Dogs in the Heat

Yes, my title was intentional. I am talking about thethe pool does not have a heavy amount of chlorine.
high temperatures in July and as we go into August.Chlorine hurts the eyes f your dog.
The temperatures are in the 3 digits. You feel hot- Notice if your dog is having fun in the pool. After
and want to stay indoors with the air conditioner fullthey get out, let them run around the pool so they
blast. How is your dog doing? Have you paidcan dry off. Running allows the air to circulate inside
attention to the coat of your dog? Have youtheir coats. It works like a fan.
trimmed their coat for the summer. One great way- There are cooling dog mats with foam that has
we all try to cool down is to get in the pool. Kate,special crystals that will keep your dog cool if soaked
my 'grandpuppy' was here over the weekend. It wasin cold water, and keep them warm when soaked
really hot in the house, because the air conditionerwith hot water.
was not working very well. We all had a hard time- If you have tile, ceramic or wood flooring, dogs
sleeping. I noticed that Kate was very restless, andmay feel cooler lying on them
when she did lie down her breathing was very- Make sure the room your dog stays in during the
forceful, as if she was sobbing. She really enjoyedday is cool and maybe even a fan will really help
being in the pool with us, and ran around the pool tokeep them cool. If your dog stays in a crate during
cool down afterward. So what can we do when yourthe day this would really help keep them cool
dog is feeling too hot?- If you keep your dog outside, give them shade and
- Make sure there is water for your dog to drink,try to get them inside or at least a patio that is well
because they get very thirsty. You can tell if theyventilated and have a fan to help keep them cool.
are thirsty when their tongues hang out and theirThe rule of thumb to know if your dog is hot is, if
breathing is heavy.you are feeling hot and thirsty, you dog will too.
- It would not hurt to add a few pieces of ice in theProtect your dog and keep them cool. Dogs love us
waterunconditionally, but should we not take good care of
- Take your dog in the pool with you. Be sure thatthem so they are as comfortable as we are?