Tips on Keeping Your Dogs Cool This Summer

Did you know that dogs never sweat? At least not like us humans do. Dogs show they are hot from the bottoms of their paws and by panting, so if your dog is panting, quick grab him or her water!

Always keep your dogs' feet cool, Lynne Suga-Rafanelli, owner of Just 4 Pooches says. You can do this by laying a wet towel on the kitchen floor or setting up a baby pool outside, she added.

Of course, she advises owners never to leave a dog in a car, no matter what the duration of time may be and to always make sure they have constant access to water.

When it comes time for a walk, schedule it for early morning or evening, she says, definitely not in the heat of the day. Something that many owners may not think of is to not let your dog eat any grass when out and about.

“You just don’t know if a neighbor has pesticides or chemicals on their lawn,” she said.

Also, make sure your car is not leaking anti-freeze, or your dog doesn’t lick a puddle out of someone’s driveway, because dogs are drawn to sweet scent and eating it could make them ill.

Suga-Rafanelli advises owners not to run or work out with their dogs.

“Dogs don’t know when they’ve had too much,” she said. “They’ll just keep going.”

Elderly and obese dogs, similar to humans, are more susceptible to becoming sick in the hot weather, so be sure to monitor them extra close.

When you know it’s hot out there, mist your dog’s feet and stomach to keep them cool.

What cools your dog down in these rising temperatures?

If you want to give your dog a nice, icy treat, check out this post on cool treats for your pup, which includes frozen yogurt and chicken broth cubes.