Tips For Keeping Your Dog Cool in Summer

It's Getting Hot Out There!

Woo wee - our Kickstarter campaign ended after reaching record highs last week. We're now steaming along getting ready to prepare orders for shipment. Which reminded us: it’s getting HOT for your dog too.

Since we’re all about safety at Bow Wow Labs, we’re here today to share a few quick tips for keeping your pets safe in the summer sun. We know -- the summer weather is ideal for gallivanting around town with your furbaby, but remember the “fur” in furbaby. Fur is fabulous but it also prevents dogs from sweating. In fact, dogs only produce sweat on areas of their body that are NOT covered with fur, making it harder for them to cool off in warm weather.

So keep your hot dog cool in the summer by following a few easy tips:

Think Like a Dog

• If it’s hot outside for YOU, then it’s even hotter for your dog. Take walks, runs and hikes during the coolest hours of the day.
• Remember that your dog doesn’t wear shoes and the ground is HOT! Asphalt, concrete and even sand can be scorching hot in the summer sun and can burn your dog’s paws. Dog shoes or “socks” could help, but only if your dog tolerates them.
• If you’re headed outside, make sure to bring fresh water and a portable dog dish so you can hydrate your pet on the go.
• Think about where you can take shade breaks - whether you’re on a hike, at the beach, or picnicking with friends. If there is no shade on your route, bring an umbrella!
• Consider a summer haircut for your dog to shed some excess weight and heat.
• If you have a short-nosed breed (Pug, Boxer, American Stafford-shire Terrier, Shih Tzu, Puggles, Shar Pei, Japanese Spaniels, Bull Dogs (and Frenchies), Chow Chows, Mastiff, Boston Terrier, Pit Bull, Lhasa Apso, Pekinese, English Toy Spaniel, or Cavalier King Charles Spaniel), your dog has a higher risk of problems with warm weather exercise. Err on the side of comfort and safety for your furry friend and keep them home.

Be Safe, Not Sorry

• Never leave your dog in your car in the summer - even if you are popping out for just a few minutes. The car is a virtual oven in the summer and cracking the window will not keep your dog cool OR safe.
• Ask your vet to teach you the signs of heat distress so you can be in-tune with your dog’s feelings and health status.

PETS IN VEHICLES

Courtesy Jan Null, CCM; Department of Geosciences, San Francisco State University