Keeping Fido cool…
June 29th, 2010 | By: Denise Stringfellow
Five ways to keep your pet cool this summer.
With warmer weather setting in, it’s time to think about how to keep your pet comfortable through summer. Here are five inexpensive things you can provide for your pet in order to beat the summer heat!
Tucker Mandel cools off in the kiddie pool
Kiddie pool. Most dog daycares have already discovered the genius of those brightly colored, shallow plastic wading pools in a pet play yard. Dogs just love ’em! Playing in a pool is a great way for your pet to get exercise without overheating. And if you have any kind of retriever, doodle, or water dog, the issue won’t be getting your dog in – it will be getting your dog out. Note: Change the water daily, and allow the pool to dry out every few days, to avoid the growth of algae and unhealthy bacteria.
Misting hose. While many dogs, especially small ones, are intimidated by the droplets of a standard sprinkler, misting hoses have become quite popular in recent years. Hang one in areas where your dog is sure to pass under the fine spray, such as an entrance to a garage or near a water bowl. Your pet may not even notice the hose, but will wonder why she feels so comfortable in a certain part of the yard.
Cool pad. These quilted canvas pads are filled with small beads that expand when wet. Simply soak the pad in a tub of ice water, wait for it to expand, then give to your pet to lie on during the day. Resoak for the next day’s cooling. Note: Cool pads may actually be too cold for small, short-haired dogs; this problem is easily fixed by placing a towel or blanket over the pad. And they are not ideal for chewers, due to the beaded filling.
Wet coat. Great for short-haired pets. Wet coats are usually made from absorbent terry or chamois fabric; after soaking a wet coat in cool water, put it on your dog, just as you would a warm coat. The wet fabric cools your dog’s underarm and belly area, and protects the back from the sun. They come in all kinds of colors and designs; you can even make one yourself! However, wet coats should not be left on any dog unattended, and are not for chewers.
Summer haircut. You might not realize it, but you don’t need to give your golden retriever or other long-haired dog a full-body crew cut to keep him cool. Preserve the beautiful coat on your pet by trimming only certain areas, such as the underarm area and between the pads.
During a very hot stretch, of course, you always have the option of bringing your pets inside during the hottest parts of the day. Many dogs settle better indoors when it’s hot outside, even if only for a few hours. And, as always, make certain to have lots of water.
