Help Your Dog Beat the Heat

July 23, 4:53 PMDenver Dog ExaminerBarbara Weiss

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   The dog days of summer have been oppressively hot this year. When the temperature goes up, you can take some steps to help your dog stay cool. Canines can't perspire like humans (they sweat slightly between their toes), and pant to dispel heat. That plus their hairy coats make for a challenge to beat the heat.

   If possible, keep your dog indoors in air conditioning, especially during the hottest time of the day. Schedule walks early in the morning, and after the sun sets in the evening. Remember, the sidewalks and asphalt pavement can absorb heat - your dog's paw pads could be burned.

   When your dog is outside, provide shade and plenty of drinking water. Plastic and ceramic no-spill bowls are probably the best types of dishes to use. If he/she accidentally knocks over the water dish, and you're gone for a few hours, it could prove to be a problem. A kiddie pool filled with a few inches of water can be a treat for a dog who will use it (don't put more than a couple of inches of water in for safety).

   Never leave a dog in a parked car in the summer heat! The interior of a car can reach over 120 degrees in less than thirty minutes on a day when the outside temperature is 70 degrees. Leaving the windows down a bit won't do it. Forget parking in a shady spot - your dog is better off at home on a hot summer day.

   If you own a breed that is brachycephalic (think short-nosed like Pug, Bulldog, Mastiff, Boxer, etc.), be extra cautious. These breeds struggle with the hot weather. Air conditioning eases their breathing.

   All dogs can benefit from some of the newer products developed to keep them cool. There are vests and cooling mats that retain cool temperatures, especially effective since hot dogs (no pun intended!) get relief when their underbellies are cooled. Other helpful products are shade cloth (reflective and allows air to flow through), and small battery-operated fans that clip onto a dog crate, if you need to kennel your dog while you're out of the house.

  Know the signs of heatstroke: excessive panting, lethargy, sometimes drooling. This condition can be fatal. Call your veterinarian immediately. In the meantime, work on getting your dog's temperature down by immersing it in cool (not cold) water, and wait for further instructions.

   By using common sense, and thinking of your dog's well-being first, you and your best friend can survive the remainder of the summer heat.

 Websites to visit to read more summer safety tips, and to buy cool products are: www.dogchannel.com/exclusives, www.DrsFosterSmith.com, www.petedge.com, and www.inthecompanyofdogs.com.