This has been a hot summer. Keeping your fur kids cool can take come creativity! Dogs keep them selves cool differently than humans. Our bodies rely on persperation and a breeze to cool us down and water to keep us hydrated. Dogs pant and cool their bodies from the inside out. It is a very efficient system as long as they have fresh water. However, some pets are more sensitive to the heat, some have very heavy coats and others may lack shade in the heat of the sun.
Grooming is key is keeping your pet cool. I have two dogs with shepherd-like coats. While I don't shave them for the summer, I do make sure to deshed them and get that excess coat out. Our deshedding treatment consists of using the Furminator shampoo and a variety of tools, as well as the blow dryer to get the excess coat out. Even just having a clean coat can lift the hair and cause it to act as an insulator against the sun.
Of course having too much hair can make a dog hot as well. If your dogs hair is the type that grows long, trimming helps them to cool down. Shaving is not always necessary. We can do just about any length that you want.
The important thing is to observe your dogs and how much they are panting. Provide shade and water and on days where the temperatures climb close to 100 degrees, bring them inside where it's cool. If they seem to not be able to cool down and are panting excessively, they may need emergency attention. Look for these signs of heatstroke:
Rapid Panting, bright red tongue with pale gums or thick, sticky saliva, depression, weakness, dizziness, vomiting (sometimes with blood), diarrhea and shock. Cool your dog down and seek veterinary care immediately if you see these signs.
Stay cool and enjoy your summer. Hope to see you soon!