Image Credit: SUBMITTED/BC SPCA

There are a lot of new dog owners out there who decided to a pandemic pup was the way to go.

And even if you’re a long-time pet parent, it can’t hurt to brush up on the ways to keep Fido cool during the heat wave building in the Okanagan and Kamloops.

The obvious tip is to not leave your pet in a parked vehicle. The B.C. SPCA gets close to 1,000 call every year to rescue a dog left alone in a car.

The SPCA says the best advice is to leave your dog at home, so it beg the question: How do I keep my dog cool at home?

Rule number one is to make sure they have access to water to help keep them cool.

“Keep fresh bowls of cold water that are easily accessible to your furry friends. You can also keep the bowl cool by adding a few ice cubes to it,” is the advice from the SPCA in a media release.

Here are some more helpful tips from SPCA to help you and your dog navigate the extreme heat:

Image Credit: SUBMITTED/BC SPCA

Make a frozen treat bowl

A frozen treat bowl is a cool way to keep your pets both entertained and refreshed. Freeze kibble or their favourite treats in a bowl of frozen water, and your pets won’t be able to control their tongues. For added flavour, combine water with chicken or beef stock mixture and they’ll really be excited about this tasty treat.

Give them a cooling place to sleep

Before leaving the house ensure your pet has a cooling place to sleep and relax. This might mean ensuring they remain on the lower level of the home where it’s cooler as well as providing a cozy area for them that’s out of direct sunlight. You might also want to close blinds and curtains to keep your space as cool as possible.

Depending on your dog’s personality, you might also want to consider purchasing a doggie cooling mat that will help prevent them from becoming overheated if they like to stretch out in the warm sun (cats can use them too!).

Keep a fan going

Image Credit: SUBMITTED/BC SPCA

If you don’t have AC, consider keeping a fan going while you’re away from the house to keep fresh air circulating inside for your pet. They’re a great way for your pet to keep cool and you might even consider attaching a pet-friendly misting system to provide even more relief.

Treat them with a frozen Kong

Your dog loves their Kong, especially if it’s filled with their favourite goodies. Try lining the Kong with some peanut butter or their preferred treat, and freezing the kong, for a refreshing cooling twist on the treat.

Keep your dog at a healthy weight

Overweight dogs have a harder time keeping cool in warm weather and are at greater risk of overheating. Consult with your veterinarian to help maintain their ideal body condition, which varies depending on the breed of your dog.

Take care of your dog’s coat

Ensuring your dog is regularly groomed in the summer is important to keep them cool. Your dog’s coat doesn’t just keep them warm in the winter but can also keep them cooler in the summer. It can also protect their skin from sunburn.

Regular and thorough brushing helps allow proper airflow for their skin as well as prevents mats, which are not only painful but also trap heat and moisture and can result in skin infections.

However, resist the urge to shave down your dog as not every dog requires this, particularly those breeds with double coats. While some dogs will benefit from shaving, it’s not always necessary. If you have questions regarding your dog’s grooming, consult with your veterinarian first.

For more information about pets and the heat, check out the BC SPCA website here.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Howard Alexander or call 250-309-5343 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above. 

News from © iNFOnews, 2021