Keeping Your Fur Baby Cool (literally :)

My daughter taking Cuzco for his first kayak ride. He did so great and even jumped in to cool off a few times. 

Summer is here and it is hot! How can you help your sweet fur baby stay cool? While we tend to give them a good clipping, removing a few inches here and there, it is important to remember that your dog's coat also helps insulate them FROM the heat. Here are some great ways to keep your dog cool this summer! (tips provided by Dogs Naturally Magazine)

4 Ways To Help Your Dog Stay Cool

So, once your dog has had his undercoat removed, the guard hairs can do their job naturally. But there are other things you can do in summer to prevent your dog from overheating.

#1 Carry Water
It’s really smart to carry water for your dog on summer walks. You can buy doggie water bottles with a special lid that doubles as a drinking cup. There are also portable water bowls you can fill from a regular water bottle or drinking fountain. If you see your dog panting heavily and his tongue getting wider, make sure you offer him water.

#2 Monitor His Activity
Some dogs who love playing games like fetch will do it all day without realizing they’re getting too hot. Watch for signs your dog should stop for a drink and a rest!

#3 Let Him Get Wet
Buy a kiddie pool for your backyard so your dog can cool off. Or take him to natural environments where he can play in a river, creek, pond or lake or dig in a muddy river bank to cool off. I think this is a life-saver for my dogs in summer. Yes, they get wet and filthy, but they can enjoy hours of hot weather activity without overheating.

#4 Indoor cooling
Air conditioning and fans will of course help your dog stay cool indoors. A lot of dogs will choose to lie on a cool tile floor instead of a bed or rug in warm weather – or even right on the A/C vent!


Provided by Dogs Naturally Magazine. Read more on this here!