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I have a dog, and the summer months can be an anxious time. After all, I began wondering how to keep my dog cool in the heat. How is this possible when it’s hot outside? As temperatures rise and days grow shorter, dogs are at risk for heatstroke. Thankfully, I found some simple things that pet owners can do to help their furry friends stay safe in the summertime.

Hydration

Dogs need water to stay healthy in the summer. They cannot sweat as humans do, so they need water to cool down when it is hot outside. How much water your dog needs will vary based on their activity levels, size, the thickness of their coat, and what conditions they’re exposed to during the day.

Whether your beloved dog spends most of its time in your home or outside, provide plenty of water (ideally divided into multiple bowls) to prevent dehydration. When looking for different ways to keep my dog cool in the heat, I increased the amount of water in his current bowl and placed out a few more for good measure.

Consider installing a running water fountain either indoors or outdoors. Make sure your plumbing gets fixed before you do this, as the water running through the fountain may create additional pressure or affect the current pressure your home has.

Multiple Fans

If your neck of the woods stays hot all the time and has no real break from the heat, your dog might not know how to deal with the heat, especially if you’ve just moved there from a different climate. I was fortunate enough to have found this out over my last two years at college, where there is a slight variation in weather from season to season.

Placing multiple fans around my home in safe places was another way I learned how to keep my dog cool in the heat. When you set them up, make sure they’re set up in areas where the dog’s tail or fur won’t become entangled in it and that the fan won’t be knocked over. Multiple fans will circulate the air, which may help cool them off. For those of us worried about our electrical bill, numerous fans can be plugged into power strips and timed to only turn on during extreme heat spells, such as a power-saving mode where the fan will only kick on when needed.

Veterinary Care

When I wondered how to keep my dog cool in the heat, I asked my veterinarian for more tips. I was surprised to learn that animals have a more challenging time staying cool in the summer because they can’t release heat from their bodies like humans. This inability leaves them vulnerable to heatstroke, which is an immediate emergency and requires veterinary care.

Animals need to see their veterinarian during the summer months to be checked for any underlying medical problems and advised on how best to keep cool. Various underlying health conditions can be irritated by hot weather, and your breed may need specialized care to avoid becoming overheated quickly. Other severe medical conditions that can be triggered by excessive heat include heat exhaustion and kidney failure.

Watch for Warning Signs

In addition to the excessive panting and lethargy that may indicate heat exhaustion and already overheated pets, there are some other warning signs that you should watch for if your dog is uncomfortable in the heat. I learned when exploring different ways on how to keep my dog cool in the heat that one sign of a pet that’s about to overheat includes a tongue that’s either bright red or blue-tinged because the blood isn’t getting sufficient oxygen. Excessive drooling is another common sign, as dogs try to cool their bodies through the evaporation of saliva. Teeth chattering, an increase in heart rate and abnormal behavior can also be symptoms as the heat overcomes them.

Time the Exercise

When learning different ways to keep my dog cool in the heat, I realized that the hottest parts of the day vary based on your physical location in the world. If you live closer to the equator or near places that experience high humidity, you may experience more extended periods of the day when the heat is more intense. One way to keep your pet from overheating in these situations is to make sure that you exercise them early in the morning or later at night when it’s cooler. You should also try not to exercise them during the peak hours of the day.

Make Sure Dogs Aren’t Overweight

One of my new colleagues informed me that her pet was overweight, causing him problems with staying cool in hot weather conditions. When looking to keep my dog cool in the heat, I considered my dog’s weight. The excess weight made him hotter when outside playing in the summer heat than other dogs his age who weren’t as heavy. It’s suggested regular exercise along with a diet change to reduce some of this extra weight.

Cooling Pet Clothing

While actively seeking methods on how to keep my dog cool in the heat, I learned about special cooling vests or bandanas. They’re especially helpful if your pup tends to overheat or already has medical concerns. These special cooling vests and bandanas use either water, gel packs, or a chemical reaction to absorb heat from your dog’s body and then release the cool air back into it. They’re designed to operate for several hours before needing to be recharged in some way. Outside of this specially made pet clothing, dogs shouldn’t be dressed too heavily, or their body temperature can increase.

