Showing posts with label keeping your pet cool. Show all posts
Showing posts with label keeping your pet cool. Show all posts

Thursday, June 15, 2017

8 Ways to Keep Your Dog Cool This Summer

Summertime sparks the desire to get the family outdoors more often. And of course, you don't want to leave Sparky behind - after all, your pets are family too, right? While we always want to include our fur babies in family fun, it's important to remember that all that fur may not mix well with the warmer temperatures of summer. So, this week the PetCot Company has decided to share with you 8 tips to keep your furry buddy cool while enjoying summer fun with the family:


1. Don’t leave your pet in an unattended vehicle. 

On a 75-degree day, the temperature inside a parked car can climb up to 115 degrees within an hour. Even with the windows down, a dog can easily overheat if left in these conditions. If you need to run errands and don't feel comfortable leaving your dog home alone take it to a doggy day care. It’ll save you the trouble of worrying about your dog while you’re out.

2. Avoid walking on hot surfaces like asphalt. 

Your pup’s paws can be as sensitive as the soles of your feet. If the asphalt is too hot for you to walk on, chances are it’s too hot for your pup too. On a walk, try to alternate between asphalt, sidewalk, and grass so that your dog’s delicate paws don’t get overheated. If your dog is particularly sensitive, cover his paws with pet booties so he can stroll comfortably.

3. Supply lots of fresh, clean water. 

Some dogs get a bit finicky with their water if there’s an odd scent in the bowl or if it’s been warming up in the sun for a while. Keeping a fresh, clean supply of H2O in your dog’s dish will ensure that your pup drinks more often and stays hydrated.

4. Don’t overexercise pets. 

Dogs don’t always know their own limits. If you can tell your dog is breathing more rapidly or having some trouble chasing after a ball, slow things down and allow him to cool off. Outdoor activities are great but, instead of playing in the blazing afternoon sun, try tossing a ball around as the sun is setting.

5. Leave your dog at home on hot days.

Going to the beach and sitting out all day in the sun is something we humans enjoy, but it can leave pooches severely dehydrated. Even if you feel like the heat is bearable, remember, when dogs are exposed to moderately high temperatures over an extended period of time, their bodies might be unable to cool down.

6. Watch for signs of dehydration.

Dogs can't sweat. They cool off by panting, so an overheated dog will drool excessively. It will become lethargic, its eyes will be bloodshot, and it may appear a little pale. If you lift its skin, it will take longer than usual for the skin to fall back into place.

7. Take your dog swimming.

The best activity you can do in summertime or hot weather is swimming. Instead of walking the dog, take the dog on a swim! If you hold on and allow your dog to take you around the pool, it becomes a powerful bonding experience for the two of you, similar to the walk.

8. Get your dog a raised bed.

PetCot raised dog beds provide optimal comfort and support for dogs (and other pets) of all sizes. Our unique elevated dog bed allows your pet to rest easy while maintaining a comfortable body temperature all around. Durable and breathable, it provides dogs with a healthy, cool environment.


Now that you have some tips to go by to keep your best friend cool this summer, get out there and have some fun! Just remember to keep an eye on your pooch and keep them cool and hydrated. Don't forget to swing by our website to order your pup a premium raised dog bed to rest comfortably on after a fun day enjoying the summer activities you are bound to have a blast doing!

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Tuesday, July 19, 2016

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!

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