July and August are known as the “dog days of summer”. Have you ever wondered where the term “dog days of summer” came from? Ancient Romans associated the hottest days of summer with the star Sirius, which they called the “Dog Star”. Sirius is the brightest star in the constellation of Canis Major. For this reason they thought Sirius was the cause of the heat of summer days.
Today, the dog days of summer refers to the peak of summer, when rising temperatures make it feel like the heat will never let up. Regardless of the cause, the summer months require pet parents to be extra vigilant and keep their dogs from overheating. Heat stroke can be life threatening and can take your dog’s life in a matter of minutes.
Dogs rely on panting and resting in a cool place to keep cool in the heat. Unlike humans, dogs can’t sweat to cool off. Wild dogs typically would find a shady tree or bush to dig a hole under and wait out the heat of the day. Most of the time your dog can’t do that, so it’s important that you help them keep cool during the hottest part of the day. Learn more about heat exhaustion and heat stroke here.
Here are some tips to help keep your dog cool during the hot summer months.
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Keep your dog hydrated
When walking or traveling with your dog, always carry a collapsible water bowl and water. There are lots of collapsible water bowls on the market – here’s one with a no-spill drawstring enclosure.
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Keep your dog cool
Purchase a kiddie pool for your dog. Even if your dog isn’t a swimmer, often they will want to lay down in the water to keep cool. If a pool isn’t convenient, a soaking wet towel over your dog’s body will help him or her cool down. The air movement over the wet towel will have a cooling effect. There are also a number of cooling jackets on the market you might consider. The jacket contains a gel within the lining. When the jacket is soaked in cold water the gel swells up to provide a cooling effect.
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NEVER leave your dog in a car on a warm day.
The sun can quickly heat a car up to 110 degrees when it’s 75 degrees outside, even with the windows rolled down. It may feel cool in the driver’s seat, but the temperature in the back of any car can become dangerously hot by the time you lock the doors. Click here to view a Car Temperature Dog Safety Chart.
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Play at cooler times of the day
Of course, you can always keep your dog indoors with the air conditioning on when it’s sweltering outside, but you can also play outdoors with them – just at selective times. Mornings or evenings are the best when the temperature is lower. If you decide to play in the shade or go for walks, be sure to bring water for your pooch.
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Regular grooming
Dogs can have a surprisingly thick undercoat. Regular brushing can help remove extra fur, keeping your dog cooler.
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Keep an eye on their paws
Do not walk dogs on hot blacktop or pavement. Dogs do not show signs of pain from burnt feet until it is too late. Blisters, ulcers or even serious burns are already present when they start to limp or fall down. Blistered feet should be attended to by a veterinarian. Relieving them with cool water is the first step. Bandages on feet should be changed regularly to avoid infection.
Most of the hazards of summer are easily avoidable with simple common sense. Our dogs want to please us, and they can’t tell us when they are too hot. We have to be alert to any distress they may be experiencing. Enjoy the summer days with your dog but remember a seed of caution and common sense is important to keep everyone comfortable and healthy.
What is your favorite tip for keeping your dog cool during the dog days of summer? Please share with the rest of the Canine Campus community in the comments below…
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