With Vancouver breaking their record for the hottest day today and no end in sight for this “heat wave”, we all try to keep ourselves cool in many ways, but let’s not forget about our 4 legged friends.
Now smaller dogs have a easier time at cooling themselves off than bigger dogs do, as well as lighter haired dogs have it easier than darker dogs.
Junior himself has been suffering these past few days and here are a few tricks you can use to keep your best friend cool and refreshed (hell these are some great tips even for us).
1. Kiddie pools, swimming pools, or if you’re lucky, a lake: It doesn’t take much convincing to motivate a Newfoundland or Labrador to cool off with a refreshing swim. Other dogs may require more coaxing. Some dogs don’t know how to doggie paddle, so don’t force a dog to dive into deep water. Remember, for a toy dog, one-foot of water is getting deep. Also, be sure the pooch understands how to leave a pool; even Newfoundlands and Labradors can’t swim forever. There are instances of dogs drowning because they can’t figure out how to exit.
2. Sprinkler or Hose: Some dogs bark with joy as the kids chase them with a hose. Other dogs bark as a desperate plea to stay dry. Even for dogs who protest, there’s no denying a hose down is an instant cool off.
3. Cold water bag (filled with ice water) or ice pack. Gently rub on Fido’s tummy. This can be used indoors out outdoors.
4. If your dog must be out in the yard for any period of time, be sure there’s shade and plenty of water (remember some water will evaporate, leave several bowls).
5. Popsicles: Purchase the sugarless kind. If you’re serving indoors, make sure Fido doesn’t walk off to enjoy a blueberry treat on your white plush carpet. (Do not offer your dog chocolate Popsicles; chocolate is bad for dogs.)
6. Cluck-sicles: Make chicken boullion, and freeze in an ice cube tray. When the pooch is warm, offer a cluck-sicle.
7. If there’s no air conditioning, use a floor fan. Make sure curious puppy paws can’t squeeze through the grating.
8. Exercise your dog in the early mornings or when the sun goes down.
9. Fill a plant mister with ice water and give your dog a shower to keep them cooled down.
10. There are now crate pads that actually keep cool on their own, available through catalogs and at pet stores.
I am glad that George Wainborn park has a fountain where a lot of Junior’s friends head to on this hot day to cool off.
Great post, Gus
You’re very right that we need to think about our furry friends in this weather.
One thing: You noted that small dogs are better able to cool themselves but snub-nosed breeds like boston terriers, bulldogs, pekingese and even boxers have a very difficult time cooling themselves due to their inability to pant efficiently. Dogs like this should be kept as cool as possible and continually monitored for signs of heat stress when the temp gets above 25C, especially in our non-air conditioned apartments. In a pinch even giving your pup a rinse with cool water in the bathtub is a quick way to cool you both down.
@ZooeyNuggs was smuggled in and managed to beat the heat today by snoozing under the desk in my air conditioned office but she was having a really bad time at home