Hot Dogs: The Other Kind

With the current heat wave covering 50% of the country, let’s take a look at some of the lesser known tips for keeping your pet healthy in the summer and avoiding making him a hot dog! (By now, most of us know not to leave a dog in a car in the summer, and yet…..it still happens.) Here are a few ideas and rules you may not have thought of:

Don’t leave your pet outside all day in the heat, or they will turn into real unhappy hot dogs! If you must, make sure they have a shady place to lie. Doghouses don’t count; they can trap heat and can be much hotter inside than outside.
You might consider two bowls of water, one liquid and one that starts the day as ice. Ice is a good remedy for a hot dog, wouldn’t you agree? Wading pools filled by the hose keep your dog cool and hydrated during the day.

Dogcheapsleeps.com beds are waterproof, durable vinyl that won’t soak up dirt and water.
Hot pavement or sand can burn your dog’s paws. If you doubt this, come to Arizona where Dogcheapsleeps.com makes its home and try walking barefoot during the day.

 Pet supply houses sell dog boots, if you can get your dog to wear them.

Walking the dog on grass is an alternative, as is walking them as early or late as possible.

Pets with short hair, white fur or pink skin can sunburn.

Keep them out of the sun, or coat them with sunblock if you have that kind of patience.

Watch your dog around the pool. Some dogs can’t swim.

If you have to take your dog in the car, load ice packs into his or her crate. Old 2 liter bottles filled with water and frozen are cheap and easy. Put sun shades on the windows. Bring a spray bottle along to spritz the dog; it will help to cool them off.
If you consistently find a puddle on the floor of your kitchen, your fridge is not leaking. Your Great Dane has figured out how to work the ice or water dispenser on the door.

If you have ideas that work for you and your pet, leave us a note in the comments section.