These are the temperatures that try men’s (and women’s) souls. How are you coping with the heat? And what measures have you taken to protect your dogs in hot weather?

It’s called “estivating”

We’re in “estivation” mode. When we got a Bearded Dragon a few years ago, we learned the word because it’s what they do. It’s the summer version of hibernating. And, with short-faced, little dogs, it’s what we do when the temperature outside hits over 90 degrees.

Of course the plan to stay inside contradicts our insistence that our dogs are housebroken. When the “real feel” temperature is over 100 degrees, as it is this week, we wish we’d paper-trained them. It’s a bit late for that, so we deal. 

Keeping outside trips short is key. Easier said than done when they all have to sniff and check out every corner where the rabbits might have crossed the yard. Especially when said bunny pops out of our daylilies and dashes across the grass right in front of them.

The chase is on, and the dogs are panting within moments. 

Precautions taken

Knowing this could happen, and that the Frenchie is a sun-worshiper who will flop down to sunbathe in the worst heat, we put on collars and leashes before we let them out. Despite the fact that the yard is fully fenced. They behave better when on lead. And if they do get stubborn, we can at least get hold of them, and coax them inside.

When you gotta go

Of course we can’t put our lives on hold, so there are Obedience, Rally, and Agility classes and training to go to. For every two-hour outing (commute + class) we pack for what seems like a week-long vacation. Cool coats for the dogs. Water jugs filled with ice and fresh water. Water bowls. Insulated bag with ice packs and the dogs’ snacks. Plastic bags to hold the used cool coats, Spray bottles filled with water for instant cooling. 

It’s kind of ironic. Living in the Chicago area, we have the mindset that winter is harder. There’s lots of stuff involved in winter – gloves and coats and boots for people and dogs. And walking on ice can be treacherous – for everyone.

But the same “lots of stuff” holds true for summer. And walking can be treacherous in hot weather – for people and dogs. This is the first summer we’ve heard about people suffering contact burns from outside falls. But every summer we hear horror stories of dogs’ pads burned to bleeding from contact with pavement.

Take precautions

If you and your dog(s) are also enduring a heat wave, please take care. If you have to walk your dogs, go to grassy areas, not pavement. And outside these days is just for potty breaks. Exercise your dogs inside. 

This may be a perfect time to try some of our dog training games. Games that require your dog to think are even more tiring that playing tug or fetch. They’re a great way to avoid summer “cabin fever” blues.

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