Grooming

Regular grooming, including bathing, and brushing can help your dog’s fur to avoid becoming caked with mud or dirt, which acts as an insulator. If your dog likes to play in the soil and earth, but it’s going to be hot, you must clean your dog regularly. If the coat becomes matted with dried dirt or mud, the dog can become overheated.

Build Adequate Outdoor Shelter

Building an adequate outdoor shelter is perhaps one of the simplest but most important things you can do for your dog if temperatures rise above what they’re accustomed to and provides a cool place for them to rest. I considered precisely doing this for my fur baby when learning how to keep my dog cool in the heat. Everyone’s outdoor situation is different and careful consideration should be given to design and solutions. This type of solution might mean erecting a tarp over their favorite sleeping area, building an air-conditioned kennel, or even covering their kennel with shade cloths or sheets soaked with cold water and then left to evaporate.

• Place the structure or shelter in an area where there will be shade for most of the day.
• Build a larger doghouse or a dog run with a roof over it. Consult a qualified residential roofer to help with this if necessary.

Be careful with any do-it-yourself solutions and keep all wires, cords, and electronics out of the weather elements and away from chewing teeth.

Pool Play

Some people’s homes are fortunate enough to have a pool in their backyard. If this is the case, make sure you perform the necessary swimming pool maintenance with keeping in mind that your dog will be floating around. Having your dog in the pool may introduce additional contaminants into the pool, and this might cause other pool repairs.

When I wanted to know how to keep my dog cool in the heat, I took my dog to my friend’s backyard pool, and they informed me that their dogs wanted to be in the pool all the time. They also said that they had to empty the pool, drain it for maintenance once a month, and clean out all the bleach. This information was beneficial because I didn’t realize there could be so many chemicals from the dog’s hair, things shed into the pool, and even peeing in the water, that could increase the need for pool repair and the expense that it comes with.

If you don’t have a pool in your yard or above ground, then consider purchasing a small child-size pool and filling it with water from the hose. Your dog might enjoy getting to play in the water and cooling off. Just be sure that there is no unsupervised interaction with a pool while you are not watching, especially if your dog is not well-trained or isn’t familiar with a pool. Also, make sure there’s nothing dangerous around, such as sharp objects or poisonous plants that could be consumed accidentally.

Air Conditioning

The best way I learned how to help my dog stay cool in the heat is the time-tested usage of air conditioning. Air conditioning can be set slightly higher when you’re gone and cooler when you’re home, but it should still provide a comfortable temperature in your home for your pet at any time of day or night. If you don’t have one, consider getting an HVAC installation completed, giving your home an air conditioning unit. You can do many things to utilize the most efficient use of air conditioning to help keep your dog cooler.

• Keep the windows closed so the air conditioning can run without competition from the outside air.
• Have regular maintenance performed on the HVAC system.
• Replace the filters at least monthly, more during high heat or high pollution seasons.
• Consider getting an air conditioning system replacement if your current one is outdated or in significant need of repair.

Being a Wet Dog is a Good Thing

In the absence of having air conditioning, extra fans, or a pool to play in, simply getting wet and drying off naturally can help. Wet your dog down with a hose or in the bathtub and let them dry naturally. You’ll want to cover your furniture with protective materials to prevent your dog from wrecking your favorites.

Food Play

Consider giving your dogs cool food and snacks, like ice cubes or frozen yogurt topped with their favorite dog-safe flavorings. When you’re providing extra liquids for your dog, avoid any liquids containing added sugar because sugars remove the protective coating on the tongue and aren’t good for their health.

When exploring different ways on how to keep my dog cool in the heat, I learned that some pets prefer cold drinks over ice cubes or frozen treats because it’s easier on their teeth than chewing ice. Just like some humans choose to drink their water ice-cold, so might your pet. For finicky dogs, some people find it helpful to drop ice cubes in their water bowls, letting the ice melt, and this is enough to encourage their dogs to drink more liquids.

