It's Easy to Be Cool

I was picking up some supplements for a client’s dog at the veterinarian's office a few months ago and I came across a frantic dog-owner in the lobby. He had left his dog in his car while he played kickball for a couple of hours. He realized upon returning to his car that his dog was not well so he rushed her to the veterinarian. He discovered that she was experiencing heat stroke. When I met him he was awaiting the results of the life-saving measures they were doing in the back room, he was worried she’d not make it. He was a new dog-owner of just a few months.
 
Later that day when I thought about it, I was both sad and angry, I hoped the dog would survive the owner’s careless mistake. In the “cooler” weather of 70-degrees we had an abundance of this winter, it can still get hot in a car, especially if the sun blazes down at just the right angle. A car’s interior can feel warm very quickly.  I still feel angry about the needless suffering on the animal’s behalf. It could have been avoided with a little self-education and conscientiousness.
 
Newsflash: heat is a real threat to pets!
 
Even in the summer months, I walk dogs in a long-sleeve tee and loose pants because I get tired of slathering on anti-mosquito chemicals and potions on my bare arms and legs. Just a 20-minute walk around the block in that attire, my body gets hot. This reminds me what it must feel like to be a dog covered in thicker fur rather than a flimsy cotton tee and pants. If I’m hot, they’re probably hotter!  They pant and sweat the whole way, yet are ecstatic to get out of the house. Pained and grateful at the exact same time, gotta love ‘em.

 We also must protect them, our furry friends.

With Memorial day holiday weekend here in a few days, it is a sign that even hotter weather is fast approaching. While this means lots and lots of shedding to combat, it is also time to explore ways to keep our furry friends cooler when it is hot out.
 
Simple ways to keep animals cool and comfortable:
 

• Does the sun shine on their crate for half the day while you’re away at work? Move it or use a fan.
• Give them access to cool tile, many dogs prefer the cooler surface over carpeting.
• Are they panting excessively on walks? Get up at 7am for walks when it is cooler out. Mornings are cooler than evenings.
• Shedding driving you crazy? Try brushing them regularly until they become accustomed to it, they may even like it. My cat loved to get brushed.
• Ice cubes are a great “snack” to cool animals down, just monitor so they don’t choke! I frequently put ice cubes in their water bowl so they have colder water when returning from the heat outside.
• Thinking about shaving your cat or dog?  You might want to read this article first. There are some good pointers, and good advice as to why simple regular brushing is good for overall health too (page 2).

With some simple adjustments to your routine, you can make this summer (and all year-round) more pleasant for you and for your pets.  It doesn’t take much to help our furry friends be more comfortable, after all, they deserve it.

- Yvonne