Baby It's Hot Outside

Here in the Midwest, the mild weather we have been experiencing this summer is over.  Highs have been in the 90’s for a week and are forecast to be even higher this week.  Over 100º today.  Common sense states that you need to keep your pets indoors.  If you can’t keep them indoors, you need to keep them cool.  I did some research on products available to help keep your pets cool in this extra hot weather.  My research focused on dogs.

 

 

 

Cesar Millan gives some great tips to keep your dogs cool in the summer.  One even I didn’t know.  Dogs cool from the bottom up, so when you hose your dog down to cool them off, start at their feet and underbelly.  Instead of draping a wet towel over your dog’s back to cool them down, lay it on the floor and let your pup lay on it.  Or you could get a cooling mat for your pup.  Some are filled with water and put in a cool place for your put to lay on.  Some have inserts you can put in the in a fridge or freezer before putting in the mat. 

 

 

 

I’ve warned my readers about signs of heat stroke in your pets back in July.  What I have recently learned is that hot sidewalks and pavement are also dangerous for your pets.  I know when you think of doggie boots you think of winter, but these are also great for summer to protect your pets’ feet from burning on the hot pavement.  They even have Sandals.  J Think about when you walk outside on a sidewalk when the sun has been shinning on it all day on a 90+º day…in bare feet.  You do the Hot Feet Dance…right? 

 

 

 

I found Kong Easy Freeze Kits for frozen treats any pet would love.  Whenever I drop an ice cube at home it is fun to watch the puppies take turns chewing on it.  Sometimes they play Puppy Hockey skipping the ice cube all over the kitchen.  

 

 

 

 

I also found this Kumfy Koatz cooling harness from Kumfy Tailz.  Covers the dog’s core to help keep them cool.  Used with a coat it will also keep them warm in winter.

 

 

 

Then there is always the good old fashioned kiddie pool.  Put out a kiddie pool of water for your dogs to play in.  Remember to dump the pool when your pets are done playing to avoid getting any diseases.  This is also a great time for doggie baths…although my dogs may not agree with me.  They feel cooler when their coats are cleaned and well maintained.

 

 

 

So…tell me how you keep your dog cool in the hot summer weather?  Do you have a pet that is not a dog?  How do you keep them cool?

Be Well & Be Happy,

Pet~Pourri