It’s the dog days of summer

PAW’S CORNER

Q: We don’t have central air conditioning in our home, just a small window unit that we put up in the summertime that keeps one room cool. The trouble is my dog “Max,” a long-haired shepherd mix. Even in the air-conditioned room, he pants all day and doesn’t have much energy. I fill his water bowl daily, and he drinks all of it. Do you know of any other ways to keep him cool? — Joyce in Providence, R.I.

A: They don’t call them “the dog days of summer” for nothing! Max, like many pets in summertime, is cooling himself off as best he can, drinking lots of water and letting his tongue hang out (which helps lower his body temperature). Keep his water bowl filled, and throw in a couple of ice cubes every hour or so to cool it down even further. Some dogs love to just crunch up an ice cube by itself, too.

Take Max for a walk early in the morning, or late in the evening, when the sun is very low. The exertion and fresh air may help him relax a little bit, and he may feel a bit cooler during the hottest parts of the day. Run fans in the non-air-conditioned parts of the house to increase airflow, and draw the curtains on windows where the sun is shining brightly — this will lower the house temperature.

Max’s long, thick coat is another heat insulator. At the very least, comb him daily to remove excess hair. You might consider having a professional groomer clip his coat short for the summer — it will grow back in time for cooler weather.

Summertime heat can be dangerous for all pets. Make sure they have plenty of fresh water, good airflow and a cool place to rest, out of direct sunlight. Never leave pets inside a car with the windows rolled up. Avoid walking pets on hot sidewalks, which can burn their paws.