Tips to Keep Dogs Cool for the Summer

Summertime and hot weather have arrived. For some of our four-legged friends, the warmer temperatures pose some unique challenges to staying cool.

Here are some easy tips to help your pet stay safe from the heat.

Rule No. 1 is never to leave your dog in a parked car alone. In many states it is illegal.

When it’s 80 degrees outside, the temperature inside the car can reach 99 degrees in less than 10 minutes, even with the windows rolled down. A dog’s normal body temperature is higher than ours, and because they cannot sweat, their ability to keep cool is limited only to panting.

So, if you ever see a dog left alone in a car, follow the advice found on the website of the Humane Society of the United States. Take down the car’s make, model, and license plate number. Notify any nearby businesses at which the car owner may be shopping, and call the local police department and/or animal control – even if the windows are cracked or the A/C is on.