beat the heat

I'm always seeking special ways to switch up my pup's treats with some healthy human alternatives. He already loves frozen carrot bits and canned pumpkin but his latest love affair is with watermelon.

Offering up a tiny bit of seedless watermelon is a safe snack and I chop the fruit into squares and serve it ice cold for the steamy season. Not only is this fruit a great low-calorie treat, but its high water content gets fluids into the bodies of pets who turn noses up and away at the sight of an ordinary bowl.

Flickr User: redjar

We all know that it's important to keep our dogs happily hydrated when they're out and about in hot weather. If left untreated, dehydration can lead to organ failure and even death, so it's best to give your pooch access to plenty of water when the mercury rises. Of course, dehydration can also be caused by vomiting or diarrhea, so even in cooler weather, pup parents should be wary if dogs exhibit these symptoms.

So if you're concerned that your pooch hasn't had enough to drink, there are a couple quick ways to tell if your doggie is dehydrated before bringing him to a doctor:

• Snap back. Take the collar off the dog and gently pinch a small bit of skin at the scruff of his neck and pull up so it looks like a tent. Then let it go and see how quickly it flattens back out. As with the test for cats, doggies should also show less elasticity if they're lacking in fluids, making skin slower to return to its natural state.
• Open wide. Another telltale dehydration spot on a dog's body is inside his mouth! Gently lift up his lips and take a look at his gums before doing a quick swab with your index finger. A dehydrated dog will have dry, slightly sticky or gummy gums, while a healthy pooch will have wet and smooth ones instead.

Source: Flickr User Stewart Black

It's amazing what a little frozen water can do! Whether your pup spends hours frolicking outside or scampers indoors most of the day, make sure there's a cool spot to rest and cold liquids to sip during the warmer months.
If your pet's confined to a crate, I strongly recommend you make sure there's A/C or a fan nearby at all times and try placing a reusable ice pack under his crate pad. Because dogs are tempted to taste, I would shy away from the artificial ones for human injuries and DIY with resealable plastic bags instead.

To do this, take two gallon-sized Ziploc Freezer Bags, fill one about 80 percent with water, zip up, put it inside the second, and lay flat to freeze. Double-bagging protects against accidental puncturing and worked perfectly for my pup. If there's no limit to your budget, however, try the official On-Ice Bags favored to keep show dogs cool when they're not in the ring, starting at $50.

See a couple more tips for icy drinks when you read more.

It's not Summer quite yet but rather warm in many parts of the country already! While I enjoy hot weather more than my smooshy pooch, let's get all species ready to beat the heat. And that includes the kitties.

While dogs usually get more face time with the sun, I'm still keen to keep cats chilly in the upcoming months. If your kitty spends significant time outside, use a squirt bottle spray or impromptu bath to help her to not overheat (if she's up to it). Some felines are more finicky about this process, so there's a simpler way to get her cool and wet. Find out what it is when you read more

Take that water . . . to go! If your pooch has a sensitive tummy or you're traveling places with questionable tap water, you don't need to buy pricey purified beverages, simply reuse old bottles by filling with your home's tap before you leave so your pets sip the same drinking water as home.

As a bonus before long car rides, I also freeze a bottle and place it near North so he can lick the condensation while in his carrier — it adds baby sips without increasing the necessary potty breaks along the way. No matter if you normally reuse old plastic takeout containers, tote his regular serving pieces, or make do with whatever's handy to offer up that roadside drink, see a couple affordable portable bowls to add to his travel kit in the widget below.

Source: Flickr User istolethetv

With a recent cold spell in SF, it's been a while since I've updated ways to beat the heat. For all of you sweating it out back East or down South, I haven't forgotten about the need to keep furry friends safe from dangers like sunburn. Even if your pooch doesn't seem plagued by the warm weather, one place to protect is right smack in the center of his face.

The nose is especially susceptible with no hair to block the rays — and you may even notice it changing colors with the seasons — so add a tiny bit of baby sunscreen or one of the pet-safe spray ones below to keep him safe!