Hynda Update + My New Puppy Must-Haves

Sometimes our home looks suspiciously devoid of puppy paraphernalia, so people always ask where I keep Hynda's stuff!  The secret?  She lives in the office (where I pretty much live, lol).

Well, since she's more house broken these days (we're at one or two accidents a month - so much better than three a day!), she's free to roam with Szuka for much of the day, but her crate, pen, and food live in the office so she has a safe, quiet space to eat and nap away from Szuka, (who I feed in the laundry room).  But they both love to play in the living and dining room, where I keep dog beds and a basket of toys.  

I wanted to share a little update on how we've all be adjusting, some progress Hynda has made, and also share some of the stuff that made getting a new puppy so much easier!

Two Dog Crates: Wire and Travel

This time around, I actually bought TWO turquoise dog crates: a plastic travel crate and a wire crate for home.  I prefer the wire crate for home because it seems like it allows more air flow but the metal can rattle in the truck - which really bothered Szuka when she was a pup - so Hynda is way more spoiled with two crates.  This is similar to what we have - if not identical - but I wish we'd seen this two-door crate first, just for a little more flexibility.  Actually, if I had the money I would have gone with this crate because it looks like a gorgeous piece of furniture!  

We originally kept her wire crate in the dining room because it's a central space in the house, but she was so distracted by Szuka that she never slept during the day!  So we moved her into the office because Szuka rarely goes in there so it helped them both get some space.  We crate trained Hynda early on because I read that it plays to a dog's instinct to find safety in a den, plus it helps the bladder grow stronger to be in a place a puppy doesn't want to soil.  Szuka NEVER took to her crate but we quickly learned she is such a good girl (hardly any accidents!) and by the time we moved from our townhouse to the lakehouse, she was already sleeping loose and these days she's allowed anywhere in the house, even when she's alone.  She never gets into anything, unless I've left a Kleenex lying around because she just loves shredding those.

But Hynda gets into SO much trouble, so we knew we'd need to get her used to a crate.

In truth, because we were on holidays for a good chunk of time when she was a wee little puppy, she spent a lot of time with us in the yard or getting one-on-one supervision, but we did put her in the crate for naps (and overnight), or if she was starting to really bug Szuka.  Happily she's adjusted to it pretty well and sometimes even seeks out her crate for a little solo nap, which is such a good sign.  It helped that we made it a happy place, where she got treats and praise - and peace. 

Puppy Play Pen:

I also bought a pen to give her some extra room when I need her confined for her safety (like when I'm cleaning or can't watch her).  She is very content in the pen, especially if I give her a treat to gnaw on.  It was a really good purchase because it keeps her safe and contained, but with more room to play than the crate.  The crate is attached to the pen so she has a safe space to sleep and nap.  It definitely takes up a huuuuuuge chunk of my office floor space though, so I look forward to a time she can be trusted to be loose in the house like Szuka - hopefully that happens someday.  Hopefully...

Crate Cover:

My Mom and I started to make a cute crate cover and then Hynda chewed it before we could finish, so now I use a blanket but I still plan on making a crate cover because it really helps her settle.  Crate covers also help disguise some of the uglier dog crates out there - not that my pretty aqua crate needs covering!  I am so crazy about the fabric on this one - I almost bought the matching dog bed.

Clip On Food and Water Bowls:

Because the office is her little place, I also keep her food and water in here (safe from Szuka, who inhales her kibble any chance she gets - but because she can't fit into the pen, is foiled!).  I bought these handy bowls because they clip onto her pen or crate, so it keeps her from bumping them and spilling water and kibble all over the hardwood floors.  The stainless bowls just lift out for easy washing and re-filling.  I've been lucky that I can just leave food out for her, like with Szuka, and she grazes throughout the day.  I love dogs who can feed themselves!  Plus keeping her food in here creates a positive association with this space.  Although she eats whenever, I take the bowls away two hours before bedtime, which really helps her sleep through the night without needing a potty break.

Sturdy Basket:

In a recent post about how I keep the house clean with two pups, you saw the basket I used to store toys in the living room, but I also keep some toys in here to keep her occupied.

An online Canadian boutique (Sparroh) sent me this felted wool basket and I love it for Hynda's toys because it's soft and indestructible - but it looks chic in my office!  Sometimes Hynda even climbs inside for a cozy nap (it's technically a cat cave - and this teal one has been added recently to the shop).

