Keeping Outdoor Pets Cool

Dear JoAnne:

My dachsund stays outside most of the time because my husband is allergic. Pretzel has a doghouse but this summer in Houston has been a 110 in the shade. What can I do to keep my hot dog cool?

Sincerely,
Dog Days of Summer

Dear Dog Days:

If at all possible, it is better to keep your dog inside during the hottest part of the day. However, if your dog is used to being outside, there are some additional things you can do to help keep him/her cool.

• A kiddy pool is ideal. Not only does it provide extra drinking water, most dogs will climb in and lay in the water to keep cool.
• You can also provide a sprinkler system so your dog can run through a mist of cool water. This cools the coat and the dog.
• Make sure you provide lots of extra water so your dog can keep hydrated.
• If your dog has a dog house, place the house where it will be in the shade during the hottest time of the day.