As you all know, dogs have difficulty cooling down on hot days as they are unable to sweat. Instead, they regulate their temperature through their feet and by panting. Listed below are ways to keep your dog cool on even the hottest of days.
Ways to keep pets cool on a hot day:
• Keep them hydrated with fresh cool water at all times (be sure to bring water with you on walks)
• Shelter from the sun
• Pools for cooling (children wading pools are great for this!)
• Sprinklers
• Cooling dog beds
• Bring them to the lake for a dip (doggy life jackets are always a good idea!)
• Frozen treat dispenser, like a kong with their favourite stuffing, OR a homemade Popsicle (chicken or beef broth added to water then freeze in ice cube trays)
• Let your dog dig! Create a designated digging area for your dog in your yard. The cool earth is a great way to cool your dog down
• Cold bandanas (wet a bandana, wring it out, place it in the freezer and then put it on your dog)
• Avoid peak hours and walk in the early morning or evening to avoid the heat
• Walk on grass as the pavement can become very hot during the day and may blister your dog’s feet
Ways to keep pets cool in houses with no air conditioning:
• Keep cages out of sunlight
• Opt to keep animals in the basement on really hot days
• Keep blinds shut during the day
• Open windows at night and close during the day
• Limit use of stove or other heat producing appliances
Ways to keep small animals cool:
• Wrap a 2L plastic bottle (frozen) in a towel and place it in the cage in the morning. This way, your rabbit or ferret can lie next to the chilled bottle to cool off.
Other notes:
• Never leave a dog in a parked car!
• Watch for sunburn- especially short haired or bald dogs
• Limit physical exercise on hot days and opt for mental stimulation instead
Watch for signs of dehydration and heat stress, which include;
o Panting
o Seeking shade/cool area
o Excessive salivation
o Increased heart rate
o Anxious
o Staggering, lameness
o Vomiting
o Trying to lie down
o Lagging behind on a walk/decreased energy
Use common sense and assess the weather before you venture outdoors on a warm day.