Keeping your dog cool this summer

Summer is almost here, so it’s important to keep your dog cool as the heat rises. Here are some tips for a healthy dog this season:

Bring a water bottle and portable dish so your dog can have a drink when you are on your walk.

Watch out for symptoms of dehydration or heat stroke. If you notice severe panting, drooling, fever or weakness, contact your vet immediately. Breeds with shorter noses, including Pekingese, Bulldogs and Boxers, Pugs and Shih Tzus, as well as puppies and senior dogs, are very susceptible to the heat.

Protect your dog’s feet with booties so his paws don’t absorb the sidewalk heat. Avoid walking on asphalt, or alternate between the pavement and grass.

Plan on walking your dog in the shade or during the day before 10am or after 2pm when the sun is the strongest.

Never leave your dog unattended in a car. The internal temperature can heat to more than 100 degrees.

Refill your dog’s water bowl more often in the summer and add some ice cubes.

Provide your dog with a frozen peanut butter kong.

Outfit your dog with a cooling vest to ward off the heat. Soak the vest with water, wring it out, strap it on and your dog cools off as the water evaporates. Or purchase a cooling vest with pockets on either side to hold frozen gel packs.