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Do Tell: What Are Your Go-To Cool Off Methods?

PetSugar — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 07:00:00 -0700

In California, it's not unusual to get some pretty hot temps in September, and last weekend was no exception. LilPeaPod took Samson camping for the first time, and not only was he totally overwhelmed with nature, it was also super hot. It's pretty well known that smooshies don't do well with heat or swimming, so taking a dip in the lake was out of the question. LilPeaPod explains how she kept little Samson cool in the blazing hot 95-degree weather with a little ice:

Since Samson can't swim, I decided to bring the water to him by using our melted ice from our cooler. I soaked his collar and a towel to keep his body temp down while he slept in the shade. We also gave him plenty of ice to snack on (which he loves, obviously) – it kept him cool until the temps dropped that evening!

If your pets can't swim, it's pretty easy to keep them comfy with a few ice cubes and some water! What are your surefire ways to keep your pets cool in the hot weather?

Dog Days of Summer: Tricks of the Towel

PetSugar — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 07:00:47 -0700

Next up in the Dog Days of Summer series is a tip I picked up from some ugly dogs last month. When temperatures are rising and you want to relax outside with your pooch, bring along extra towels to keep him refreshed. Simply soak in water, wring out over a pet, and then drape the icy goodness on his resting body.

Now, even though any towel will do in a pinch, I especially love the Cool N Dry Towel for Dogs ($12) – even soaked in cold water, the liquid's quickly absorbed and it stays lightweight. To use, simply place the spongy dimpled side over your hot dog, and cool him down super quick.

If you've got other sizzle-saving techniques, share the wealth in your comments below!

Dog Days of Summer: Sidewalk Dangers

PetSugar — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 03:00:27 -0700

In addition to releasing heat with those dangly tongues, doggies also sweat through the pads of their feet. Now imagine what that would be like if they were trying to get rid of their own excess heat . . . onto already scalding sidewalks. Hot pavement can burn puppy paw pads – and since animals are much closer to the ground, they heat up quicker than we do and can be in special danger.When walking your pup in scorching climates, try to stick to shady sides and save longer strolls for when the sun is low, like morning and evening. If you're not sure how sizzling the street or sand is, test it out on your bare foot or hand – if it feels too hot for you, it's probably also too hot for your pet!

Source

To the Rescue: How to Check Your Pet's Temperature

PetSugar — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:35:44 -0800

OK, now that you're aware of how to check your dog's pulse, let's move on to temperature taking. The easiest way to do this is with an ear thermometer like the Pet-Temp Instant Ear Thermometer ($40). It measures the infrared heat waves coming from the ear drum. Pet-specific versions are best because they have a long probe that can fit deeply in the ear canal.

The other option is to use a rectal thermometer like this Vet-Temp Rapid Digital Thermometer for Pets ($15). Coat it with a water-based lubricant, insert about one inch, and wait for the finishing beep. While it's a cheaper option, if your pet dislikes this process, you will need to have someone else hold him and distract him while you measure the temperature. See the normal ranges for both cats and dogs when you read more.

For dogs, the normal ear temperature is between 100 and 103 degrees Fahrenheit.
For dogs, the normal rectal temperature is between 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit.
For cats, the normal ear temperature is between 100 and 103 degrees Fahrenheit.
For cats, the normal rectal temperature is between 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit.

Source: Flickr User Max Wolfe

Smooshy Alert! Fuku Is a Heat-Seeking Star

PetSugar — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 14:00:48 -0700

Fuku's totally ready for her time in the spotlight, provided it's a heated one. This smooshy can't seem to get close enough to the space heater – props to her owners for putting a protective gate up – and it's so cute to watch her bask in the hotness.

The bulldog stars in a series of adoro YouTube videos snacking, sleeping, and more. I can't get enough of these clips and she looks like a perfect match for another fawn frenchie I love. Watch her practice her "waiting" skills when you read more.

