Your pet is your best friend, and needless to say, super cool. But how do you keep them ice cold during summer? There are many answers: a pet air conditioner, proper grooming, and some DIY remedies can all play a part in making sure that your dog (or cat) can beat the heat.

A pet air conditioner is a luxury that offers pets a controlled temperature environment. There are both portable and standalone models, the former of which attaches to crates, carrying cases, etc., while the latter works in conjunction with your existing dog and cathouses.

Another popular version of a pet air conditioner is a patented mat called the Dog Cooler, upon which dogs can lie down and actually reduce their core body temperatures. The non-toxic method employed uses the power of evaporation to cool the immediate area and provide moisture to their heads as they repose.

Micro-beads are an innovation that keeps both pets and their owners cool on the go. They are designed to retain the cold in the same way as freezer packs, so you can soak them in cool water or keep them refrigerated before use and they will stay cool for long periods and give off a cool feeling as the moisture evaporates. Typically, the beads are embedded into fabric bandannas and body wraps that you can tie around your dog without bothering them.

A lot of people find cheaper alternatives right in their own homes that work with varying degrees of success at keeping their pets cool. It depends as much on what you employ as it does the pet, whose behaviors and preferences will vary as much as ours. Fans and misters will appeal to some dogs, but not all. One thing a lot of dog seems favorable towards are kiddie swimming pools, something you may already own. These provide a cool bath for dogs, who in general has a natural affinity toward water. The main thing to keep in mind with these pools is to regularly change out the water, which heats up quickly in the small space.

Proper grooming is also paramount. While a pet air conditioner will helps while they are comfortably relaxing in their doghouses, what about when dogs are running around and playing in the sun? Shaving dogs, especially long-haired breeds, during the summer is a popular thing to do keep them naturally cooler. The problem with shaving, though, is that dogs can get sunburned, just like humans. The best way to avoid this is when you have your dog shaved, have them leave about a quarter of an inch of fur. Then, keep your dog inside for about a week before exposing him to large amounts of sunlight. When you shave a dog, you also have to remember that its hair will not grow back in as thickly, so all of this needs to be taken into account.

There are also some basic considerations to keep in mind that have nothing to do with extra gadgets or grooming habits. A dog’s natural pet air conditioner is his tongue, since dogs do not sweat. Keep his core cool and you help to keep them cool overall. To that effect, give and maintain fresh, cold water throughout the day, especially during the hottest hours. Keeping it in the shade will help, as will adding a few ice cubes to your dog’s bowl. Also, plastic and ceramic bowls tend to stay cooler than do metal, which absorbs and retains more heat.

Next, if you cannot afford an actual pet air conditioner unit, try to make do by controlling the environment as best you can. Keeping dogs in shaded areas, preferably open to breezes is what you should look for. Of course, if you can keep your dog inside with you in the air conditioning, do that instead. If you can’t, just remember that the sun moves throughout the day, so if your dog has a doghouse or is tied up, try to move them as the shade moves.

Todd Arend is a freelance writing professional whose expertise covers a variety of areas, including patio and backyard furniture, landscaping and design. He regularly writes about Pet Air Conditioner and Portable Pet Air Conditioner.

Article Source: ArticleSpan