Hey, everyone!
We're in the midst of a brutally hot summer, and it's no fun for anyone, especially our dogs! Nola, with her short coat and love of warmth, is fairing far better than poor Pike, aka "the hairball"! He is absolutely miserable, but there's a few things I've been doing to help keep the pair of them as cool and happy as possible.
This post is sponsored by Wellness® Pet Food and the BlogPaws Professional Pet Blogger Network. I have been selected as a Sponsored Blogger to attend the BlogPaws 2016 Conference on behalf of Wellness, however we only work with brands we love. BlogPaws and my Sponsor are not responsible for the content of this article.
Since I know a lot of my friends and followers are experiencing the same heat struggle we are (some with dogs even fluffier than Pike!), I decided to share a few tips on keeping your pup cool and comfortable during the summer months.
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Early mornings, evenings and nights are your best friend!
This is common knowledge, but worth mentioning. While the humidity doesn't change much throughout the day here in Florida, the above times offer welcome relief from the blazing sun. I'm not a morning person, but the dogs and I are out in full force nights and evenings. Nola is walked at night, and Pike likes the time right before sunset to play fetch or frisbee.
Note: please be careful of pavement heat! Even after dark, sidewalks and the like can retain heat that could burn your dog's paws. If you can't hold the back of your hand to the ground for 5 seconds without it becoming uncomfortable, it's too hot for your dog's bare paws. Try boots, or choose a different surface.
This is also a good time for any outdoor training sessions; the dogs love staying grain free with Wellness® treats for their evening mental activities.
The beach is always good for keeping cool, too!
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Don't shave your double coated dog, but keep up with grooming
Tempting as it may be, please don't shave your double coated dog in an effort to keep him or her cooler. Despite how heavy and suffocating all that hair looks, it actually helps cool your dog, and protect his skin from the sun's harsh rays. Double coated dog breeds include Aussies, Siberian Huskies, Pomeranians, Shetland Sheepdogs, ect.
That said, you can (and should!) keep up with your dog's grooming. Getting that dead fur out will make a world of difference in not only his comfort, but his shedding, too! Always a bonus, right? My personal favorite grooming tools for Pike are an undercoat rake and a slicker brush.
Nola, with her short single coat, needs no more grooming than baths, nail grinding, and toothbrushing.
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Indoors is fun, too!
In the heat of the day, it's often best to stay indoors. That may sound a little daunting, especially if you have a young or active dog, but don't worry. Fetch in a hallway, scent games, trick training, balance and fitness work, and even teaching some "housework" (Nola will shut doors for you!) are all great ways to keep your dogs fit, active and happy during the blazing inferno we're experiencing.
In addition to that, summer is a great time to hit up any indoor dog friendly places in your area!
Miss Nola at Tractor Supply Company earlier this week.
What about you? How do you guys stay cool in summer?
- Dachshund Mommy
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of BlogPaws Pet Influencer Network. The opinions and text are all mine.