We got our puppy during this year's crazy snowpocalypse, so figuring out how to keep him cool wasn't exactly an issue when the only type of ground he knew was snow. Now that summer's here, we're facing a dilemma new to our household — how do we keep our pets cool when it's hot?
Our dog is of the short nosed smushy face variety, which means it's harder for him to keep cool than most other dogs. He starts to really show exhaustion even during temperatures that feel comfortable to us, so we've had to be very careful to make sure he stays cool and hydrated. Here are some strategies we've used and learned about to help keep our furry friends cool:
Fresh, Cool Water: Make sure your pet has access to cool fresh water throughout the day, and especially after longs walks and play time.
Protection from the Sun: Keeping you pet in the shade not only keeps them in cooler temps, but also shades them from the sun's rays — they can get skin cancer too! Our vet even reccomended sunscreen, which is especially important if you pet is light colored and/or has any areas of exposed skin.
Cooling Dog Beds: You've probably noticed your cat or dog spending extra time on the bathroom tile or even in the tub or sink because the surface feels cool. There are actually even special beds out there specifically designed to keep pets cool — this one is a mat that can be soaked in water, and will stay soft and cool for up to three days.
Move the Air: Keep a fan on for your dog while you're gone. Many dogs love the feel of moving air, so this will be a hit with them.
Take a Dip: Whether its a swim in the lake or playing around in baby pool, dogs love taking a swim on a hot day just as much as their owners do. There are many beaches and parks designated specially for dogs to do this.
Frozen Treats: Our dog loves a peanut butter stuffed Kong, but it's even better when it's frozen — more refreshing and it lasts much longer. There are also several types of toys that can be wet, and then frozen for a chilly and chewy treat.
• Get more info at the Humane Society.
What's your best tip to keep pets cool?
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I make ice cubes out of plain yogurt, which my dog LOVES as treats on a hot day (or really anytime :). Sometimes I just give her plain ice cubes to crunch too, especially after coming back from a hot walk.
We bought one of those "Cool Beds" a couple years ago, the kind that you fill with water that is soaked up by the interior sponge mat. It works pretty well--the problem is that it's impossible to get the water entirely out of it again, so when we stored it away for the fall/winter it got disgustingly moldy. Not a problem if you want to just keep it out year round, but something to keep in mind. This year we bought another similar product that's a much smaller size mat. It's a fully sealed up gel pack--you cool it in the freezer and it stays cool for quite awhile after. Works well and much better for storage.
I also keep wet bandanas in the freezer, and if we're heading out for a walk on a hot day I'll wrap one around the pooch's neck (and one for me too!).
My dogs love to bob for ice cubes in their water bowl.
Is it just me or do you just want to grab that face and kiss it?
I freeze water bottles and wrap them in a sock for my ferret. That way it doesn't hurt his skin ;)
We keep the kiddie pool full for our standard poodle to splash in, we also freeze some of his kibble into blocks of ice (old yogurt containers work perfectly) so he has to slurp it out. He also likes chewing on frozen carrots and sweet potato slices.
For the cats, we make sure they have fresh water in several places in the house, and access to the cool basement.
One thing to remember is that the pavement gets HOT. If it's too hot for your bare feet, it's too hot for the dog's! Either get booties for the dog, or avoid the pavement.
My big bro came up with an inexpensive solution that helped his pooch through this summer's heatwave in Toronto: he wets an old towel and keeps it in the freezer. Every couple hours he pulls it out and drapes it over the dog like a cape or blanket - she seems to find it rather blissful!