Connect & Grow Magazine: Issue 16 December 2024 - January 2025
I’m a summer girl through and through. Give me salty northerly breezes, endless beach days, a fan on high speed, a cold drink in hand, and wide-open windows at night—I’m in my happy place. Summer feels like a three-month holiday.
But while I’m loving life, my poor Pugs (and their furry friends) are living their worst hot mess season. Summer isn’t just tough on dogs—it can be downright dangerous. Unlike us, who can sweat, sip iced lattes, and lounge in front of the AC, dogs are stuck sweating through their paw pads and panting like they’re auditioning for a role in Hot Dog: The Musical. Staying cool is a serious challenge for our four-legged family members.
Heatstroke is no joke. Dogs overheat faster than you can say “walkies,” making midday strolls a risky business. And don’t even think about leaving them in a hot car—what feels like five minutes to you could be deadly to them. Oh, and that sizzling cement? It’s not just uncomfortable; it can dish out 3rd-degree burns faster than a barbecue gone rogue.
Then there’s the wildlife. Ticks, the tiny terrors of summer, are a lethal price to pay for living in paradise. And for those of us up north, cane toads are the party-crashers we really don’t want at our summer shindig. One lick of their toxic, hallucinogenic slime and your pup’s “fun” quickly turns into a veterinary emergency. Summer may be glorious, but it’s not without its hazards!
Being a Pug-mum, keeping my squishy-faced fur kids cool during summer is non-negotiable.
Here are 5 things I do to keep my pups chill—literally—and you might want to try them too:
Cooler Walks & Water Fun: Stick to walks in the early morning or late evening when it’s cooler, and add some splashy fun if possible. Many dogs love swimming or paddling around to beat the heat. Remember, if your pup is built like a four-legged bowling ball (looking at you, Pugs), pop on a life jacket—they sink faster than your New Year’s resolutions.
House Rules: Let your dog claim the coolest parts of the house, whether under the lounge fan, sprawled in the air-conditioned bedroom, or plopped in the breezy dining room. Forget about fancy decor; this summer, your house belongs to them.
Shave the Heat Away: Controversial, I know, but shaving your dog can be a game-changer for some breeds. My Pugs practically throw me a parade when they’re shaved, and as a bonus, it makes tick-checks way less of a treasure hunt. Win-win!
Frozen Delights: Toss a few ice cubes in their water bowl or freeze a lick mat or Kong for a delicious, icy treat. It’s like doggy gelato without the hefty price tag.
Hot Car? Hard Pass! Never, ever (EVER) leave your dog in a hot car. Temperatures can skyrocket to lethal levels in minutes—basically the time it takes to “quickly” grab milk and bread. Do your pup a favour: run errands when they’re safely chilling at home under the air con.
Because let’s face it—happy, cool dogs make for happy, guilt-free humans! 🐾
Written by
Sarah Rutten
Canine Behaviour Specialist
#1 Amazon Best-Selling Author
(C) 2024 Break Free Consultancy
Subscribe to Connect & Grow Magazine today for $99 ( Until January 26th 2025) to access Issues each month, email reminders and be the first to know what is going on with Connect & Grow Magazine