Great products to help keep your pet cool in summer!

It's a late Summer this year! At least here in North Eastern Wisconsin, the weather has been very pleasant, minimal bugs, and clear skies. Here we really don't have much to complain about. Many of you however, are probably trying your best to stay cool. Temperatures, especially in southern Wisconsin have been quite high. Dogs who are usually active, are the ones suffering the most. Dogs lack efficent ways of cooling down. Since they don't sweat (except from their pads) their only way of realeasing body heat is panting. It works, but takes energy that was originally used for activity -- just to stay cool. Dogs deemed as "lazy" in Summer usually aren't, just reserving their energy to not overheat. Helping your dog stay cool during the hot days will keep him healthier, more energetic, and in better spirits. While pondering that, take a look at some products to help your dog beat the Summer heat!

RuffWear Swamp Cooler: Let's start by keeping your dog cool wherever he is and whatever he's doing. Although jackets are usually thought of as a way to warm up, the Swamp Cooler is a jacket that actually cools down. Swamp Cooler works via evaporative cooling (transition of liquid water to water vapor) and heat reflection to provide a hassle free method of cooling your dog off - just put the coat on him, and your done! Swamp Cooler features a 3 layer active fit construction, easy visibility reflective trim, and side buckles for easy on/off. Guaranteed to be a winner with you and your dog. RuffWear SwampCooler is available in 6 Sizes and 1 color (Graphite Gray). $54.95

Hugs Hydro Ball: Why not also incorporate cooling off into playtime? The Hugs Hydro Ball does just that. Hydro Ball is a hollow rubber ball with a foam core. The specially desighned rubber exterior has holes on it, all around the ball. Just soak the ball for a few seconds and the foam interior draws and holds the water. You're ready to play! After soaking Hydro Ball, it squirts water when bit or squeezed, making it especially fun for playful dogs. Its' strength and durability make it a great fetch toy, and it can even be frozen to slowly release water as it thaws and your dog chews. Although simple, this toy has won awards for its great design. Hugs Hydro Ball is available in 1 size (2") and 1 color (blue). $8.99

K&H Cool Bed III: Now that your dog is tired from a long day of playing, it's only fair that he should have a cool comfortable place to lay down. The Cool Bed is ideal. Cool Bed is an attractive, functional, tough dog bed with a twist: it also cools down your dog. Simply fill with the reccomended amount of water and adjust comfort level with the air valve. Cool Bed will do the rest diverting the liquid throughout the pad via its unique inner core, cooling the pad without any electricity. Very tough, tear resistant nylon/vinyl covers the bed  ensuring a comfortable and dry place for your dog to rest. Available in 3 sizes (small, medium, large) 2 colors (blue, gray) and a 2 year warranty. $24.95 and up.

There are also many quick ways you can keep your dog cool, like wetting his face with water, freezing treats for him, or trimming his coat for summer to just to name a few. Whatever methods you use, or products you buy, ALWAYS be sure your dog has plenty of fresh water to drink. Staying hydrated is vital to a dogs health and shouldn't be compromised. Large dogs on a hot day can easily drink more than you can fit in an average bowl. Consider getting a automatic dog fountain if you'll be away for a period of time, or if you are not able to check him often. That way, he'll always have plenty of fresh water to drink. Whatever you do this Summer, stay safe and have fun! Until next month!