4 tips for keeping your dog cool in the summer heat

As the temperature heats up, so does the risk of your pet overheating. Here are some tips to keep your doggie or doggies cool:

1. Never leave your dog in a parked car
   This might sound like a no-brainer but even if you're running out for a minute or two, don't do it. Things heat up quickly and even on an 85-degree day, the temperature inside a car with the windows opened slightly can reach 102 degrees within 10 minutes. 


2. Keep them hydrated
   Make sure that the water bowl is always full of fresh, cool water. Your pup might guzzle down much more quickly in the hot weather so leave a few bowls around the house. And don't forget that water bottle when you are out and about!


3. Lighten up on the exercise
   Summertime is a perfect time to enjoy outside, but when it comes to doggie play, save it for the early mornings and evenings, when temperatures are cooler. And remember, pets can get sunburned just like us, so keep them out of direct sunlight and stick to the shady spaces.


4. Think of yourself
   Would you rather bake in the 102 degrees or enjoy the air-conditioner inside? Keep your dog inside and if you don't have air-conditioning, turn on that fan, put down a wet towel or spray your Fido with a light mist. Feel like splashing in the water? Your pooch probably will too and can easily do so in a kiddie pool or even a big tupperware for smaller dogs. How does that hot cement feel on your bare feet? Not that great, and your pooch's paws will appreciate grass or a cooler surface too!

Trick or Treat: Only one of them is for dogs

Fall is here! And that means it's time for cozy sweaters, changing leaves, pumpkin spice lattes, and of course Halloween. A holiday, that unfortunately for pets, can be filled with looming dangers.

Here are three reminders that can help keep your pet safe on Halloween.

1. Blow Out the Candles
Glowing pumpkins look great and make your house extra spooky, just make sure to keep them safely out of reach. Pets, and little kids for that matter, can easily knock over burning candles, creating a truly scary Halloween.


2. Watch those Doors
As you hand out candy and other treats to gremlins, princesses, and pirates remember to keep an eye on your curious pets who would love nothing more than to sneak out that front door.

If you have a room where you can lock up your furry ones for a few hours, even better! This will keep them from running out the door and away from the sometimes frighting and always strange sights and sounds of trick-or-treaters.


3. Hide the Candy
We all know chocolate is bad for dogs. But so are candy corns, sweets containing xylitol (a common sugar substitute), and many other treats just calling your pooch's name. And don't forget the wrappers! The more inquisitive and less picky pets will eat those too. 

And now, have a fun and safe Halloween!

Did you know that...

56% of pet owners drive with their pets, but only 16% strap them in.

According to an AAA survey, as many as 17% admitted to letting their pooches sit on their lap, 18% confessed to reaching into backseat to interact with their dogs, and an astonishing 65% revealed that they have engaged in at least one potentially distracting activity while driving with their dog.  

Why restrain your pooch?

Safety, of course - theirs and yours! In U.S. alone, an estimated 30,000 car accidents are caused annually by unrestrained pets. The numbers get even scarier - an unrestrained 10-pound dog in a crash at 50 mph will exert roughly 500 pounds of force, while an unrestrained 80-pound dog in a crash at only 30 mph will exert approximately 2400 pounds of force.

Some states are even starting to implement laws and fines punishing drivers who let their four-legged passengers roam free.

So next time you get behind the wheel, make sure that your pet is as buckled in as you are!