Flooring Awareness

Because dogs can spend a considerable amount of time lying on the floor, be aware that carpet flooring can become uncomfortably warm. Hardwood or tile can provide a cooling effect. If you are thinking about getting rid of your carpets and doing a hardwood floor install anyway, this is a great time to consider it.

Dogs also like being outside on decks. You’ll want to consider the type of deck you have. If it’s wood or outdoor tile, then a shaded area will be all that is needed. If it is a composite material that resembles wood, then it might cause the skin to react like it’s up against plastic in the heat. Consider adding a cooling cot for the dog to sleep on during the warmer months.

There may be other ways you can keep your pet safe this summer, but this list gives a surprisingly good start. Your four-legged friend depends on you to keep them happy and healthy!

You can build your own dog run so that your pup has a place to get outdoors and enjoy the weather while they enjoy a little freedom. A well-adjusted dog is a pleasure. A dog run can help you to provide a great lifestyle for your furry friend.

Making sure your pup has a place to call their own in the yard serves a couple of different purposes with many benefits for both the dog and the two-legged family members. You can build your own dog run in a few hours. Learn how to build your own dog run and start enjoying all the benefits.

How Can Your Dog Benefit From Having A Designated Space?

You may think that because your dog loves you so much that all they need is to spend time with you indoors. The fact is keeping a dog in the house day in and day out with walk breaks in between actually goes against your dog’s natural instinct. Dogs love being outdoors and a dog run promotes exercise which is vital for your pets physical and emotional health.

Put yourself in your pup’s paws. Imagine if day in and day out you had nothing to do but roam around the house and wait until someone grabbed the leash. How boring that would be. Of course, bored dogs can easily turn into destructive dogs that like to do things like eat shoes, or dig around in the carpet.

When you build your own dog run you are taking the steps necessary to give your dog a safe space outdoors where they can get exercise and stimulation that they cannot find by sitting in the house. All the smells and sights outdoors are invigorating for your pet. A dog run can help to keep your pooch stimulated.

When you build your own dog run following some simple steps you will encourage your pup to get the exercise that they need which will help to keep them in good health. Next time you need to visit your vet at the animal hospital ask them what they think about having a secure area outdoors made especially for your pup. You will hear all about the benefits of a pup that gets enough exercise.

Here are some benefits that your dog will enjoy after you build your own dog run:

• Safety. Turning your dog loose in the yard may seem like a safe way to get them outside, but there are dangers all over the yard that you may not even realize exist. Certain plants are poisonous to dogs. Weed killers and other chemical residues can be a danger to your dog. A dog run can be the safest way to give your dog some freedom.
• If you live in a community with very nearby neighbors you can build your own dog run if you do not want to fence in the entire yard. Your dog will be less of a nuisance to the neighbors if they are able to go outdoors and be contained which can also be safer for your dog.
• It will give them something to look forward to. Most dogs love the idea of being out in the “wild” on their own for a little while. When you build your own dog run you are giving your dog the opportunity to have some freedom.

In the US we love dogs, there are over 89 million pet dogs, and most dog people will do anything to ensure that their fur baby is well adjusted and stays healthy. Taking the time to build your own dog run with an affordable custom fence is an easy way to make sure you are doing all you can to keep your pup on the right track both physically and emotionally.

Benefits for The Two Legged Residents

Making the decision to build your own dog run by erecting a fence in the yard is not only a good idea for your dog but it is a good idea for the humans that share the space. A dog run is a great way to designate an area away from play spaces for the children and the garden for your dog.

A dog run ( dog kennel) ensures that your pup has free reign in that designated space and you can worry less about them getting injured in the yard. Your gardens will stay safe from a dog that likes to dig, and you can worry less about yard art and furnishings.

You do not have to get too fancy when you build your own dog run, it just takes some basic materials and maybe some exterior lighting if you want to ensure that your put can use the run in the evenings. Giving your dog a place of their own in the yard is good for everyone in the family, and for your property.

There is nothing better than knowing you are doing everything in your power to keep your pup safe and out of harm’s way. Of course, it is also nice when you and your dog can live in harmony. It is a great feeling knowing that you can open the door take your dog outside and not have to worry that they are in any type of danger and that your property is not getting destroyed. It makes for a much happier home for everyone.