She will chew on it occasionally, but she can never do any damage, which gives me piece of mind because I worry about her teething on woven baskets and ingesting random pieces. 

Harness:

I never bought a harness for Szuka because I read that bigger dogs can just gain more pulling strength with one.  Instead, we opted for a gentle leader and dog training classes.  For Hynda though, a harness has worked perfectly while we teach her to walk beside us.  I really wanted a turquoise leather leash but am so happy I got a nylon one instead because she has definitely peed on it a few times so "washable" is now my favorite word.

Identical Dog Beds:

Oh goodness, I have spent a lot of money on dog beds!



Szuka had a favorite, which Hynda immediately commandeered so I bought Hynda her own which Szuka then wanted so I bought Szuka the exact same one but larger, and now both of them beg to get up on the sofa.  PUPPIES you are driving me bonkers.  When the two of them lie in their respective, identical-save-for-the-size, turquoise dog beds, my heart grows three sizes - I love these Jax and Bones beds because the covers come off and they're easily washed/dried. 

P.S. I bought a bed a bit too big for Hynda because I noticed she enjoy a larger bed for playing on - she still uses Szuka's sometimes!  I also bought one for her crate and inside her travel crate, so I should really be buying stock in dog beds.  Oh and one of Szuka's old beds is on the floor of her pen for some added softness.  We currently have seven dog beds in the house!  Plus we have one in the truck and one in the garage for when we're chilling outside.  Oh and I'm saving this pretty polka dot one "for good," lol - no idea why or what that actually means.

Puppy Kong:

One of the first things I bought Hynda was a mini Kong - I have a larger Kong plus a Kong tire for Szuka and she loves them - especially when they're stuffed with peanut butter!  I bought a few smaller toys for Hynda but she loves Szuka-sized toys anyway so now I buy them identical toys so they don't fight over them.  They are especially obsessed with leather toys, which kind of grosses me out because I'm reminded that I let two little wild animals, who want to rip into skin, into my house.  Unnervingly, I bought Hynda this snuggle buddy toy and she immediately flipped it over and tried to tear out its beating heart...

Freeze Dried Liver:

I need a high value treat to help train Hynda and one thing both pups go nuts for is freeze dried liver, which I like because it doesn't have any weird ingredients.  But I try to make sure I break it into tiny pieces for Hynda so I don't exceed the recommended dosage in a day.  It definitely helped with the potty training - which was slow going - and now she only has an accident every now and then.   We still need to sign up for obedience school but I wanted to wait until she had her shots and was spayed (which just happened last week - poor thing!).

Szuka and Hynda still rough house ALL of the time and I think Szuka is still majorly jealous but Hynda is super attached to Szuka.  She pesters her and does annoying things like nip at her ankles, but she also cuddles up to her.  Szuka won't tolerate that, though, so Hynda gets sneaky and waits until she's asleep before cuddling up to Szuka's tail or foot.  It's a bit sad, actually, but I'm hoping they grow closer.  I think when Hynda calms down a bit  (hopefully obedience classes will help), Szuka will relax.  In the meantime, I am trying to make Szuka feel special and loved. 

Handling these two has definitely kept me busy, so I am glad I spent on some purchases that made life easier - especially that puppy play pen!  

Here are all of those links again, in one handy spot: dog crate | travel dog crate | puppy play pen | felted wool basket | clip-on bowls | crate cover | turquoise dog bed | dog harness | canvas leash | KONG toys | freeze dried liver |

Easy Homemade Cheese + Oat Dog Treat Recipe

As I type this, Hynda is barking furiously at my feet and Szuka is breathing heavily at my elbow.  I've been eating the dog treats I baked for them all day, and they can smell the cheese and oats on my breath.  In my defense, all foods I prepare must go through quality control.

;)

I'm a huge fan of making homemade dog treats because not only do I get to ensure quality ingredients, I also get to use up stuff from the fridge!  A couple of years ago I confessed that I liked making Szuka "kitchen sink" cookies, using up delicious leftovers like pureed pumpkin, bacon grease and shredded carrots.  Anytime I had some yummy leftovers from our meals, I set it aside for Szuka and made a random batch of cookies, adding wet and dry ingredients until it was knead-able.

