During the “dog days” of summer, remember that all pets can get dehydrated quickly, says Karen Pryor’s Clicker Training blog. Furnish them with plenty of fresh water and shade, avoid exercising them too hard, and keep them indoors in extreme heat. If you see symptoms of overheating such as excessive panting, drooling or weakness, get your pet to a cool place and contact a vet immediately. Keep dogs off of hot asphalt and sand, and never leave any animals alone in a parked vehicle. Car interiors can heat up to dangerous temperatures in minutes even on relatively mild days, putting pets in danger of heatstroke and death.
Tag: lazy days of summer
Celebrate the Dog Days With Your Pet
The “dog days” of summer can be beastly hot, but they can be a great time to take your pup on an adventure, Vetstreet says. Go to the beach, take a nature hike, play in the park or go on an evening walk; just be sure your pet is ready for warm-weather exercise and keep plenty of fresh water on hand to keep him or her hydrated. You can also try making your own “pupsicles” to reward your furry friend with a special treat inexpensively after you’re done with your outdoor quality time.
The Dog Days of Summer
The dog days of summer, it turns out, have nothing to do with one’s four-legged friends according to Mental Floss. Sirius, the Dog Star, is the brightest star in the sky in August, and the ancient Greeks believed that it added to the sun’s heat. If you have kids, they’ll be getting a little bit restless in the heat with the clock running out on summer vacation. Take them to the beach or pool to help them cool off naturally. If not, string up a few water balloon piñatas, suggests Milk Allergy Mom, and have a backyard water party. The kids will have a blast while beating the heat. Water-loving dogs can join in the fun, too!
Easy Ways to Beat the Heat
With the Fourth of July festivities now complete, the worst of the summer’s heat and humidity still lie ahead for many parts of the country. While a certain amount of swelter and sweat are to be welcomed while you’re on a weekend trip to the ol’ swimming hole, many people still wilt when the temperatures rise, hiding from the heat indoors.
There are simple ways to keep cool even without the benefit of A/C, though. To keep your home cool, HuffPost says, keep the blinds and curtains closed against direct sunlight. In the bedroom, swap out flannel and fleece for lightweight cottons. Grill outside instead of cooking indoors. And be sure to set your ceiling fans to rotate counter-clockwise.
If your indoor space is still too sultry to sleep, try a few of Greatist’s “hacks” to keep from tossing and turning. Put your sheets in the freezer before bed, or put them on the mattress slightly damp—evaporation will cool the air around your body. Place trays of ice in front of your fans. And apply cold water to your pulse points before you drop off.
Your internal temperature has a big effect on how well you cope with the heat. The metabolic processes behind digestion raise body temperatures, the Daily Mail notes, so eat smaller, lower-protein meals more often. Eating spicy foods encourages sweating, which—while perhaps unsightly if unchecked—cools the body down.
While a frosty adult beverage may be appealing in hot weather, the story notes, alcohol tends to dehydrate, which may make you feel hotter. And no matter how much ice you add, caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea and cola actually increase metabolic heat, adding to discomfort. Still and sparkling water are always good options when you’re looking to cool off.
And finally, if you’re taking a road trip and worried about your car’s performance, use a protective window shade to keep the cabin cooler when parked, TripSavvy says. Then, get rid of the built-up hot air by opening the windows; close them again and blast the A/C for a few minutes before adjusting the system to a maintenance level for the long haul.
Whatever you do, don’t let the summer heat ruin your good time. Try a few of these tips and tricks, and you can make the most of the hottest days of the year while barely breaking a sweat.