8 Easy Tips To Keeping Your Pup Cool During This Montana Heat

The days are long and the temperatures are high. With the last couple of weeks being in the upper 80s and 90s.

It's not only important to keep yourself hydrated and cool, but it's also just as important to keep your four legged best friend cool as well.

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As you are planning your weekly hike, make sure you think about a couple of things before you head out.

1. Will it be too hot for your dog?

2. Will you be able to carry enough water for the both of you?

3. Will the hike, round trip, be too strenuous for your pet?

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A lot of times we think our pets are invincible and will be able to be just as active as us. Which don't get me wrong, can be the case, but your pet will not be able to tell you they are over heated, feeling faint, or need to turn back.

Here are 8 tips to helping keep your pet cool this summer while temps are in the mid to upper 90s.

1. Check your pet's temperature. If you think it is crazy hot out, your pet is probably thinking the same thing. It can become deadly if your dog's temperature is above 104 degrees.

2. Dogs sweat through their feet primarily, so the fan you rely on to stay cool, isn't going to be enough for your pet. Dogs need a shaded area, whether that is a tarp or a tree-shaded area, they need to stay out of the sun.

3. Add ice to your dog's water to make sure it is staying cold. If you wouldn't want to drink warm old water, your pet most likely doesn't want to either.

4. Don't rely on a dog house to keep your dog out of the sun. A dog house actually makes your pet hotter.

5. Make DIY popsicles for your pet. You can find recipes right HERE.

6. Use a body wrap, vest, or mat to keep your dog cool. Just soak it in water and cover your pet in the cool covering.

7. Limit your dog's exercise. Different dogs have different reactions to heat. For example, dogs with short snouts already typically suffer from breathing issues. Dogs with white-colored ears, who are more susceptible to skin cancer should definitely not spend hours outdoors at one time.

8. Limit exercise to early morning and evening; this will help keep your pet cooler during long hot days.

If your dog is experiencing heatstroke you should do the following. Move your pet into the shade or an air-conditioned area. Apply ice packs or cold towels to their head, neck and chest or run cool (not cold) water over them. Let them drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes. Take them directly to a veterinarian. -Humane Society

Next time you head out on one of these hot summer days, think about these helpful tips and ask yourself these important questions.

cc: Humane Society