Does Your Pet Need to Chill Out?

Photo Credit: Cricket825

Summer is officially here! Yesterday, the heat index reached 105.  It is supposed to be more of the same today. I am not complaining though. I would take the heat ANYDAY over cold and snow. The only problem I have with the heat is the effect it has on my Miniature Pinscher. Even though she has very short hair, it is black and soaks up the heat like a sponge. Whenever I take her out for a car ride or a walk on hot days, her tongue is practically falling out of her mouth. The Columbia Missourian did a nice piece yesterday on how dogs are keeping cool in Columbia. My min pin doesn't like to swim, so a trip to the dog lake won't do her much good. She prefers a cold bowl of water and some AC.  A co-worker of mine told me that she tried to get her dogs, who love to swim, to get into an inflatable pool in the backyard, but they wouldn't. She figured it reminds them too much of the bathtub!

Here is some suggested reading on keeping your pets cool, calm and collected during the summer months.
About.com Dogs Channel: Keep Your Dog Cool in the Summer Heat
Humane Society of the United States: Summer Care Tips for You and Your Dog
Ehow.com: How to Keep Dogs Cool in Hot Weather