Made in the Shade: Keeping Your Pets Comfortably Cool in the Summer Heat

June 27, 2016

By Morgan Clark

Summer has arrived with a bang, and with heat waves scorching across much of the country, it's important to remember our pets. After all, they are covered in a warm layer of fur, so pet owners must keep them in mind during these hot summer months to avoid overheating.

Make sure your yard has shade

This goes without saying, but make sure your pet has lots of shade to relax in. If your yard is sparse, plant a few trees that will act as shade for your pets for years to come. If trees are not an option, think about installing a retractable awning or purchasing a patio table with an umbrella. (And hey, you can enjoy them too.)

Be wary of pre-made plastic dog houses as a source of shade, as they can often trap heat and create a scorching hot furnace that does more harm than good. Non-regulated parts of the house such as the garage or basement can have similar problems along with special issues such as mold and dampness that can make your pet sick. It is never okay to lock your pet in one of these areas for an extended period of time unless they are furbished.

Supply them with water around the clock

There is a nasty urban legend going around that giving a dog water with ice can cause them to bloat, resulting in gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) that can potentially lead to death. As with most myths, this one turned out to be false, but there is some truth to the lie. If a dog drinks lots of water at once, he is more likely to swallow air with it, causing this dangerous bloating. Supplying your dog with water day and night will ensure he can have water when he needs it and doesn't get to the point of desperation and slurping down water for dear life.

As for ice? It hasn't been proven to be dangerous in and of itself, but slurping down a glass of ice water can cause discomfort for humans (brain freeze), so why risk it for your pet? If you do want to give your pup ice, make sure it's slightly melted – so it does not stick to your dog's tongue like a flagpole – and crushed into small pieces.

Be aware of the hottest times of day

Your home may vary, but the hottest time of day is usually 3 p.m., not noon as one might think. If possible make sure your pets are inside during this time of day, especially if you have air conditioning. If A/C isn't an option and the day is unusually hot, it may be time for a field trip to a park or pet-friendly store that does have air conditioning.

During this time of day, be wary of pavement and sidewalk. If you wouldn't want to walk across it barefoot, your pet doesn't either. Test the ground with your bare foot or hand for five seconds to see if it's safe and comfortable to walk on. As stated above, carry water with you at all times. Also, don't forget to listen to your pet. If she sits down and wants to rest, don't yank her along. Let her sit and relax for a couple of minutes before moving on.

Never leave your pet in the car!

You would think this doesn't need to be said, but each year we hear stories of pets or even children dying in hot cars, so I'll say it again: NEVER LEAVE YOUR PET IN THE CAR! In just 20 minutes, the temperature in a parked car can rise 30 degrees! So if it is only 75 degrees Fahrenheit outside, the car will reach 105ºF very quickly. Cracking windows does not help. Leaving the keys in the ignition so the A/C can run is a good option to keep your pet cool, but puts you at risk for potential car theft – which usually does not bode well for Fido.

Be smart and kind

Use common sense and courtesy when it comes to pets and the hot summer months to come. If you wouldn’t want to go so long without shade or water, make sure your pet doesn’t have to either. Keep this rule in mind above all, and you will be celebrating autumn with your best furry friend in no time.