Cool 4 The Summer

Let's take a note from Demi Lovato, and stay cool for the summer! Here is what we are doing for the summer temperatures, and some suggestions for you all to help us keep your dogs as cool as possible during this heat! 

What WE do:

Our walks in the summer look a lot different during the mild days. We change our routes so that the dogs don't have to travel long distances. This ensures 1) the dogs don't over exert themselves, and also that if a dog does get too hot - we aren't stuck far from home. But never fear! Our walks aren't boring just because we aren't going far. We like to keep things as enriching and great as possible. Some things we do:

• Walk through condos where they are long indoor and air conditioned corridors 
• Stop, drop, and ROLL! Shady pavement, long grass, shady grass - all great places to roll around and cool down. 

• Take water, and go hit up some shade. Here we will scatter treats into the grass & do a treat search to enrich those beautiful minds 
• Visit one of the 3 water fountains that are in our service area (one in Liberty Village Park, one along Western Battery Road in Bill Johnson Park, and one at Massey Harris Park). Note, there is a fine balance here. We do not want dogs to OVER drink either (water toxicity is a real thing). 
• Stop and snack on the long delicious grass. People often get nervous when their dog eats grass - because it's often associated with puking. But usually when a dog isn't feeling well, they eat grass to make themselves feel better. The grass itself doesn't make them puke! All things in moderation, but it is really fun for them! 

• We know the signs of over heating & heat stroke - and monitor your dogs closely. For those who aren't sure - here are some of the things to look out for:
  • glazed eyes or looking fearful
  • dizziness & staggering/weakness/collapse
  • excessing drooling
  • dark red or purple gums
• When dogs are hot, we will apply water to THEIR BELLIES and under necks and faces! Applying water to their backs or top of head/back can actually make them warmer. So we apply it to the cooler and shadier parts of the body. 
• We will cut walks short when it is appropriate for the dogs! 
• Most importantly, we aren't in a rush to get ANYWHERE. We take it REAL slow, we take summer safety very seriously.

What YOU can do:

• If you have a dog who doesn't have a double coat (husky/samoyed/corgis/retrievers) and you know they get hot fast - you might want to consider getting a cooling vest. These are fairly priced, and quite easy to use. The one from Canada Pooch is pretty amazing, the chest is adjustable so as long as you know the length of your dog - you should be able to order the right size for them! However, you can also check out your local pet stores (or WINNERS even) to see if you can find one that fits well! There are also cooling bandanas out there - and they are pretty great too! But the vests cover more surface. The vests and bandanas generally all work the same way. You get them wet with cold water, ring them out, put them on the dog & the special fabric holds in the coolness and therefore keeps your pup nice and chilled. If you get one, let us know! We are more than happy to put these on your pup!!

• Make pupsicles or have a frozen kong that we can give your dog post walk! Check out my post on how to make doggy popsicles. Another easy summer treat is to take a kong, stuff it (for this I would suggest something other than peanut butter because that can make your dog thirsty.. so like greek yogurt mixed with water or broth so its nice and hydrating), and freeze it! If you have anything like this prepared - again, let us know. Post walk we would be MORE than happy to give this to your dog. 1) It's delicious and 2) It will help cool them down even more. 
• Purchase a cooling MAT for your dog. This is a mat made with special material that stays cooler than the floor, and your dog can lay on it to help cool them out post walk. 
• If your dog is in a crate, I really recommend leaving water in the crate. I like the idea of dogs having access to water. Of course this doesn't work for everyone, but if your dog isn't one who will just drink it all in one sitting - it is probably a great idea. 

Okay guys, that is all I can think of for this post. Please let us know what we can do to help keep your pups cool during the summer. And here is Demi Lovato to help get your Friday going!