Best of the Best: Tips for Keeping Cool During the Dog Days of Summer

For some breeds, like this pug and other snub-nosed varieties, breathing issues can be exacerbated during hot spells, so keeping cool for them is particularly important. But all dogs must be looked after in the heat.

The Best Cooling Tips:

1. Never, never leave your dog or non-furry children in a car. Temperatures escalate to brain-damaging levels quickly, even with cracked windows. Consider carrying two keys with you so that if you have to leave your dog for a quick trip to the store, you can leave the car and air conditioning running.
2. Always keep cool, fresh water on hand for your pets. Our Guardian Gear Handi-Drink pet water bottles are ideal for traveling. Water at home needs to be kept in the shade in a non-tip bowl.
3. Shade is a must. An outdoor shelter will protect your pooch from sunburns and the heat. Just make sure there is plenty of ventilation.
4. If you don't have air conditioning, or there is a power outage, open windows at night and keep shades and windows closed during the day.
5. Keep activities to a minimum during the hottest parts of the day. Dogs typically overheat during exercise in the hot sun. Try walks in the evening or a game of fetch indoors in the air conditioning to meet exercise needs.
6. If you and your pet must be out in the heat, remember to protect your pup from the sun with a light-colored tank top to reflect the sun, Doggles eye protection, and doggie sandals (that still allow for ventilation) for paw protection on hot asphalt, sand, and sidewalks.

Best Cooling Products at BaxterBoo:

• A Sporty cooling coat that's perfect for dogs that may overheat in the hot weather.
• Jacket can be soaked in cool water to lock in a cool temperature.
• Fabric is designed to exchange body heat from dog with coolness in coat.
• Each comes with removable, reusable ice packs (2-9 depending on size).

The iCool Dog Mat V2

Why We Love It:

This cooling mat is made of high water absorbing polymer that creates a soft, cool, gel-like mat that stays cool in spite of body or room temperature. The iCool Mat cools off by constant evaporation of water molecules. To re-inflate, simply supply 1-2 cups of water to the inner absorbent bag every week.

How to use:

Soak white absorbant bag in about half a gallon of water. Within minutes, the bag should inflate into a cool gel-like inner mat. Insert the absorbent bag into the nylon cloth cover. Measures 18" x 22".

Don't let the Dog Days of Summer get you down! With these tips, you and your pet can keep your cool! We leave you with this final idea we featured in our newsletter in case you missed it:

FIDO FREEBIE: Doggone Days of Summer Dogsicle!

1. Fill a straight-edge pitcher (or standard popsicle molds, depending on breed size) with MSG-free broth and throw in various dog treats and toys.
2. Freeze until firm.
3. Run under hot water for easy dogsicle removal and toss it in the yard for your dog to enjoy cool, messy fun!
4. (Warn the husband and kids so they don't get a freezer surprise!)