Luv For Pets

Making your pet comfortable and healthy in the heat of summer

I know it is hard to believe that the summer heat is just around the corner when the temperature outside is still in the forties.  But in a couple of weeks, the sun will be out and the heat and humidity will be rising. Most animals like to be outside to play and run no matter the temperature.  Now is the time to be thinking about your pets because it is up to you to make sure your pet is safe and cool.  You know they wear a fur coat all the time and in all types of weather, so when the temperature rises so does the temperature of your pet.  They do not have sweat glands like humans but loose heat by panting and through their foot pads. 

Here are some ways to help your pets cool off in the heat of summer.

A.   Clean, Cool Water

It is important that you have clean, cool water available for your pets all times. When the temperature rises this is even more essential. Make sure the water dish is in a shady spot and change the water often. To keep fresh water available outdoors all the time, think about installing a system that hooks up to a faucet. These systems are designed to provide water as needed and are usually triggered by motion or a specific action.

In addition to clean, fresh water, you can give your dog some delicious cool treats like frosty paws or look on the internet for recipes that you can make your own home made treats. 

B.    Shelter from the Sun

Being in the sun for a long period of time can lead to heat exhaustion and may cause sunburn.
The best thing for you to do is to offer shelter. Shade from trees is nice, but not perfect.  At luvforpets there are a number of beds and cooling pads to help make your pets life more comfortable in the heat by giving them shelter.  These items work for your pets either inside the house or outside the house.  Just to name a few of the items you can find on our web site: cooling pads, pet cots with a canopy , to a cooler that has a pump to pump cold water through to a comfortable cushioned pad

A dog house is better to provide the pet with shade. Make sure it is large enough and well-ventilated. Maybe install a fan to help cool things down. Try to place the shelter in a shady area to help keep it extra-cool. Of course, the ideal shelter is your home unless your garage is very hot. If your garage is cooler then the outside install a doggie door to allow indoor access.  You can also install a doggie door to the inside so your pets can enjoy the air conditioning with you

C.    Dog Pools for Cooling

If your pet loves the water, then a large tub or kiddie pool (not an inflatable pool) could be a way to give your dog some cooling. You can find tubs or pools at most big box stores or your neighbor hardware stores. Also, keep the pool in a shady spot and change the water frequently. Do not leave water in the pool after you are finish with it, as it may attract mosquitos.

There are other products that are designed to cool your pet. Some work better than others.  If you decide to try one of these products, just remember that nothing substitutes for fresh water and shade. No dog should go for long without plenty of both.

Remember that dogs cool themselves by panting and sweating through their pads, so cool air is the best way to prevent overheating. No matter what you do to keep your pet cool, check on them frequently to make sure they are alright. Be sure to contact your vet immediately if you notice signs of heat stroke from the Spruce web site