Hot! Hot! Hot!

I want to be cool!

Unfortunately I haven't been able to convince Mom that we should live with SantaPaws at the North Pole.  BOL!!  

Pepper exploring in the shade.

Pepper's tips for staying cool

(Remember I am not a vet, always listen to your vet)

• Stay inside -  in the air conditioning with your humans  (I don't know if it's any better than outside if the inside doesn't have air conditioning)
• Drink plenty of fresh water (We need to stay hydrated for panting to help).  I do not recommend drinking ice water (I have heard it can cause medical emergencies), but that drinking cool water or licking ice cubes is okay.
• Stay out of direct sunlight, look for shady areas if you have to be outside.
• Lay down in a puddle!  Or at least wet your paws in it.  I think our tummies and paw pads are the most efficient places to get rid of body heat.
• Keep your fur in good condition, a well ventilated coat is better than a matted one for protection and insulating properties.  Do NOT shave double coated breeds, the fur (when properly maintained) helps them stay cooler.    Or do like my Nutro Knowledge network pal Tiki and only shave a "tummy tunnel" this exposes the tummy to help cool off while still keeping the protective coat on the rest of the body.  Our fur is our sunscreen!  Plus it can trap and hold cold indoors air against our skin and reflect heat from the sun, at least for a little while.  We should not be left outside more than necessary, or we will overheat.  (unless you live in the North Pole, BOL!!)
• Go for a swim!  
• Sit on an ice pack (wrapped in a t-shirt or towel).
• Wear a Chilly Dog or Chilly Pup vest  (you can wear a single Chilly pak in a home made pocket if you are too small to fit the vest). 
• Wear a Kool Collar
• Wear a RuffWear Swamp Cooler vest  (outdoors, you soak it in water, so it is wet)
• Stay off the pavement!  Those roads are HOT! HOT! HOT!  They can burn your paws really bad.  If you need to walk on pavement, wear shoes, or go early in the morning or late in the evening.
• Wear a wet or frozen wet bandanna or t-shirt.  
• Lay on a cooling gel mat 
• Eat doggy "ice cream" or "pup-cicle"
• Get wet, voluntarily or by force (Mom has been known to pour water on me).
• NEVER leave your dog alone in a vehicle.

Remembering the snow at Abby's house, I miss those cold temperatures!

Are those enough tips for staying cool?  Did I miss any?

Please post your tips in a comment, I am always looking for ways to cool off! 

Disclaimer   "This post was written by a Nutro Knowledge Network Member, and sponsored by the Nutro Company."