Keeping Your Furry Friends Cool
yuma2seattle July 29th, 2009
As Seattle records record temperatures, it is important that all of us stay cool. While it is important for us to know what to do to stay cool in hot weather, it is equally important for many of us to keep our pets cool as well. Here are a few tips to help your pets beat the heat:
1. It is obvious, but make sure your pet gets plenty of water. Put ice water in your pets bowl to help them cool down.
2. Just like you, your dog like tasty cold treats on a hot day. Give your dog Frosty Paws (they sell them at both Safeway and Ballard Market) or make popsicles out of low sodium chicken broth.
3. If your house is carpeted, keep your bathroom door open so your pet can lie on the cold tile/linoleum
4. Put a fan in your animal’s favorite room, preferably in an area where they can lie directly in front of it.
5. Keep your pet cool with cold water. If you have a dog, spray them with a hose, put them in a kiddie pool, or put them under the faucet or shower nozzle. If you have a cat, wet a cloth or paper towel and gently stroke the top of their head and back.
6. Keep your animal calm. The more they move around, the hotter they get. If you can help it, take your dog for its longer walks when the sun goes down.
7. Panting is how your dog cools itself down. However, if your cat begins to pant – you need to cool it down immediately. If it continues to pant, you may want to consult a veterinarian .
8. When it is hot, never, ever leave your animal in a parked car.
9. Bottom line: If it is too hot for you, it is too hot for your pet.
Great tips. I have a big dog with a heart condition. I keep damp towels in my freezer. A cold damp towel on doggie’s head cools him down quick. Or I have him lie down on a frozen towel with a fan blowing his way.
See doggie’s photo: http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2608/3764396144_e0d869d36b.jpg