Looks like we could be in for a scorching summer this year.
The nickname "Juneuary" certainly does not apply as the temperatures are predicted to reach the mid-30s. Do not leave your dog in the car.
Keeping your dog cool during the summer can be a bit of a challenge for some. We aren't really used to these temperatures for more than a week or two at a time and we're not sure what to do for the long-range outlook.
Do not leave your dog in the car.
With some forethought, you can certainly take steps to keep your dog cool and comfortable during the heat wave we are expected to endure this summer.
Do not leave your dog in the car.
If you are blessed to have air conditioning, then you are pretty much set for maintaining a comfortable environment for both you and your dog inside the home. The downside to this is that when you do venture into the great outdoors, Fido will have a bit more of a challenge acclimatizing to the heat.
Do not leave your dog in the car.
The best way to help your dog tolerate the heat is to walk it during the coolest time of the day. This means taking walks before 10 a.m. or after 9 p.m. There is plenty of daylight at those times of day and they are actually very pleasant times for a walk.
Do not leave your dog in the car.
In the home, make sure your dog has plenty of fresh, cool water. An easy way to keep water cool is to add ice, but if your dogs are like mine they may find the ice cubes a curious wonder and drag them around the house, leaving them to melt. To get around this, you can freeze a large ice block and allow it to thaw slowly by filling just a quarter of the bowl with water. You can also purchase a non-spill water dish. These usually have a cover, allowing the dog just enough room to stick its nose in for a drink. You can freeze the water in the bowl, add a touch of fresh water to encourage a slow thaw, then replace the top so Fido isn't tempted to drag the ice block around the house.
Do not leave your dog in the car.
A cool bed is an option as well. There are cooling mats available online and in some pet stores, but these can be a bit pricey. An alternative is to make your own by purchasing gel ice packs. After they have frozen overnight, they remain flexible and ice cold. Unzip the dog bed and place the gel ice packs under the top liner and zip it back up. Fido can't get at them and chew them up, but gets the benefit of the cold bed. I use about four large gel ice packs for each dog bed. Some dogs are comfortable laying on a wet frozen towel, but this leaves an awful mess on the floor.
Do not leave your dog in the car.
Providing an oscillating fan in front of your dog's bed is also a good idea. If your dog must remain in a crate or exercise pen in your absence, then pointing the fan at the crate entrance will give your dog the air circulation it needs to keep itself cool.
Do not leave your dog in the car.
When outside for a walk, during the cooler times of the day, be sure to bring fresh, cool water for your dog. You can freeze about a quarter of the water in a water bottle and fill the rest with fresh water to provide your dog with a refreshing drink along the walk. There are many great travelling water bottles for dogs available at most pet stores with built-in bowls that are convenient to carry and comfortable for your dog to drink from.
Do not leave your dog in the car.
I like to hose my dogs down before our walks to keep them cool before we head out and again after our walks to help them cool down.
Do not leave your dog in the car.
Oh, and one last thing - in case you were not able to read between the lines - do not leave your dog in the car!
Joan Klucha has been working with dogs for more than 15 years in obedience, tracking and behavioural rehabilitation. Contact her through her website k9kinship.com.
