Dog Days of Summer

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For humans the Dog Days of Summer conjure up lazy days by the pool, relaxing in the shade, while sipping a beverage with a little umbrella in it. For canines, Dog Days mean a lot of panting, looking for a cool place to lay down and drinking lots of water to cool off.

Humans can help us get through these Dog Days. Yes, we know that we have to go outside to do our business, but let’s limit that time to early morning or later in the evening when the temperatures are cooler. As we leave the house, check to see the temperature of the area where you are going to walk us. Take your hand and place it on the asphalt or the sand. If it is too hot for you, it will burn our paws. And if you are a low rider like myself your belly will feel the heat too. So please walk us on the grass or in shady locations.

Make sure we have water and plenty of it. We can get dehydrated very quickly so if we are going out together make sure you bring water for you and for me. Now I myself like a ice cube or two for a nice reward when I come inside.

Some dogs like to cool off with a swim or by hanging out in a kiddie pool. Others prefer running and barking at the sprinkler or fighting with a hose. All of these will help to cool us down but be sure to wipe our ears and eyes off before we come inside.

If we do feel like playing outside for awhile make sure there is some shade so we can take a break and relax there while we are cooling off. While some humans can just lay in the sun all day, we dogs can not.

Nowadays there are lots of neat stuff to help cool your dog off. There are cooling shirts, bandanas and even beds. Me - I like it old school. Give me a nice air conditioned house with air vents on the floor. Once you position your belly exactly right, it is delightful.

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And as I mentioned in a previous column, please leave us at home during those hot days and do not leave us in a car. We love you and want to be with you, but that is just too dangerous a situation for us.

Stay Cool my friends!


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