Keeping Dog Cool

[Hyde]

Durring the summer months here in Northern CA (Sac area - or anywhere really, lol) - how do I go about keeping a stricktly outside dog cool? Shade... water available at all times... anything else I could do to make him more comfortable?

I used to put frozen water bottles (soda liters filled with water), in my rabbits cage, would the dog like that also?

Anything else I can do? Just looking ahead...

[agilitydog]

A wading pool of water. We always have these out in the summer but I also only keep mine out when dogs can be monitored.(I run a child daycare and freak with the drowning thing)

[Hyde]

That's a good idea - didn't think of that.

Any more?

What about when they can't be monitored for a bit - can I do something then?

[rottiegirl]

frozen water bottles... I use those. There are beds called canine coolers, I use those for my Bernese Mountain dogs. keeping them brushed out helps as well. (NO SHAVING!)

[bernicesmama]

I'm in the modesto area, so i understand the heat! lol a kiddie pool is probably the best idea. i would keep it in the shade to prevent the water from getting too hot.

[agilitydog]

Hyde, you may be able to leave a wading pool out with your dog. Generally a dog is not going to drown as a baby would, unless real young, BUT it is all depending on your dog. I am too paranoid about stuff like that(like I said maybe because I always have other peoples children here) yes I know kids not dogs but it is just me. Your dog may be fine. My dogs would all be fine in a wading pool unattended but I don't do it. If I have them outside and I am home fine.

[golden&hovawart]

I live in Florida and to avoid my dogs from overheating or swimming in a canal because of alligators.I hose them before going,for a walk and hose them,again,when we come back.
They need water and if you can,a kiddy pool would be great.They love soacking,in it.

[Deb's Tiny Dogs]

I use a chiller bed inside in the summer for Cali. You soak it once, dry it and then it permanently stays cold. She's a Pom with lots and lots of hair and just hates the heat.