Our four-legged friends look forward to having some summer fun with the family too.

However, the seasonal heat can be too much for your pet to enjoy, and often dangerously unhealthy. Taking some simple precautions will make all the difference.

Should Your Dog Always Stay Inside Your Home During The Summer?

I don't know about your dogs, but ours would find that idea impractical at best and in general a lousy idea. We spend a lot of time in the outdoor spaces around our home and our golden retrievers Tater and Clover want to be with us. Of course, when temperatures are hot outside, it's ideal if dogs have an air-conditioned home to retreat to. I think it's all about balance and ensuring a few simple steps are taken to keep your pooch healthy and happy.

Brian Stephenson
Brian Stephenson
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Make Sure Your Dogs Have Plenty of Water to Drink During Hot Weather

This is true even if your dogs are inside most of the time. I'm noticing our dogs are drinking about twice as much water since it has gotten warmer over the last couple of weeks. So, keep those water dishes filled inside and outside of the house. We enjoy a self-filling water dish with a gallon-sized container. I might be weird, but I fill it up with cold, filtered water from the fridge.

Brian Stephenson
Brian Stephenson
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Have a Water Option in Your Yard for Your Dog to Cool Off in (and, Yes, Drink)

A little wading pool picked up at almost any store this time of year is great for your dog. Fill it up with cold water from the hose and, as Clover demonstrates, it's the 'paws that refreshes'. (sorry). As she got out, she stopped and took a few big gulps for good measure. I do use the house water and NOT irrigation water. (I have to clean my sprinkler system filter every week as it gets clogged with all kinds of gunk).

Brian Stephenson
Brian Stephenson
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Too Hot Outside? Let Sleeping Dogs Lie Inside

Our dogs use a doggy door to come in and out of the house as they wish. If it's too warm, and we're not outside doing something, they both come right in a lie down next to air conditioning vents.

Anna Stephenson
Anna Stephenson
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Keep Dogs Out of Hot Cars and Off Hot Sidewalks and Pavement

Yes, they know when you're getting ready to leave and they can be very persuasive about wanting to go with you and treat you to a pup cup or go for a walk to the Farmer's Market. However, that hot car, even for a few minutes while waiting for the AC to cool things off, can be extremely dangerous for your dog. Also, if that sidewalk is too hot for you to walk on without burning your feet, your dog shouldn't walk on it either.

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