put then on the back of her neck, under her chin, and then work with them around her ears and under belly near the rear flanks I couldn't thank that guy any more - she was back on her feet in no time - and yes on that trip through the center of the USA (I'm from Canada) - It was ____ hot - we needed to do that for her twice more that trip. Hope that helps to save someone else's pet!
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earnhardtjrlvr8
Jun 20, 2009
I have a kiddie pool that I put water in. My dogs love jumping in and out of the cold water. I also turn on the sprinkler and encourage them to run through it. If it is too hot for me, I may run in the water too.
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Lucy Lou
Jun 17, 2009
Good advice, but best would be keep them indoors esp in Florida!
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jenng
Jun 15, 2009
Great article on how to keep a dog cool in the summer 5*