How To Build Your Own Dog Run

The Humane Society has some recommendations to help you build your own dog run. The first step to build your own dog run is to decide where you want it to be in the yard. Choosing the location is an important step.

Look for spots in the yard that are naturally shaded and that will be easy to clear. You may want to consider contacting a company that offers lawn spraying services that include weed and grass removal. Starting with a dirt base can be best.

Once you have your location picked out it is time to get started preparing the space. You can get all the supplies you need from a fence company. The Humane Society recommends that you make the run longer than it is wider to encourage exercise. The experts say 10 feet long by 3 feet wide is the ideal size for a medium to large-sized dog.

Pick your ground cover. Let’s face facts grass is not going to survive in the dog run but there are some ground covers that work great including:

• Pine and Cyprus mulch. Before you use Pine or Cyprus mulch you may want to have your dog tested for allergies to these materials.
• Sand. Sand can be a good option which typically is allergen-free but may not be the best option if you live in a very hot climate where the sand can heat up.
• Artificial turf. If you are committed to having a uniform backyard and want to keep everything looking green artificial turf can be a great solution. It is easy to clean and looks a lot like the real thing.

When you build your own dog run, keep in mind that you will need a ground cover that you can easily keep clean whether by raking it or hosing it off. It is strongly suggested that you do not leave the ground uncovered because viruses, parasites, and other unwanted risks can easily develop in uncovered dirt.

You can do what a lot of property maintenance companies do for community dog parks. They use a layer of pea gravel that is about two inches thick then cover it up with rubber mulch. The pea gravel ensures drainage while the rubber mulch is good for the paws.

Once you have your space picked out, and your ground cover picked out it is time to order your fencing supplies. Depending on the size of your dog, you can choose between a three-foot, four foot, or even a six-foot fence. How high you go with the fence depends on how high your dog can jump, and whether they are diggers or not. Obviously, the bigger the dog the higher the fence.

Gather Your Supplies

It is best to order all the supplies that you are going to need click that garage door opener and store everything until the day you are ready to get started. Having all the supplies in one place will ensure that you can get the job done quickly.

When you order the supplies to build your own dog run consider that your dog will need a place to get out of the heat. Order materials so that you can build a shelter on top of the run, if you think that may be more building than you want to commit to, then consider ordering a dog house that can be placed inside the dog run.

Make sure you do not forget to order water supplies for the dog run. Investing in an automatic waterer will ensure your pup always has a supply of fresh clean water while they are outdoors.

Some other supplies that you should order at the same time are:

• Quikrete Cement to secure the fence posts.
• A post hole digger if you do not have one.
• Cement pavers for the exterior of the fence if you have a digger.

Make a checklist of the materials that you will need to build your own dog run before you get started to ensure that you have everything that you will need on hand. There is nothing worse than having to stop a project because you do not have the supplies you need.

Get To Work

You have all your supplies, picked your spot, now the only thing left to do is get the project underway. Here are the steps to build your own dog run:

• Step1. Rake the space and tamp down the ground using a tamper. Once you have a flat surface get out your tape measure and decide where the fence posts will go and mark each spot with landscaping marking paint.
• Step 2. You can hand dig the post holes or you can use a post digger. Cementing in the posts will ensure that they are sturdy.
• Step 3. Stretch the fencing material across the posts. If your dog is a digger, consider sinking the fencing material below the dirt line by digging a trench that is three or four inches deep and placing the fencing in the trench as you stretch it from post to post.
• Step 4. Spread the ground cover, place the shelter, and add the water supplies, and you are done.

The hardest part when you build your own dog run is digging the post holes. Everything else is a breeze. This is a one day project. If you have some help you can probably get it done in less than a day.

Add On Options

You can keep it really simple when you build your own dog run or you can add some custom touches. For example, creating a “patio space” for your dog in the dog run can make their dog run feel more like a true doggy backyard. All you need are some pavers to create a hard surface space for your pup within the run.

We hit on the idea of exterior lighting for the dog run. Exterior lighting can be a great way to provide light for your pup and to dress up space. Solar lights are readily available which means you do not have to worry about running electricity to the area.

