It’s getting hot, hot, hot and super humid here in Northern Virginia. Between the humidity and high temperatures, July near the Nation’s Capital can be unbearable sometimes. I long for the day where I have 24/7 access to a pool that Ralph, Luna, and I can all use to cool off. Until then, we have to make a few special adjustments during summertime to enjoy the nice weather when it’s available and not overheat the rest of the time.
This post is sponsored by Wellness® and the BlogPaws® Pet Influencer Network™. I am being compensated to help share information about the Wellness® CORE® RawRev™ raw dog food, but Beagles & Bargains only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Neither Wellness or PetSmart are responsible for the content of this article.
Last month, I shared information on a new dog food that just recently hit the market this year – Wellness® CORE® RawRev™. Wellness Pet Food in conjunction with their CORE RawRev launch has given us the opportunity to share how we keep cool while still enjoying summer.
Wellness® CORE® RawRev™ wants to fuel dogs with quality foods so that they can thrive from the core. By arming pet parents with information on how to beat the heat, we are working to ensure pets are both happy and healthy all summer long.
Tips to Beat the Heat & Enjoy Summer with Your Dog
Utilize mornings and evenings well. They’ll likely be the coolest time of day and the best option for extended walks. How you feel outside after the sun has gone down or before it’s fully risen can be an incredible change from the middle of the day. Both you and your dog will want to stay out longer, so plan for it!
Minimize your time out mid-day. Generally the hottest part of the day is at 3 PM, so it’s good practice to avoid being outside from Noon to 3 PM. If you’re anything like me, you avoid that part of the day anyways, so you don’t become crispy and bright red. If you have to go out when the heat is at its peak, limit your time outside. It’s okay to take a purely business walk, especially if you follow it up in the evening with a longer one or pair it with some indoor activities.
Check ground temperatures to avoid burns or damage to your dog’s paws. You can do this with your own foot or the back of your hand. If it’s too hot for you to walk comfortably on bare foot, then it is too hot for them!
Asphalt will heat up fastest and retain the most heat, followed by concrete sidewalks. Utilize grassy areas and dirt paths as they will likely be the coolest. If you have a paved area in your backyard, you can cool it down by spray it with water before your dog goes out. If you live in a super hot area, you may want to look into dog booties to help protect your dog’s paw pads. We have been using Pawz for this!
Have plenty of water available. Your dog should have access to fresh water 24/7. At home, you should check your dog’s water bowl or fountain constantly. Depending on the number of dogs or the size of your dog, you may need to provide more than one. When you’re on the go, make sure you also have water with you. Offer water to your dog often and bring enough along for you too!
Remember, dogs don’t sweat like humans. They pant. This is a normal behavior and how they exchange heat, so don’t try to stop it! Fun fact – dogs actually do sweat a little, but only from the nose and paw pads.
Look for general signs of dehydration. Though dogs will pant (see above), they shouldn’t drool excessively. Obviously some breeds drool more than others, so it is important to know your dog’s drool base line. If your dog become lethargic, has bloodshot eyes, or appears pale, they might be dehydrated. When lifted, a dog’s skin may also take longer than usual to fall back into place if they are dehydrated.
Keep your dog’s energy up by feeding them a high protein diet. During hot summer days, you want to ensure your dog is happy, healthy, and full of energy for any upcoming adventures. Wellness® CORE® RawRev™ is especially designed to be a high protein diet which leads to lean body mass and increased muscle tone. It is also especially designed to support whole-body health and longevity in dogs.
Try out cooling towels or mats, especially if your dog has a thick coat. Breeds with thick coats all year round are going to get warmer faster, so you may need to take extra precautions. You could pick up a cooling mat like this one or trying out those fast acting cooling towels. We brought both along on our road trip to Arizona last year and the dogs loved them! Fun fact – dogs cool from the bottom up, so it is more beneficial for them to lay on a cool mat or towel than draping it over their back.
Dogs can get sunburned too! If your dog has lighter colored fur or pigment on their nose, this is especially important to remember. Dog sunburn is very similar to humans – red and irritated skin. Find out more info on how to treat sunburn in dogs here.
Check weather forecasts and adjust accordingly. Don’t plan a long day out when the weather is too hot, but do utilize those few days where the heat breaks to do something fun outside with your dog. Cool weather can be very rare in the summer depending on where you live, so take full advantage of it. You’ll be sad if you don’t!
Keep a list of possible fun outdoor activities handy. When a nice weather day comes by, you’ll be prepared for fun day without too much planning. Don’t have one? We’ve got one for you, right here.
Always allow for time to rest. If you’re going to be outside for an extended period of time, make sure you give time for your dog to rest EVEN if they still want you to throw the darn ball. Pick out a shady spot and have them lay down. Try out one of your cooling devices (see above) and have water readily available.
Allow your dog to dig. This may seem like an annoying habit, but is actually a natural way dogs cool themselves down. If you’re at the beach, out camping, or on a hike, you may notice your dog wanting to do this. It’s okay! Just make sure they don’t throw the dirt or sand in the direction of an innocent bystander – something Luna LOVES to do.
Never EVER leave your dog in a hot car. Just don’t do it. If your dog can’t come into a store or building with you, don’t bring them along in the summer. If you are traveling alone with your pet, I recommend trying to stop at pet stores to use the restroom and utilizing drive-thrus for food.
About Wellness® CORE® RawRev™
Wellness® CORE® RawRev™ is a brand new dog food brought to you by Wellness Pet Food. It allows you to incorporate a raw food diet easily and safely in every meal. The food is a mixture of high protein, grain free kibble and 100% freeze dried raw meat pieces. Learn even more about Wellness® CORE® RawRev™ in our previous post here.
Join the Raw Revolution this summer!
Save on Wellness CORE RawRev NOW!
Visit PetSmart for Buy One, Get One 50%
on 2-5 lb Bags of CORE RawRev!
Also, don’t forget that from now through the end of 2017, for every bag of pet food purchased PetSmart is donating one meal to a dog or cat in need in their “Buy a Bag, Give a Meal” program.
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How do you beat the heat during the summer with your pets?
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