July 2007

Summer is here, and it is HOT!

Here are some great ideas for keeping your HOT DOG cool and happy this summer:

Visit a Dog Beach! The surf & sand can provide hours of fun and cool enjoyment for your doggie. The beach is the one place I would say it's okay to let your dog dig a hole to China and get it out of her system! Not to mention the off-leash dog play; it's like having an oceanfront Dog Park! Check out Huntington Dog Beach.

Give your dog a PUP-sicle! Fill the small top hole on a Kong Toy with peanut butter to make it leak-proof, and then fill with water, or a 50/50 mixture of water and low-sodium chicken broth or unsweetened apple juice, and pop it upside-down in the freezer for a cooling summer treat to occupy your dog for hours! You can even add some dog biscuits or meaty treats inside for a frozen surprise. OR, if you want a MEGA-treat that will last all day, try the NEW Kool Dogz Ice Treat Maker - a giant-sized "pup-sicle" maker that lets you fill a frozen chunk of ice with treats, toys, even stuffed Kongs that your dog can anticipate and enjoy as it melts throughout the day! It comes with a stand to hold the frozen treat in place.

Always carry water with you for your dog with a portable dog bowl to avoid overheating. You may want to limit long walks to mornings and late evening, when the temperature is cooler.

Also, keep in mind that hot concrete or pavement can actually burn the pads of your dog's feet, so avoid it whenever possible on very hot days and walk your dog on the grass instead. Or try Musher's Secret Paw Wax to protect your dog's feet from the heat.

Try a cooling pet bandanna, vest, or bed to help maintain normal body temperature in the hot summer sun. Check some out here: Chilly Buddy Dog Cooling Jacket ; Body Cooler Pet Bandannas & Mats.

Get a "Doggie" Wading Pool! You can purchase a cheap plastic children's wading pool from a local bargain or toy store that will provide priceless cool, splashing and wading fun for your dog. Or, you can purchase a pool made especially for dogs, with a separate compartment that you attach to your garden hose to provide a constant supply of fresh drinking water! Dog Dip N Sip Pool

Watch out for early warning symptoms of heat stroke including hyperventilation, dry mouth and nose, excessive/thick/sticky salivation, rapid heart rate, dull, grayish-pink, or bright red gums, bright red tongue, unsteadiness, vomiting, and diarrhea.

If you suspect your dog may be suffering from early symptoms of heat stroke, immediately move the dog to a cooler environment out of direct sun and with cool, fresh, circulating air. Use a hose, shower, or tub of cool - NOT COLD as it may shock his system - water to wet and cool him, especially his belly and legs. Lay him on his side if he is unsteady. Offer him cool - but again NOT COLD - water to drink. Contact your Veterinarian or nearest Vet Hospital immediately. For more information on heat stroke and pets, click here: Humane Society of US

Hope you all enjoy a happy, healthy, and COOL Summer!