New Ways to Keep Pets Cool in Summer
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Prepare Your Yard for Summer
Thankfully, technology and innovative tech has made it easier to keep ourselves cool (yes, even in Arizona). But, what to do if your dog stays outdoors while you’re at work or if you don’t have air conditioning? There are a number of solutions to this problem.
Install a Pet Door
If you don’t want your pets roaming the house while you’re away, consider Installing a Pet Door for Summer that opens into a confined area of your home (or even into a large crate where your pets can move freely). Pet doors can be permanently installed in a wall or temporarily installed in a sliding glass door. If you’re concerned about security, choose one that only opened with your pet’s unique collar ID or microchip.
Access to Shade
Make sure your dog has plenty of shade, an elevated pet bed where they can curl up on to allow for air circulation, and easy access to water. The FrontPet Foldable Pool also provides a great option for providing a small area to cool down.
Mist System
If you’re in a very dry climate, you may want to consider installing a Mist System on your patio. These can drop the air temperature as much as 20 degrees. Your dogs will need plenty of access to water in order to cool off.
Cooling Pads and Vests
Another favorite with our pets (for indoor or outdoor use) is the Green Pet Shop Self-Cooling Pet Pads. These all-natural cooling pads use your pet’s body weight to become activated and naturally help cool your pets during hot summer days. You’ll find they are excellent for yourself as well!
We’ve tried out a lot of cooling vests and most of them have been far too heavy for the dog when it’s wetted and placed on top of them. I’m pleased to report that the Ruffwear Swamp Cooler is the best we’ve ever seen for cooling vests. Read our review of this neat product at Keeping Dogs Cool with the Ruffwear Swamp Cooler.
Protect Your Pet’s Paws
Contact burns to paws can develop in only a few seconds when temps raise over 85 degrees. Surfaces like asphalt and concrete are an average of 40-100 degrees hotter (depending on the surface) than the air temp. It’s very important to keep paws protected from the summer heat.
Before you head out for a walk, make sure you test the surface of the asphalt by placing your hand on the surface and holding it there for 15 seconds. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your pets. For this reason, you should only walk your dog in the very early mornings or very late evenings.
Dog Boots
Besides walking only on lawns, these are some ways to protect your pets paws.
- Boots: This is the only method we push for in the summer. Choose a well-fitted boot, thick-soled boot like these: Ruffwear Summit Trex Everyday Paw Protection for Dogs
- Socks: If your dogs simply cannot keep these on their feet, consider these tight-fitting socks Woodrow Wear Non-slip Socks with non-slip pads (which provide extra protection). Be sure you check the sizing information carefully.
Note: You will see many companies advertise their paw wax as a protectant for hot summer days. This is NOT effective for pets paws in the desert heat. Please look into boots with a thick sole.
