August is National Dog Month, and we are certainly feeling these dog days of summer! According to the Farmer’s Almanac, this phrase was coined in ancient times after a sky constellation called Sirius which is part of Canis Major, the Greater Dog. The star Sirius was known as the “dog star” because it made up the nose of a constellation shaped like a dog. When summer peaks (end of July, early August), Sirius rises and sets with the sun and becomes so bright that the Romans believed it gave off heat and added to the sun’s warmth accounting for the long stretch of sultry weather. No wonder Sirius Black from Harry Potter can transform into a dog!
This summer has been sweltering, especially in the southern part of the country, and July was the hottest month ever to have been recorded. Even in Arizona, where they are used to hot summer temperatures, cacti are dying, and road cones are melting. Here are some ideas to keep you and your furry friends cool to finish out the dog days of summer.
Beat the heat this summer by staying hydrated! Water is essential for staying cool in the summer, and your pets need even more. If you will be outside for extended periods, keep a canister of cold water for you and your pets. Set up a hydration station for pets. Some might not want to drink water, so provide some ice cubes. A tasty popsicle made with pumpkin, Greek yogurt and Pedialyte are great alternatives for dogs to enjoy and keep hydrated. Pumpkin and Greek yogurt are good for upset stomachs and have probiotics to keep the gut healthy. Be sure to get an unflavored Pedialyte to mix in with it so it won’t change the taste. You can tell if your dog is dehydrated because its gums will be very dry and tacky. They will also be a bit lethargic, and some might even vomit. If you get to that point, bring them to the vet so they can give them the fluids they need to get back hydrated and healthy.
When bringing your dog out on walks in the summer, the risk of hot pavement comes into factor. Protect your dog’s paws from burns. If it is 90+ degrees outside, the asphalt will be closer to 120+ degrees. Test the pavement before going out on your walk by placing your foot on the sidewalk, and if you can’t keep it there for more than ten seconds, then it is too hot for your dog to be walking on. Try to keep them walking on the grass if possible, but if you are in an area with little greenery, buy some paw-padded booties for them to wear if you must walk outside. These will also work in the winter months against salted roads and ice.
Paw-some pool parties are the best for the dog days of summer. If you have a smaller dog or one that hasn’t developed its dog paddling skills, get them a float to relax. If you go to the lake, beach or river, buy them a life vest. These are great for dogs and keep their heads afloat so they do not come home with ear infections.
Consider a summer grooming haircut if you have a very furry dog with a thick coat. Huskies, Great Pyrenees and other cold-weather dogs suffer in the summer, especially in the south. Consider bringing them to the groomers to get all that extra hair cut off them. If you have a main coon cat or another fluffy cat, same thing. Consider bringing them in for a summer haircut so they can feel better during the heat waves.
Lastly, when traveling on long road trips with your pets this summer, keep them as cool as possible. Consider a carrier so they do not have to be all over the place in the car, and add a portable fan to attach to it so they can keep cool in case the AC doesn’t quite do the trick. Bring travel bowls so when you stop at rest areas, they can get some water and stay hydrated.
Stay cool on these dog days of summer, and with these ideas, your furry companions will have a safe and enjoyable summer!
