Dog Days of Summer

August is upon us and, considering that most of July saw heat indices in the 100s, it's sure to be a scorcher of a month. Few of us are fans of such miserable temperatures, but neither are our pets. So while you try to keep cool in the a/c with a nice cold drink, here are a few reminders and tips on how to keep your pet comfortable during these long dog days of summer.

1. We all know this, but I would be remiss to not reiterate that you should never leave your dog in a parked car, even in the shade, even with your windows cracked. Temperatures can skyrocket in just a matter of minutes and your dog can become seriously ill very quickly, and can even die from the heat. Please leave your dog at home if you have to run errands they can't participate in, or save those errands for a time when your dog isn't with you. And if you see a dog locked in a parked car, please call Animal Control (449-1888 here in Columbia)and help that doggie out!

2. Rather than sweating, dogs pant to keep cool. In the humidity of Missouri summers, panting becomes less effective at cooling off their bodies. Therefore it's super important that your dogs have access to shade and clean, cool water when they are outside. Try going for walks and play dates in the early morning or late evening to avoid the heat of the mid day sun. Limit exercise times so your pup doesn't overdo it, and pay special attention to breeds with short snouts (pugs, bulldogs, etc.) that can overheat quickly. Know the signs of heat exhaustion (heavy and continuous panting, red gums, weakness) and contact your vet immediately if you suspect your dog may be suffering from it.

3. Give 'em a shave. If you've got a long haired dog, shaving their coat can help keep them cooler. Don't shave too close though, or you'll take away the protective quality of their coat and increase their chance of sunburn. Enlist the services of a groomer - they'll be able to give your dog the best summer cut for their type of coat.

4. Hose 'em down. Lots of dogs enjoy water, and what better way to have some fun and cool them off than playing in it? Get them a kiddie pool to splash in, or turn on the sprinkler and run through it like you're a kid again. You can visit Twin Lakes for some swimming and beach time, or visit the Garth Nature Area to play in the pond. Just be sure that no matter how you play in it, you've got some fresh water on hand for them to drink when they're through splashing around.

5. Crank up the A/C. Some days it gets so hot the best option is to just stay inside and hide from the sun. There are lots of great interactive toys on the market to help keep your dog entertained on those long, lazy days indoors. Toys like the Kong, the Buster Cube, and Nina Ottosson's dog puzzles, available at local retailers, will help keep your dog busy while you both stay cool in the A/C.

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