Five tips to keep your dog cool this Summer

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Five_tips_to_keep_your_dog_cool_this_summer_oliver_lifetimewithdogsSummer is here and the sun is beaming down on us. It is a fun season for humans and dogs alike. Most humans and dogs enjoy playing outside and taking advantage of the sunny, warm weather. If your dog spends a lot of time outside in the heat, or if you don’t have air conditioning inside, there are solutions to keep your dogs cool during those hot summer days.

1. Cool water

It is essential for dogs (and even for humans) to always have access to fresh, cool water on the brutally hot days of summer. Change the water regularly and keep it in the shade whenever possible. If you won’t be around to keep an eye on the water bowl, consider using an automatic water dispenser (like the Petmate Replenish Pet Waterer) to provide your dogs with a constant supply of fresh water.

2. Always have shade

Dogs may run around in the sun and enjoy sunbathing, but all dogs need a cool, shady spot to rest when they are outside for long periods of time. Trees can provide some shade, but the most ideal shade is from an actual structure (ABO Gear’s Dog Shelter).

3. Go for a swim

If your dog loves water, then this tip is for them. Kiddie pools (molded plastic, not inflatable) are great additions to the yard or porch during the summer months. Dogs can have fun and relax in the water on a hot day. Remember to change the water frequently and don’t leave it in the sun. Also, empty the pool after use so that it won’t attract mosquitoes.

4. Paw protection

Make sure to keep your dog on grass or dirt whenever possible during summer walks. Standing on asphalt or sand for too long can burn a dog’s paws. The best solution is to use dog booties (like Ultra Paws Durable Dog Boots) to protect their paws from any pain. If you have a small dog, you can put them in a doggie stroller until you reach the park or other destination.

5. Leave your dog at home

As many of us like to be outside and go places during the summer, sometimes it’s best to leave our four-legged family members at home. Don’t leave your dog in the car unless the air conditioner is running. A car can heat up to a dangerous level and kill your dog, even with the windows open. When enjoying activities that will keep you in the sun all day, leave your dog at home where there is air conditioning and no beaming sun. Your dog will be more comfortable indoors than suffering outside from the heat.

As a person who loves the summer, I enjoy taking my dogs outdoors on adventures. But I know when it is best to leave them at home if the heat will harm or affect them.
How do you keep your dogs cool during the summer?

Protect your dog’s paws from road salt

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protect_dog_paws_from_road_salt_lifetimewithdogsOne of the biggest risks to healthy paw pads is the salt (deicer) used to melt ice on streets, sidewalks and driveways. Salt can cause your dog to get chemical burns on their paw pads which can result in a lot of irritation.

The signs of a dog having salt irritation on the paw pads are stopping in their tracks on a walk, starting to limp or chewing at their paws. It can be dangerous for your dog to chew at his paws because many deicers are toxic to dogs and can make them ill.

To help your dogs avoid getting chemical burns or becoming sick from ingesting salt, it is important to stay off of heavily salted sidewalks and roads. If you want to use salt on your driveway or sidewalk, there are dog-safe deicers that will not harm your dog. One way to keep your dog’s paw pads healthy is to have them wear dog boots. Many dogs take time to get used to wearing boots but once they do it can be a paw saver. Also, if you come back from a walk on a salted sidewalk it is a good idea to wipe down your dog’s paws with warm water.

Salt can be a danger to your dog, but if you take the right steps to keep your dog’s paws healthy they can still enjoy exercise during the winter.