Dog Days of Summer: Signs of Heat Stroke

PetSugar — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 07:00:53 -0700

Now that the dog days of Summer are here, I'm worried about keeping my smooshy cool 'cause he can't get enough of the outdoors! One day, back when we lived in a humid climate, North and I went on a shopping adventure . . . well, more like a window shopping excursion under the guise of a long dog walk. I was peeking in some stores in NYC's West Village when North suddenly pulled me into one open door and promptly laid down in the air conditioned coolness! The salespeople oohed and ahhed over his silly move and insisted it was a sign that I should shop there. While I don't think North had heat stroke, he very well could have had heat stress – see the signs when you read more.

The signs of heat stress or heat exhaustion include heavy panting, rapid pulse, glazed eyes, a deep red or purple tongue, vomiting, lethargy or any unsteadiness or staggering gait.

Notice any of these? Get him inside pronto as the conditions are very serious and, possibly, life-threatening. If your pet does become overheated, you need to immediately lower his body temperature with the following steps:

Move your pet indoors or into the shade and apply cool water over his body – you need to gradually lower his core body temperature on his entire body so make sure the water isn't too cold!
Next, apply cold towels or ice packs to your pet's head, neck, and chest only.
Offer your pet small amounts of water either with a dish or let him lick ice cubes.
Get your pet to the vet as soon as possible . . . even immediately if his signs are severe.

Source

Fight Six Summertime Dangers

PetSugar — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 08:30:32 -0700

Such a lovely season doesn't come without dangers! From scorching sidewalks to balmy sunlight, plenty of perils lurk right in your neighborhood. Keep dogs safe and healthy this Summer and know the risks of and remedies for the following six hazards.

Poison patrol: Mushrooms	Poison patrol: Cocoa mulch	Poison patrol: Trash
How-to: Remove a tick	How-to: Soothe paw burns	How-to: Treat heat stroke

I Need Your Help . . . Share Tips For At-Home Coat Clipping!

PetSugar — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 13:15:04 -0700

Temps are heating up and for long-haired pups, Summer means time for a new 'do. For long-haired breeds, shedding is year-round battle, and frequent baths and trims can help the problem . . . but costs add up. TeamSugar user Lynne writes in about her Golden Retriever:

Since I'm not an expert, can you provide any insight and tips on the best products, methods, and stylings to accomplish reducing his fur coat during the Summer? I already have a Furminator, but that takes a lot of time and I don't want to irritate his (pale) skin with too many strokes. I'm hoping I can use the clippers with a 1-2 inch guard but would like some further advice.

Several companies make at-home trimmer kits with DVDs, but I've never used any on my short-haired pup. Can anyone offer up some tips or product suggestions to help Lynne and Sonny out?

Step, Step, Stumble For Taronga's Wacky Pachy

PetSugar — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 06:00:31 -0700

It's official - I'm a fan of the Taronga Zoo's latest babe. Born on the Fourth of July (literally), the unnamed calf is already stumbling around his enclosure. Since the temps in Sydney have been averaging in the 50s, and he's just a few days old, he'll remain inside a special heated barn until he can go to the zoo's Wild Asia public display with parents, aunties and pals. If you're still lacking inspiration to name this newbie, check out the pictures of him as he learns to walk.

I can think of a couple adjectives to describe this pachyderm so see for yourself and read more.

View 20 Photos ›

Is Better's Haircut . . . Better?

PetSugar — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 09:00:12 -0700

Supermodel mom Rebecca Romijn sure does have a full schedule. Not only is she juggling newborn twins Dolly and Charlie, and workouts to keep her fab bod in shape, but she keeps tabs on her two frisky pups Taco and Better. Phew - I'm tired just thinking about it!

Rebecca was spotted leaving a friend's house in LA last week with a cuddly poodle mix that seems to be her veteran pup Better - but it looks like that super cute pooch got a super cropped 'do. I imagine this style's a great way to beat the heat on warm SoCal days, but I wanna hear it from you - do you think the groomer went too far with the clippers or is the buzzed look best on this pooch?