So I believe I mentioned this in a post a few days ago but I'm currently staying at a dog sitting client's house with their bundle of energy Bella.
Say hi Bella!
She's 85 lbs of pure black lab throw-your-body-in-a-direction-and-figure-it-out-later ridiculousness. One of the ways I've managed to keep her out of trouble during my stay, is a lot of outdoor time. It's been STUNNING out, especially today. But it's also HOT.
The family has a pool but she's terrified of it. Bless her, she can't even stand when I jump in. She's convinced I'm in trouble and makes quite the fuss until I'm safely on "land".
Plus that jet black coat! - So how do I keep an 85lb black whirling dervish occupied AND safe in the heat??
1. FREEZE EVERYTHING
Toys, treats, apples, anything and everything that your dog likes will be 1000x more fun frozen. Trust me.
Freezing toys and treats keeps dogs cool but it also keeps them occupied for longer because they've got to get through the ice for the payoff. Behold my master creation...
THE PEANUT BUTTER DEATHSTAR!
Look at that face, the focus, the intention!
For this one, I took her KONG toy, stuffed it with apple slices and peanut butter and submerged the whole thing in a cereal bowl of water. Once the first half was frozen, I flipped the whole thing and repeated with the second side.
Truthfully, she picked it up and dropped it on the cement 30 seconds after I gave it to her but it still did last her the afternoon since the insides were frozen.
2. WATER WATER WATERR!!!
Obviously keeping an extra water dish outside is a must, but if you don't have a pool (or your dog is traumatized like this one) the hose, sprinklers or even cheap blue kiddy pools do wonders.
Of course, you know your dog best, some may be more intimidated by a jet stream to the face, but not this one, she was LIVING.
If you're concerned your dog isn't drinking enough, I've found that lots of pups love ice cubes as a treat all on their own. Also, check to make sure their outside water isn't too stale or grimy looking and always replace with fresh when possible.
3. SHIFT WALK TIMES!
If you don't have a yard and your dog's main source of exercise (and pee breaks) are during walk time, consider getting up a little earlier and going for your walks or having outside time before it's scorchingly hot. Use sunrise and sunset to your advantage!
4. PAY ATTENTION & When in doubt find SHADE!
It's important to note that dogs have the asset of sweat glands the way humans do, so their only method of regulating their own temperature is panting.
Signs that your dog could be overheating include but are not limited to:
- Heavy panting.
- Dry or pale gums.
- Increased drooling.
- Deep and rapid breathing.
At this point, the shade is definitely your friend. Obviously indoors and in the A/C is preferred but if you're in a bind move the squad to the shade and have a little downtime. This one was so wound up over the water hose game that I was concerned she didn't have the maturity to call it when enough was enough. Also, she's been glued to me so If I'm in the sun she's in the sun. So, I gave her another frozen toy and took both of us to the shade to rest.
Also, I needed a hummus break.
Please never ever everrrrr leave you dog in a car in the summer.
Even with the windows cracked.
Even if it's for "just a few minutes"
In 80 degree weather, cars can heat up to 110 degrees in only 15 minutes.
This vet sat in his own car in the summertime to illustrate how dangerous this is, please don't ever risk it.
Ok enough with the serious stuff!
I hope this helps jog a few creative ideas about how to keep your doggo cool and happy these last few weeks of summer time. I've seen so many absurd products out there "cooling collars" and "cooling mats".
The reality is, your dog knows how to stay cool. Dogs have existed for thousands of years without USB powered cooled bowls of water- your dog will be fine as long as you're aware of how they're responding to the heat.
Say Bye Bella!
Thanks for stopping by!
Dayleeo
 |  |   |
|---|
