Dog Days of Summer

Hi, Everyone,

The first two weeks of June was very warm here. A couple of days it was 100 degrees. Then the weather changed to more seasonable temperatures in the 70s. On June 24th, the heat wave hit again. It's been a very hot year so far. Even May's weather was much warmer than normal. When it is very hot, it is called, "Dog Days." Be careful around pets in this type of weather. Like people, they can become grumpy and may snap at your if you bother them too much.

Did you know that my coat keeps me cool in summer and warm in winter? It's true. Though I do find it warm, I am protected by my fur. I only sweat through my paw pads. That is the way of all canines. I also pant, which helps me to stay cool. So if you see your dog panting a lot, you will know he is cooling his body temperature.

You should never shave a dog in the summer. When you do this, it takes away his insulating coat that helps him stay cool. My vet, Dr. Stevenson, says that the undercoat, which is the insulation coat, never grows back properly.

It's best not to take your dog in the car when it is very hot. If you do, be sure to keep the windows down so your dog can get lots of fresh air. Never leave your dog in a vehicle in warm weather. Dogs suffer from the heat just as humans do and they can become very sick if left unattended in a car. I don't want to frighten you, but they can even die.

Mary and Dwight do not take me in the car in summer if they can help it. If I have to go to the vet, they will take me. It's only a ten minute drive and they leave the windows down for me. Even a warm breeze can help to prevent me from getting too hot.

I like to lie on the grass in the yard in the morning, but in the afternoon I come indoors where it is air conditioned. There is a very large shade tree at the end of the driveway and it shades the yard in the early morning and evening. I like to go out again after supper and lie on the cool grass. It is one of my favorite pastimes. I just lie there, panting, and watch all the activity in the neigborhood.

Go To Page: 1 2