Keep Cool

By Margaret Bonham for The Dog Daily

Is your pup a cool customer or a hot dog this summer? You can still have fun with your dog and be mindful of the temperatures when the thermometer hits those triple digits. Some things to keep in mind:

• Dogs don't keep cool the same way we do. They don't sweat (except their paw pads); they pant. Because their cooling systems are inefficient, they're more likely to overheat. Anything that restricts airflow (hot, stuffy areas) and breathing (tight collars, head halters, muzzles) can cause a dog to overheat faster.
• Keep fresh water available. Bring a portable pet canteen and bowl whenever you leave the house. Encourage your dog to drink often.
• Never leave a dog in a car in the summertime -- even with the windows down.
• Other enclosed areas can be as dangerous as a car. Don't leave your dog in the tent while camping -- it can become just as hot under the sun as in a closed car.
• Fill up two or more 2-liter bottles with water and freeze them. You can put them in your dog's crate while traveling for a quick cool-off and use the melted cold water for drinking. You can also use cooling mats in the crate (they are available through some pet supply retailers).
• You need to be the grown-up and decide when your dog has had enough physical activity. Make him lie down frequently for cool-down rests, even if he seems ready to play all day.
• If your dog is too hot, a quick spritz-down with a spray bottle filled with water or a hose might help keep your pup cool.
• Use portable, battery-powered fans to keep air circulating over your dog and provide a cool breeze. (Keep the fan away from inquisitive noses!)
• Dehydration occurs when your dog isn't getting enough water. You can check with a simple skin snap test on his shoulders or his lips. Pull the loose skin up between two fingers. If it doesn't snap back into place right away, but seems to "melt" back, he's dehydrated.
• Signs of heat exhaustion include red gums, excessive panting, looking tired, dehydration, and excessive thirst. Cool your dog off with a spray of water or cool towels on his head and chest, and give him plenty of water.
• Signs of heat stroke include pale gums, lethargy, extreme dehydration, and a very high temperature. This is an emergency! Take your dog to a veterinarian immediately.

Remember to have fun and watch out for those dog days of summer!

Margaret Bonham, an award-winning writer and pet expert, has written several books on dogs, including The Complete Idiot's Guide to Pet Health and Nutrition and A Dog's Wisdom.

Going Swimmingly

By Margaret H. Bonham for The Dog Daily

Summertime means hot days and hanging out by the pool, lake or shore. A quick dip might be fun for your dog, but before you head for the local swimming hole, keep the following safety tips in mind.

Yes, there is a stroke called the dog paddle, but it isn't necessarily instinctive for your dog. Like people, some dogs are good swimmers and some aren't. And dogs do drown. So if this is your dog's first time swimming, start slow and in shallow water. Don't push him to go deeper until he's figured out how to swim properly.

Swimming pools present another problem. Even dogs that are great swimmers often can't figure out how to get out of a pool. Before you let your dog jump in a pool to cool off, you have to teach him how to get out of the pool safely. This involves showing your dog where the shallow end and the steps are. It may take several times to teach him where he needs to go, but be patient--he'll get the hang of it. If the pool doesn't have a shallow end and steps, don't let your dog swim in it. In any case, keep your dog away from the pool when you can't watch him.

Swimming in rivers and in the ocean present problems such as strong currents and undertows. If you're doing any swimming with your dog, consider putting a life vest on him that is made especially for canines. And if you're planning a rafting or canoe trip, use a life vest because a strong current or rapids can pull a dog under very quickly. Your dog might also benefit from rubber dog boots (available through pet supply catalogues and on the Internet) if the river or lake bottom has sharp rocks.

When you and your pooch are done swimming, it's time to shower--that means your dog too. Chlorine or salt water salt can make his coat a mess, so be sure to rinse him off well and use shampoo and conditioner on his coat just as you would on your hair. Use a special pH-balanced shampoo and conditioner for dogs so that you don't dry his hair out. If it's warm, you can let him air dry, or use towels or a hair dryer made for dogs. (Don't use human hair dryers--they can burn a dog's sensitive skin!)

Margaret H. Bonham, an award-winning writer and pet expert, has written several books on dogs, including The Complete Idiot's Guide to Pet Health and Nutrition and A Dog's Wisdom.

Staying Safe On The 4th Of July

Petfinder works hard to help find homes for abandoned or lost pets.  Don't let your dog(s) become one with this infograph of great tips to keep you dog(s) safe when the celebrations begin.