Five tips to keep your dog cool this Summer

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Five_tips_to_keep_your_dog_cool_this_summer_oliver_lifetimewithdogsSummer is here and the sun is beaming down on us. It is a fun season for humans and dogs alike. Most humans and dogs enjoy playing outside and taking advantage of the sunny, warm weather. If your dog spends a lot of time outside in the heat, or if you don’t have air conditioning inside, there are solutions to keep your dogs cool during those hot summer days.

1. Cool water

It is essential for dogs (and even for humans) to always have access to fresh, cool water on the brutally hot days of summer. Change the water regularly and keep it in the shade whenever possible. If you won’t be around to keep an eye on the water bowl, consider using an automatic water dispenser (like the Petmate Replenish Pet Waterer) to provide your dogs with a constant supply of fresh water.

2. Always have shade

Dogs may run around in the sun and enjoy sunbathing, but all dogs need a cool, shady spot to rest when they are outside for long periods of time. Trees can provide some shade, but the most ideal shade is from an actual structure (ABO Gear’s Dog Shelter).

3. Go for a swim

If your dog loves water, then this tip is for them. Kiddie pools (molded plastic, not inflatable) are great additions to the yard or porch during the summer months. Dogs can have fun and relax in the water on a hot day. Remember to change the water frequently and don’t leave it in the sun. Also, empty the pool after use so that it won’t attract mosquitoes.

4. Paw protection

Make sure to keep your dog on grass or dirt whenever possible during summer walks. Standing on asphalt or sand for too long can burn a dog’s paws. The best solution is to use dog booties (like Ultra Paws Durable Dog Boots) to protect their paws from any pain. If you have a small dog, you can put them in a doggie stroller until you reach the park or other destination.

5. Leave your dog at home

As many of us like to be outside and go places during the summer, sometimes it’s best to leave our four-legged family members at home. Don’t leave your dog in the car unless the air conditioner is running. A car can heat up to a dangerous level and kill your dog, even with the windows open. When enjoying activities that will keep you in the sun all day, leave your dog at home where there is air conditioning and no beaming sun. Your dog will be more comfortable indoors than suffering outside from the heat.

As a person who loves the summer, I enjoy taking my dogs outdoors on adventures. But I know when it is best to leave them at home if the heat will harm or affect them.
How do you keep your dogs cool during the summer?

5 ways to keep your dog safe this summer

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Summer is a great time for you and your dogs to get out there and enjoy the weather. I know I enjoy hiking with my dogs and going to the dog park a lot more during the Summer season. Just as much fun Summer brings it also comes with dangers to your dogs. Here is a list of ways to keep your dogs safe this Summer so you can have the best summer possible.

via jeremiahjw
via jeremiahjw

1. Keep dogs out of hot cars
People make the mistake of leaving their dogs in the car to just run an errand or two. Parked cars are deadly to dogs in the summer. When it is 90 degrees outside a parked car’s temperature can reach up to 160 degrees. Don’t take your dog along with you during the summer if you just plan on leaving him in the car.

2. Always have water for your dogs
Inside and outside during Summer season dogs should always have access to cool fresh water. It helps to keep them hydrated during the hot days and helps avoid heat stroke. Ice cubes are also a good way to keep your dog hydrated, plus a lot of dogs seem to enjoy playing with them.

3. Walk your dogs in the cooler hours
With the sun beaming high in the sky during the day it is best to walk your dog early in the morning or near dark. Too much excessive exercise during the hot weather can cause your dog to get heat stroke. Also, dogs can get sunburned, so make sure if you are going to be out in the sun to apply sunblock on your dog.  Shade is important too!

4. Watch out for hot surfaces
Sidewalks and streets get really hot in the summer. If you put your hand on the sidewalk and it hurts in a few seconds your dog will feel the same pain. The pads on your dogs feet can get burned so be considerate if you are out with your dog and make sure if you stop there is grass or dirt your dog can stand on. You dont wont your dogs cute feet to get burned.

5. Keep the parasites away
Fleas, ticks, mites and other parasites thrive during the summer season. Its always a good idea to use some kind of prevenative on your dog. Last thing you need is to fight an infestation on your dog that can spread to you. Also, when your dogs come inside it is always a good idea to check your dogs fur for any signs of moving pests.

Now get out there and enjoy Summer!

5 safety tips for your dog this Thanksgiving

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Its that time of year. A big turkey, a bowl of stuffing and family gathered around a table together. A time for thanks and happiness to be shared all around. Even with our dogs. But we cant forget to be aware whats good and bad for our dogs when we have company around.

I am not going to be at my house this Thanksgiving but in the past I always keep my dogs safety in mind. As much as its a fun time for us humans, it also should be a fun time for our dogs. So here are a few important tips to remember this Thanksgiving.

1. Dont share the bones
As much as dogs love bones, cooked bones from the turkey can be sharp and cause tears in the digestive tract. Also, the bones can make a dog choke. Best thing to do is just throw the bones away in a secure trash that the dogs cant get to.

2. Exercise your dogs before company arrives
A well exercised dog is a happy dog. Especially, if you are having company over it is important that your dog doesnt go crazy. You want your dog in a calm state of mind when your relatives start coming in. A hectic house can be a dangerous house. Worse comes to worse, if your dog is nervous or has too much energy you can lock him in a crate or in a bedroom away from everyone.

3. No no to alcohol
There are some dogs that really seem to enjoy an alcohol beverage. Dont leave your glass of wine on the table where your dog can reach it. Alcohol can cause a dog to get disoriented and sick. Too much alcohol can cause a dog to go into a coma or even cause death.

4. Don’t over stuff your dog
I know how it is. With those big brown eyes staring at you wanting some turkey and other food. A few pieces of boneless chicken wont hurt him but dont over do it. Too much fatty foods can cause stomach ache or diarrhea in your dog. Also, in some cases life threatening illnesses like pancreatitis. So, share but don’t spoil this Thanksgiving.

5. Toxic all around.
Remember  onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts and chocolate are all bad for your dog. So, be cautious about what your dog is eating.

I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving with their dogs and family. Have lots of laughs and remember safety first.