| Dear Miss Paws: Q. What are things every dog owner should know about keeping your pet safe and cool in these “dog days of summer.”? A. The best situation for your dog would be to have the dog trained as an inside animal so he can be inside the air conditioned house during these miserably hot summer days. If the dog must be kept in the yard during the hot parts of the day, it is important that there be a dark shady place where your dog can escape from the blazing heat. A dog house in the sun will not help – in fact, it could be worse. On the other hand, a ventilated dog house in the shade, or a pen with shade cover would be best. It is important that there be adequate shade at all times of the day that the dog is outside. If the dog is outside, make certain that there is a good supply of clean water in at least two shady locations in the yard. If one gets knocked over or gets dirt kicked into it, there will be another available. Some dogs enjoy water and can keep cool if a misting system is left on during the days. Or a child’s wading pool with a couple of inches of water in it where they can sit or lie down – in the shade, of course. Sitting in a tub of 110 degree water won’t help the dog. You can provide a sandbox with damp sand for your dog. Digging must be allowed in it so he can dig himself a hole and lie down. This is one of their favorites!! If you have a swimming pool or spa, and your dog has access, be sure he knows how to get to the steps to get out. If there are no steps or shallow area, make sure the pool is fenced and locked so the dog can’t get in. Every year dogs drown because they could jump in, but they couldn’t get out.
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