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When the weather starts to warm up and the sun finally pokes out from behind the clouds, we start spending as much time outside as we possibly can. Our pets often enjoy spending that time with us. They enjoy it so much, in fact, that they often don’t even let on that they’re overheating before they begin experiencing heat stroke. Check out the tips below to help keep your pets safe, comfy, and cool during this hot Iowa summer!
Provide a cool place to lay down:
While your pet may love that extra cozy, fluffy pet bed during cool weather, it may be too warm for them during the summer time! When it’s warm outside, consider offering one of the following:
Cooling Bed - This is essentially a doggy water bed! Since water takes longer than the air to warm up, cooling beds are filled with water. As long as the bed is kept out of direct sunlight, it will maintain a temperature lower than the surrounding air.
Damp Towel - Damp towels offer the same properties as cooling beds, but they have the added coolant benefit of evaporation! As your pet lays on the damp towel, the evaporation will help to cool your pet off just like sweat does for us.
Elevated Cot - Elevated pet cots allow the breeze to flow all around your pet. Find a mesh cot to allow for even more cooling!
Freeze treats
Freezing treats in water or sodium free bone-broth can give your pet a yummy, cooling treat AND some extra mental stimulation in one! Kibble, fruits, vegetables, plain yogurt, peanut butter, and more can be frozen for your pet to munch on. Filling an ice cube tray allows you to create multiple treats at once, and freezing treats in Kongs or other toys can make this summer treat last even longer for your pet. A word to the wise: give these treats outside or in a crate to avoid a big mess!
Find even more tips for keeping your dogs and cats cool in the "Keeping Your Pet Cool" post here on the KCAT blog.
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