Be Cool!
When warmer weather sets in, it’s time to think about how to keep your dog comfortable through summer. Here are five inexpensive things you can provide your pet in order to beat the Seattle summer heat!
1. KIDDIE POOL. Most dog daycares have already discovered the genius of those brightly colored, shallow plastic wading pools in a pet play yard. Dogs just love 'em! Playing in a pool is a great way for your pet to get exercise without overheating. And, if you have any kind of retriever, doodle, or water dog, the issue wont’ be getting your dog in – it will be getting your dog out. Note: the water should be changed daily, and the pool allowed to dry out every few days.
2. MISTING HOSE. While many dogs, especially small ones, are intimidated by the droplets of a standard sprinkler, misting hoses have become quite popular in recent years. Hang one in areas where the dog is sure to pass under the fine spray, such as an entrance to a garage or near a water bowl. Your pet may not even notice the hose, but will wonder why she feels so comfortable in a certain part of the yard!
3. COOL PAD. These are quilted canvas pads filled with small beads that expand when wet. You simply soak the pad in a tub of ice water, wait for it to expand, then give to your pet to lay on during the day. Re-soak for the next day’s cooling. Note: the pad may actually be too cold for small, short coated dogs; this problem is easily fixed by placing a towel or blanket over the pad. And it’s not an ideal pad for chewers, due to the beaded filling.
4. WET COAT. Great for short coated pets. Wet coats are usually made from absorbent terry or chamois fabric, and, after being soaked in cool water, are laid on the dog like any warm coat. The wet fabric cools your dog’s underarm and belly area, and protects the back from the sun. They come in all kinds of neat colors and designs; you can even make one yourself! Great product, however wet coats should not be left on any dog unattended, and again – are not for chewers.
5. SUMMER HAIRCUT. You might not realize it, but you don’t need to give your Golden Retriever or long-haired dog a full body crew cut to keep him cool. Preserve the beautiful coat on your pet by having just certain areas, such as armpits, pads, and eyebrows shaved down.
If we do get a very hot stretch as we have some summers, the other option is to bring your dog inside your home during the hottest parts of the day, making certain to have lots of water available. Otherwise, have fun trying your kiddie pool, misting hose, cool pad, and wet coat!
(This article published in the May/Jun 2010 Issaquah Sammamish and Beyond magazine.)
