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 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 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 Read more

While some pets lap up water so quickly it comes right back up — like North, sigh — others will seldom take a sip. In colder temps or before strenuous activities, that may be fine, but keep an eye out during balmy Summer months, especially if he's spending significant time outside. If you're unsure how much water is enough, there are a couple quick ways to tell if your doggie is dehydrated Read more

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 Read more

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 Read more

Look cool, feel cool, be cool — canines that won't tolerate any clothing (like UV shirts) can still beat the heat with a simple accessory. Hawaiian Sun Bandanas ($17) are filled with nontoxic crystals so when soaked in cold water (for 30 seconds to 15 minutes), the insert turns into a gel and lets off the coolness slowly, similar to an ice pack. After the bandana air dries on the outside, just Read more