Dog Days of Summer

It’s Summer! Time for fun in the sun! Or is it? Not for a dog with a thick fur coat. Try out some of these suggestions to keep your dog cool during the Dog Days of Summer:

1. Add ice cubes to a pet’s water bowl
2. Bring a collapsible water dish or wet towel on your walks
3. Let your dog curl up outside with an ice pack or wet towel
4. Set up a wading pool
5. Create a shady, breezy area using a tarp and a fan
6. Schedule walks and playtime for early morning and later evening
7. Freeze treats in water and give your pet the ice cubes to gnaw on
8. Intersperse kibble with wet food to help you pet stay hydrated

The phrase Dog Days of Summer refers to Sirius, the Dog Star. During the “Dog Days” period, the Sun occupies the same region of the sky as Sirius, the brightest star visible from any part of Earth. Sirius is a part of the constellation Canis Major, the Greater Dog.

Historically, Dog Days of Summer are hot, sultry days occurring in July and August.

Needless to say, during the Dog Days of Summer, keep your pets indoors, out of direct sun and especially hot cars. Being locked in a hot car can kill within minutes. So, if your dog (or cat) is panting, he or she needs to be in a cool shady area with plenty of clean cool drinking water.

See your veterinarian immediately is your pet is prostate, lethargic or unresponsive for possible heat stroke.

Provide clean cool drinking water every day of the year, and ALWAYS consult your veterinarian if you have any question about this or any other pet matter.