Summer Time!

It's summer and time for lots of outdoor family fun with your dog. Beach cookouts, little league games, leisurely yard work, or just lying in the hammock... there are lots of activities where your dog can joyfully join you.  

Dogs can tolerate reasonable amounts of heat, but when it gets above 80 degrees there are a few things to remember.

ALWAYS carry water, even if you're just going out to the yard.  There are lots of portable dog drinking bottles available at pet stores, or just make sure there's cool water available in a dish in the shade. Check the dish each time you go out with your pup.

NEVER leave you dog alone in the car.  Ever.  Not even with the windows cracked.  Dogs can only release heat through panting, and then  in limited amounts.  They can release some heat through the pads of their paws, but they don't sweat.  The interior of your car will quickly heat up to 100 degrees and more, and your dog will suffer heat stroke, which can kill in a matter of minutes.  If you can't leave the ac on for your dog, she or he is better off at home, enjoying your favorite chair while you're busy!

When BOATING, make sure your pup has a life jacket designed for a dog his or her size.  Even dogs that swim well, like spaniels, labs and goldens, need life jackets in case they're confused when they fall in the water.  Doesn't matter if you're taking a rowboat or a cabin cruiser... suit up the pup!

At the BEACH, keep your dog leashed under the umbrella unless you're taking him to the water to play.  Put ice cubes in a container at home before you leave, place them in a cooler, and offer the  container to pup as the ice melts.  S/he will need to cool down his or her core temperature several times during your beach day.  A dip in the surf helps, as does a cold drink.

WALK your dog in the early morning and evening when it's coolest.  Don't exercise him or her at all if the temperature in the sun is above 80 degrees.  For potty needs, a quick trip outside on a leash will do until the sun goes down.

When HIKING in very warm weather, try to limit your dog's amount of off-leash time.  Some dogs will run until they're seriously overheated and then have trouble cooling off.  If there's a safe body of water on the trail, encourage pup to have a plunge and a drink.

PUPSICLES: A cheap and easy way to cool your dog down.

Fill an ice tray with low sodium beef or chicken stock and freeze. Put the cubes in a container in a cooler, and feed them to her one at a time.

Some dogs (especially the larger breeds) will crunch them right up, while others will lick them.  Either way, the dog cools down.  Pup will also need plain water in addition to his treat.

Dogs love sugary drinks but it's best not to use them for pupsicles.  Sugar's even worse for dogs than it is for us!

Check out these dog links!
The Doggie Den Homepage