It is very hot and humid in Northeast Ohio right now, and even worse in other parts of the country. What can you do to keep your dog or cat safe in these crazy hot temperatures?
Get your exercise in early or late. An early morning walk before temperatures and surfaces have heated up is a great idea. If you can't do early mornings evenings are also a good choice. Be careful of surfaces that have been baking in the sun all day. Grass paths or concrete sidewalks are usually a safe choice, asphalt can hold heat for a long time so always check the temperature with the back of your hand before you walk your dog on them.
Frequently dogs and cats don't drink enough water to maintain hydration. Keeping the water bowl fresh, or adding ice cubes may increase the fun of drinking. Dash, my standard poodle will ignore the water bowl until I change it, then he will take a good long drink.
Frozen treats are always fun in the summertime, and will help keep your pet hydrated. Raw goat's milk is a great choice. It is hypoallergenic and very digestible. You can use it to top a meal or pour some in a bowl for your dog or cat to enjoy. The Bones & Co also makes whipped goat's milk, great to use on a licky mat or stuffer toy like a Kong. Unsweetened applesauce or pureed pumpkin are some other healthy high moisture choices you can add to the dinner bowl or a licky mat. If you want to make the licky mat a little more challenging you can place it in the freezer after you apply the applesauce or pumpkin puree. Keeping your dog busy inside will help use up some energy if they aren't getting their usual outdoor exercise. Bone Broth is another healthy way to add moisture to your pet's diet. It is also rich in collagen, so good for joint health, too. Dog's Naturally magazine has a great recipe for bone broth that is easy to make at home
https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/how-to-make-bone-broth-for-your-dog or we have it available frozen in 16 oz glass jars.
A plastic kiddy pool can be great fun even if your yard is small. They are available in several sizes and usually hold up well to doggy toenails. You can also get two and double them if your dog is large or heavy. If your dog doesn't want to get in the pool, tossing in floating toys for them to retrieve will help keep them cool.Planet Dog and West Paw have some great floating toys that are made in the United States. We move ours to a new spot every day or two to avoid dead grass spots.
Hopefully the heat wave will break soon and we can all enjoy some comfortable outdoor time. Until it does, stay safe and enjoy the air conditioning.
