The PetCot Company: Hot Weather Tips for Your Furry Friend

If you stepped outside to walk your dog this morning and had to hang onto something to keep from passing out because of the extreme heat - you're not alone! This week is going to reach extraordinary levels in the Midwest, and while it may only be 94° degrees, it's going to feel like 108°. If you think that's bad enough, it's only supposed to get hotter throughout the week, topping off at 100° on Saturday. At PetCot, we know that you'll want to be escaping this heat as fast as you can, but so will your four-legged friends. Here are a few tips to help keep them cool and safe through this summer heat.

WATER - Always

We know this goes without saying, but keeping their water bowl filled with cool, clean water is a must when the weather is this warm. If your dog stays outside, please make sure that they have enough to get through the day while you're not there. Put it in a cool shaded place so that it doesn't get hot. Don't leave glass dishes unattended on a wood porch, by the way. The reflections from the glass have been known to start fires in some cases. If you'll be going out for exercise, either bring a bottle of water and a bowl in your vehicle for your dog, or plan stops along the way where you know there is natural water so they can stay hydrated.

Keep Their Temperature Down

Dogs pant to keep their temperatures down, and, unlike humans, cannot sweat the heat away. This means that it takes your dog significantly more time to cool off, and sometimes they just need some help. Keep your furry friend in a cool shady place, if not inside in the air conditioning. You can apply rubbing alcohol on the pads of their foot to help bring their temps down, and you can also put ice packs under their armpits. Ice is also another good way to cool their bodies down, giving them a few cubes to chew on can really help. Just beware that they don't choke on them.

Be Aware of Their Location

Always be aware of where your dog will be so that you can make sure they are safe. Never leave your dog in a car without proper airflow. Even in the shade, your car can still reach astronomical temperatures, and be much hotter than you would appreciate sitting in. If your dog primarily lives outside, you can make sure that they have adequate shade, lots of water, and if they have access to a pool to lie in, that can be helpful.

Protect Their Skin & Paws

You want to keep your dog groomed, but don't trim down too far! A good idea is to leave at least one inch of fur. Their fur provides protection from bugs, mosquitos, and the sun, plus if your dog is double-coated, the undercoat actually helps with air flow. Also, remember that if the pavement is too hot for you to walk on, it's too hot for them to walk on. Either save walking for later in the day when it's cooled down, or get them booties to help protect their paws.

PetCot Cares About Your Pet

We don't just care that your pet has a comfortable raised pet bed to sleep on, we care that they have a great place to relax all day long - especially while it's so hot outside. As the temperatures get warmer, remember that one of the biggest advantages of the PetCot dog bed is that it is raised off of the ground by four and a half inches, so there is always air flow moving around your pet. Our premium dog beds are also suitable for indoor and outdoor use, so when you need to take your pet outside, they can still be comfortable on the pet bed that they love! Visit our website to select the bed size for you and have it shipped to your front door!

Taking Comfort and Care to a New Level for Pets!