A simple roof can be added to the dog run to ensure your pup enjoys a cooler shady location while they are in their run. There are plenty of ways to customize the dog run to make it more hospitable for your pup and to add some designer touches to the yard.

A good rule of thumb to follow when you are considering add on’s is to choose materials that are durable and easy to clean. Remember, this is going to be your dog’s home away from home outdoors and it is likely to get pretty messy.

A dog run will be a great addition to your yard for both you and your fur baby. You can build your own dog run and help your dog to have a lifestyle they feel great about.

Most of us would do anything in our power to keep our pets healthy and safe. But because our canine, feline, and equine friends cannot communicate with us in our own language, it can sometimes be difficult to discern when a pet is in need of medical attention. That’s why it’s so important for pet owners to be diligent in preventative care and veterinary diagnostics testing. It’s also imperative that pet owners be on the lookout for visual clues or changes in behavior that might indicate a serious illness. To help you in this effort, here are four serious illnesses that all pet owners should be aware of:

Kidney disease
Older cats often develop kidney disease, but it can be found in both dogs and cats of any age. Sometimes, the condition may be hereditary, but it can also be brought on by viral infections or other factors. Symptoms of kidney disease in cats may include loss of appetite, excessive thirst, listlessness, vomiting, weight loss, a bloated abdomen, or bloody urine. While cats being treated for kidney disease may live for several years in relative health, dogs often deteriorate more quickly. A veterinary laboratory will be able to diagnose kidney disease quickly so that treatment can be administered.

Equine infectious anemia virus
Also known as “swamp fever,” equine infectious anemia virus is a highly contagious horse disease originally transmitted by horseflies. It can also spread through the use of contaminated syringes or blood. Infected horses may exhibit signs of anemia, weight loss, fever, lethargy, a swollen spleen, belly, and legs, depression, and reduced athletic performance. The acute form of EIAV is usually fatal; if the horse survives, the condition is considered to be chronic. The majority of horses infected with EIAV are inapparent carriers who show no signs, which makes it very difficult to detect. While they are unlikely to spread the disease — only one horsefly out of 6 million is likely to transmit EIAV from such a horse — all horses that test positive for the equine infectious anemia virus antibody must be quarantined for life, as there is no cure. This illustrates why it’s so important for owners to conduct equine infectious anemia virus antibody testing. An equine infectious anemia virus antibody test is the only definitive way to conclude whether your horse(s) are at risk.

Lyme disease
While lyme disease is one of the most common tick-borne illnesses, only a very small percentage of infected dogs show any signs of the disease. Although kidney disease may result from the onset of Lyme, it’s certainly not the only risk. One of the most common symptoms is joint inflammation, which leads to recurrent lameness. Dogs may also exhibit breathing problems, touch sensitivity, fever, loss of appetite, depression, swollen lymph nodes, and in rare cases, heart abnormalities or other nervous system complications. Because one of the most obvious symptoms can be mistaken for just arthritis — especially in older dogs — it’s important to keep a sharp eye and utilize veterinary laboratory services to diagnose or rule out the possibility of Lyme disease. And, of course, flea and tick preventative medicines are always recommended.

Heartworm
Contrary to popular belief, both dogs and cats can contract heartworm, which is spread by mosquitoes. Sadly, there is no cure for feline heartworm, but if caught early enough, the disease can be treated in dogs. Pet owners may find it difficult to recognize signs of this disease, as symptoms include coughing, listlessness, difficulty breathing, and weight loss, and many dogs never show any signs at all. However, if it’s not treated quickly, the disease can cause congestive heart failure and death. Therefore, it’s vital to use heartworm preventative methods and get annual screenings. If you suspect your dog may be exhibiting signs of heartworm, be sure to have a heartworm antigen test performed so you can rule out the condition or start treatment immediately.

To keep your pets healthy, you need to have access to veterinary clinical diagnostics. Our test kits can determine whether your horse might have the equine infectious anemia virus antibody, whether your dog might have heartworm, or whether pet food is safe for consumption. To find out more, please contact us today.