Keep Your Dog Cool This Summer

Many people don’t let their dogs in on the fun because they’re worried about the heat and more.  There is Good news!  Your four-legged friend can enjoy the great outdoors if you follow these key tips for keeping dogs cool and safe.

Keep Your Dog Hydrated

Keeping dogs cool in summer requires having plenty of water on hand. One of the easiest ways to keep your dog cool and hydrated is to carry a portable, collapsible water bowl and bottles of cold water when you go out.  Make sure your dog drinks Invisible Fence - Keep Dogs Cool In Summerwater every hour. If your dog starts panting excessively, get him into the shade and offer more water right away.

Get your dog wet

One way to keep your dog cool during outdoor gatherings is to allow him to swim or do other water play activities.  Always check out a venue ahead of time to determine what water options are available for your dog.  It’s also a good idea to bring a few old towels along to dry your dog after play.

Keep your dog out of the midday heat

Avoid exercising with your dog on those hotter days, and if you must, at least avoid the midday hours or anytime it seems too hot for yourself. When going for a walk, avoid hot asphalt that can burn your pet’s paws, keep running to a minimum, and bring plenty of cold water to hydrate and cool your dog.

Keep your dog out of a parked car

With all the tragic stories in the news, this should go without saying — but you should never ever leave your dog in a parked car, not even for a moment. According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Cars parked in direct sunlight can reach internal temperatures up to 131°F-172°F when it’s 80°F-100°F outside.” Even with the windows cracked, temperatures rise quickly – hot enough to cause irreversible organ damage or even death.

Keep your dog out of the dog house

Dog houses aren’t safe in hot weather, because they block air flow and trap the heat inside. If your pet is outside, be sure to keep him or her in the shade when possible, with plenty of water on hand. You can add ice to their water bowl if it’s especially hot to help keep your dog cool when he’s outside.

Know the signs of heatstroke in dogs and what to do

Heatstroke is a serious hazard for dogs on hot days, especially those who are very young or old, or not in good health. Watch for the following signs of heatstroke in your dog:

  • Excessive panting and salivating
  • Obvious discomfort
  • Vomiting and diarrhoea
  • Disorientation
  • Seizures

If you see any of these signs in your dog, move him or her into a cooler environment right away and call your vet. You can use ice packs and give your pet some cool water to alleviate the condition until you get to the vets.

Many of the complications from heatstroke do not begin to appear until several days after the incident — but prompt veterinary care can potentially prevent or treat some of these complications.

So, when you and your four-legged best friend head out this summer, remember these important tips for keeping dogs cool outside.   If your dog tends to escape the garden you cannot ensure they are cool when out adventuring without you, it is ideal to invest in an invisible fence system when a static fence does not suffice.

Fencing For Dogs – Digging Dogs

Fencing for dogs is a key factor, when you create a colourful garden full of plants and flowers. Does your dog undo all your hard work by digging unsightly holes?

If you value a beautiful garden, this can be a frustrating problem. Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take that will usually stop a digging dog, once you understand why your dog digs in the first place.

Dogs can dig holes in the garden for a variety of reasons.

Some types of dogs seem to have an inherent tendency to dig. One such breed is the Terrier family of dogs. The tendency to dig is almost innate to the Terrier since they were bred to hunt animals buried in burrows. If you’re dealing with a digging Terrier, you have a bit more off a challenge than you would with other dog breeds. Fencing for these dogs to keep them contained can prove to be a challenge. Other reasons dogs dig are to create a cool spot to lie down in on a hot summer day, to escape underneath a fence, and digging to stay entertained and stimulated.

To stop a digging dog, first try to determine why the behaviour is occurring.

Digging in an attempt to escape your fencing?Fencing For Dogs - Stop Dogs Digging

If this is happening when you’re away from home, he could be suffering from separation anxiety and is attempting to get under the fence to find you. This type of situation is most easily resolved by bringing your dog inside when you go out and leaving him in a secure area with soft, relaxing music or a T.V. playing in the background.

If your dog’s anxiety causes him to be destructive indoors when you leave, consider securing him in a cage. Contrary to what you might think, many dogs actually enjoy the security of a comfortable, well padded cage when kept there for short periods of time.

A male dog may also dig under a fence when he detects the scent of a female in heat. Having your pet neutered may reduce this motivation for digging. You may also want to reinforce the boundaries of the fence at the base using chicken wire.

Is your dog digging because he’s trying to get cool?

Make sure your dog has a cool shelter located in a shady area where he can escape the heat along with plenty of water. You may also want to consider adding a wading pool filled with shallow water for your dog to use for cooling. Choose a heavy duty plastic one as a dog can puncture an inflatable one with their toenails.

You may also want to have your dog’s hair cut shorter during the summer months and tie a special cooling bandanna around his neck. These are available online.

Is your dog fence digging out of boredom?

To stop a bored dog from digging, make sure he has plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation when he’s alone in the garden. Provide him with safe toys that aren’t likely to cause choking. A summertime wading pool can be a pleasant and cool diversion that will keep your dog from creating havoc with his paws.

Taking your dog for a brisk thirty minute walk can dissipate some of his excess energy that might otherwise be channelled into digging.

If these strategies don’t work, try using a water gun to spray your dog on the head when you notice him digging. If you do this several times, you’ll probably extinguish the behaviour. The trick is to catch your dog in the act and have the water gun ready to work its magic. Never punish a dog after the fact as this is only counterproductive.

With a little patience, you can stop a digging dog and restore your garden to its former state of tranquillity. When your digging pooch is trying to escape the garden, a great solution is to install a pet containment system, this is the perfect solution when choosing fencing for dogs.