How to Keep Your Outdoor Dogs Cool for The Summer

Extreme heat is just as hard on dogs as it is on people. Just a few things will help your dogs keep cool outside.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• shade
• pool
• drinking water
• hose

1. Pools are great tool to help stay cool in the summer. If you do not have a built in pool at home or a dog that is a great swimmer try a kid pool. This is a shallow 4' wide pool made of hard plastic. Fill the pool enough so the dog could lay in the water but not have to swim in it. Make sure to change the water often.

2. Do not put ice in your dogs water or the pool water. The extreme temperature difference can cause adverse health reactions. Keep an extra bowl of clean water available even while you have the pools. Keep the pool and the water in the shade.

3. If your backyard or porch does not already have shade then make some! Use plastic tarps, wood, or shade umbrellas (one umbrella is not enough shade. Try at least 3-4 large umbrellas together.)

4. Keep in mind that their paws can also get hot! Try walking barefoot on the surface where you keep your dogs and see if it burns your feet. If it feels uncomfortable to you then there is a large chance it is to your dog. Spray your dogs surface during the heat of the day with a cold hose.

5. If you cannot be home to spray the surface then, put a sprinkler on low for the dogs while you are away and let it cool the surface for them.

Tips & Warnings

• Some dogs need SPF while they are in the sun.
• Avoid the blow up pools because dog paws can puncture them.
• Talk to your Vet first. Some dogs should not be in the heat.
• There are some dogs that CANNOT swim (pure bred Boxers for instance).
• Make sure you are in accordance with your local water restrictions if you have any.

Resources

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[Haoie]

on 6/12/2009 They need shade and water. Poor doggies.