Summer is awesome! Our Michigan dog-owners know that not having to wear 6 layers of clothes to take Buddy out to pee is a real blessing, especially after that 6 month winter we just had. But now that we're in July, Ann Arbor and Chelsea in particular are getting HOT. We've seen 90+ degree days with the heat index rising towards 110! When you're a dog and you are forced to wear a blanket of fur 24/7, that can become a bit much. So here are some tips from the Wags hivemind to help Buddy keep cool!
Try to keep your house cool and NEVER leave your dog in the car. Even with the windows cracked, temperatures inside a non-moving vehicle rise extremely quickly, rising up to 30 degrees in 15 minutes in sunlight. This is a nightmare.
Exercise with caution and pay attention to small thingsthat you wouldn't normally: the temperature of the pavement (if it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for your dog) can hurt your dog's paws so try to walk on grass. Try to limit your walks to the early morning or early evening when it begins to cool down, if you can! Watch for signs of overheating. Your dog can't tell you when he doesn't feel well, so keep an eye out for heatstroke, which can have these symptoms:
- Heavy panting
- Heavy drooling
- Trouble breathing
- Rapid heartbeat
- Dark or red gums and tongue
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Agitation
Extras
Ice cubes and popsicles make for nice snacks that cool a hot tongue. Having a kiddie pool, sprinkler, or garden hose can be a lot of fun for the family and the pups too! In our pet stores, we carry a number of products that can help you out this summer such as:
- portable/foldable water bowls so your dog can easily drink on walks
- cooling mats, coats, and vests that stay cold for long periods of time
- dog booties for hot asphalt
- chew toys that you can fill and freeze
- combs and grooming tools to thin and trim your furry best friend's coat
- Dog ice cream and yogurt!