We’ve been looking forward to warmer weather for months, and now that it’s finally here, we’re ready to head outside for longer walks and plenty of playtime at the park with our furry friends. As dog owners, warmer weather does bring along its own set of challenges, so please take a few moments to “bone up” on how to best care for your best friend. And remember, never, ever leave your dog unattended in a parked car!

Hydrate

Having access to fresh water is a year-round labor of love for our furbabies, but hydration is even more important during warmer months. If you’re checking your dog’s water dish twice a day, we recommend upping this to three times a day when it’s warm. Odds are your pup loves ice, so adding a few ice cubes is a fun treat. In moderation, ice cubes aren’t dangerous for most dogs, but if you have an aggressive chewer whose teeth are sensitive or fragile, it’s best to give them crushed ice instead of cubes to avoid broken teeth.

If you’re planning a day at the park, it’s a great idea to bring along a quart of bottled water that’s been previously frozen. The ice will melt during play time, and should be a perfectly refreshing temperature by the time they’re ready for it.

We also recommend stashing a few portable water dishes in the car and next to your disposable bags when heading out for walks. This way you’ll be able to easily share your own water with your friend, and you’ll be ready when you pass drinking fountains.

Walks

It’s very important to check the temperature of the sidewalk before walking your dog. The temperature outside and the temperature of concrete and asphalt are two very different things. When it’s 77 degrees outside, concrete or asphalt could be as high as 127 degrees. We recommend placing your hands (not the palm side) on the concrete for 15 seconds before taking your dogs for a walk. If you can tolerate the temperature well, they should be fine, but keep your eyes on them. If your dog starts to hop, holds up a paw, or makes a beeline for grass, take a break and head home as soon as possible. Check out this article from PetMD for what to do if your dog’s paws do get burned. Also, try to include shaded areas into your favorite walking route.

Heat Stroke Signs in Dogs

Heat stroke is a very serious condition that can be fatal. If you notice your dog panting rapidly, drooling, vomiting and acting weak or unresponsive, please get him or her to the closest veterinarian. For more information about heat stroke in dogs , check out PetMD.

Frequent Grooming

Frequent grooming can absolutely help your best friend stay cooler in the summer. Even if you don’t want a fun, new hairstyle for your pup, frequent baths and brushing help remove his or her undercoat, which helps them stay cooler. At Dog Day, Every Day! , we offer Shed-Less treatments and packages as add-ons to our baths. Using our patented FURminator tool, we can reduce shedding up to 90 percent! These treatments remove excess hair so your pup is not only cooler, but sheds less around your home. We charge by the pound for our spa services to help save you money. Check out our website or call us at 513-860-3647-3647-DOGS for details. And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook , Twitter and Pinterest for more great tips. Happy summer!

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