Summer is a lot of fun for humans and canines alike. There are numerous activities for you and your BFF (best furry friend) to do together. However, the most important thing to remember is to keep cool. Here are a few ways help your dog stay cool for the summer:
1) The Pavement Check
It's common knowledge that dogs love walks. Summer comes hand-in-hand with some great walking weather, but be careful of the temperature. Unless you hooked your pup up with some snazzy paw booties, always remember to try the pavement test. Put your hand, palm down, on the pavement. If you can't hold it there comfortably for 5 complete seconds, it's too hot to walk your dog, unless it's on a grassy area. Don't have any grass around? Those paw boots I mentioned earlier help regulate the heat from the pavement to the paw. Plus they're super cute.
2) Fruits and Veggies...Sometimes
Fruits and vegetables are great sources of vitamins and minerals for humans as well as dogs. But keep in mind which of these dogs can eat. Apples provide Vitamins A and C and even help clean teeth and freshen breath (the seeds and core are poisonous so remove those). Seedless watermelon is a great snack to keep your dog hydrated. Green beans and carrots are low calorie foods that are easy to share. However, many foods are toxic to dogs such as grapes, onions and tomatoes. Consult a vet for other healthy snack ideas.
3) Just Keep Swimming
Many dog breeds love to swim, such as retrievers and setters. It's important to keep your dog supervised at all times in case it needs help or begins to stray too far away. A safe water activity to set up in your own background is fill a wading pool with water. This is great for smaller breeds or for dogs who don't know how to swim. Just beware of the splash-zone.
4) Hydration
Naturally, darker fur gets warmer than lighter fur, but always provide water for your dog. Keep a dish with cool water nearby and check if it needs refills often. When out on walks, keep one or two bottles on hand in a cooler or backpack for easy hydrating on the go. Don't forget to pack some for yourself too.
5) No Hot Cars
Cars are insulators. Even with the windows open, the average car interior can reach well over 100 degrees. These high temperatures can be deadly for dogs, causing organ damage and even death. Even if you're only gone for a short time, just don't do it. Leave your dog at home. If you see s dog trapped in shot car, don't hesitate to call your local animal control or police department for help or advice on what to do next. The dog's safety is the priority. You wouldn't leave your kid in a hot car, so why leave your dog there?
A cool dog is a happy dog!
