As the forecast changes and the summer heat is on full blast, we look for ways to stay cool. Many homes here in Long Beach don’t have air conditioning, so other sources of staying cool must be sought. We head to the beach, go for a swim, or hang out at the mall, but we tend to forget our dogs are suffering along with us. Heat injury is common in dogs during the warm months. The best medicine for heat injury is prevention, here are a few ways in which you can help keep your dog cool this summer.

1. Water

This is an obvious one, but it is very important to keep your dog hydrated. Remember to keep an eye on your dog’s water bowl as it tends to empty pretty fast in the heat. On particularly hot days you can add some ice cubes to help keep the water cold.

2. Kiddie pools for your dog

If you don’t have time to take your dog to Rosie’s Dog Beach, the only off-leash dog beach in Los Angeles county, try filling up a kiddie pool for him. Even if your dog is not a big swimmer, he may like to splash around in a pool that is only filled up to his ankles.

3. Treats

Your dog probably loves eating just as much as he loves you, so use this to your advantage. There are many different cold dog treats that you can buy or make. Most grocery stores carry dog ice cream or you can make your own dog popsicles by freezing broth. Also, a chilled cucumber is great as it is filled with water and vitamins.

4. Make shade

If your dog has to spend his time outside, make sure he has shelter from the sun. Read one of our previous blogs on how to protect your dog from the sun.

5. Proper grooming is important

Dogs that have long and thick fur should receive a trimming for obvious reasons. The undercoat of the dog will help with sunburn and is actually part of a dog’s natural cooling system. Don’t forget to brush him often as the excess fur can build up creating more heat.

6. Don’t be dumb

In addition to all these tips, there are some things you should never do, especially when the weather heats up. The number one biggest thing is to never leave your dog in a parked car. The heat in cars can rise rapidly to triple digits within minutes. Even if you have to run in somewhere quickly, you never know what is going to hold you up. On a 90 degree day, a car’s internal temperature can rise to 109 within 10 minutes. Also, don’t walk your dog at the hottest point of the day as this can lead to heat stroke and remember the asphalt is scorching, so be careful with your little guy’s paws.  

Many of us travel to be with our families this summer and we don’t want to leave our furry friends behind. Summer is one of the busiest travel seasons of the year. Traveling can be a stressful and challenging thing to do, not only for us, but for you animals as well. Here are some tips to help you travel easier with your animals this summer.

Health checks

Make sure your animal is up to date with all its shots and vaccinations before you head out on your trip. A check-up to make sure your pets are in the right condition to travel is not a bad idea, especially if they’re a little bit older. Don’t forget to bring their regular food with them, along with bottled water.

Crates

If you don’t have one already, crates are a great investment, especially when traveling. Crates will keep your animals safe when traveling by car and airlines require them. The crate will help keep your pets contained when you arrive at your destination. Along with keeping them out of trouble, crates can be used as beds. When deciding on the right crate, make sure your animal has enough room to stand up, turn around, and lay down.

Traveling by car

When traveling by car, keep the car well ventilated. If you do end up taking them in a crate, make sure fresh air can flow into the crate. If your pets tend to get car sick, have them travel on an empty stomach, but remember to keep them well hydrated. Stop frequently so your animals can have a potty break and stretch their legs. Don’t ever travel with your animals in an open truck bed, it is extremely dangerous and can lead to severe injuries or even death.

Traveling by plane

If traveling by plane, check the airline’s website for rules and regulations because they tend to differ from company to company. All airlines require health certifications and proof of vaccinations. Dogs must be in airline-approved crates and as for small dogs, they can ride in carriers under your seat.

Identification

Lastly, make sure your animals identifications are in order. In the event that your pet gets away from you, you want people to be able to identify them and contact you easily. You may want to consider a microchip, which is very useful in case your animal’s collar comes off.