I am a HUGE fan of made up meals and baked goods for humans too.  I struggle to follow a recipe without adding some of my own flair.  One night Hubby and I had the munchies and we were so desperate for cookies.  I caved and started whipping up some but I had such an odd assortment of dry goods so I just kept mixing and adding and, in the end, made some kind of delicious carrot cake meets oatmeal cookie muffin top-type thing, sweetened with maple syrup.  They were INSANELY delicious (we all know the muffin top is the best part of a muffin).  Anyway, weeks later Hubby asked for "muffin top cookies" and I had NO idea how I had made them!!

So I've been trying to write down these made up recipes in case something turns out so tasty I want to recreate it.  I'm sure Szuka will appreciate this too, because there have definitely been some homemade dog treat versions she's loved more than others, but no two batches are alike.

Here's my first official dog biscuit recipe: a simple cheese and oat treat - typed up and everything.  It's easy, tasty (trust me) - and the perfect base for adding other flavors and ingredients (here are some great ideas for flavor combinations).

Ingredients:

• 3 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 cup oats
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup broth 
• 3 eggs (beaten)

How to Make Homemade Dog Treats:

After measuring out the ingredients, I mix together the oats and flour and then just toss in the cheese, broth, and eggs, mixing with my hands until I can form the dough into a ball.

(If it's a little dry, you add a bit more water or broth and if it's too wet, add a scoop more of flour or oats).

Knead on a floured board and then roll out.  These are very durable cookies and I have baked itty bitties with giant ones together - they're not delicate like a human cookie and they won't burn easily at all, so don't stress about the thickness, just adjust to your pup's preference.  Dog themed cookie cutters are a must so everyone know who these are for!  (Although that did little deter me from eaten half a dozen of these).  This sweet set is from Wayfair (they have such a great pet section).   

  
Bake these at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes for the smaller size and 20-25 minutes for the larger cookies.  I liked to use parchment paper or a silicon mat.

These cheese and oat dog biscuits are (intentionally) a little more bland than a human cookie, but actually still quite satisfying, especially if you've recently fallen off the low-carb wagon and feeling snacky.  I literally topped these with a slice of cheese and some salami with a side of cherry tomatoes.  The dogs sat there staring at me, like "what the heck?"

In my defense, they eat my food all the time.  It's not fair.

Can we just talk for a minute about Szuka's self control?

Seriously, look at this!

Hynda, on the other hand, LOST her mind for these cookies - and I almost lost a finger in the process.  How are those tiny teeth so sharp?!  I tried to snap an adorable photo of her chowing down on these cheesy treats but every photo was a blur.  Once she'd gobbled five cookies while I tried to snap the perfect pic, I managed to get this clear shot.  Does that look like a contented pup with a full belly, or what?

Have you baked anything yummy for your pups recently?

This post was sponsored by Wayfair but all thoughts, opinions, and puppies are my own. 

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Say Hello to Hynda!

We welcomed her at the end of June, but I've been too busy chasing this little bunny around to share a post about her.  Meet Hynda, Szuka's new buddy!

For two years I have casually looked for another pup to add to the mix.  Because I have allergies, it really limits my selection to about five breeds.  Because Szuka is kind of iffy with other dogs, we were really worried about bringing home an adult rescue but I kept my eyes peeled anyway.  Around here, there are a lot of Labs, German Shepherds, and Husky mixes all looking for homes, but all of those breeds make me super sick.  I started looking at breed specific rescues across Canada and the US but was turned down because of distance.  Most shelters and rescues wanted people to adopt nearby so they could easily return the pup if need be.  I was kind of surprised at how difficult it was to find a pup to re-home, but I guess that's just the reality of living somewhere kind of far flung.  I almost rescued a feral Komondor but he was mixed with Great Pyrenees (a major allergy maker for me).  When I was in Ottawa I almost found the perfect pup who was desperate for her forever home, but I missed out when a great family scooped her up before I could.  I wish I didn't have allergies because there are a million dogs I would have taken home from our local dog rescues.  I still look every now and then, in case a dog I can handle allergy-wise pops up! 

 

Meanwhile, because I've been working more outside the home, Szuka sweetie has been a bit lonely so I started really seriously looking for another dog and finally started considering a puppy as opposed to a rescue.  At the dog park she always favors little dogs and when she meets other white dogs she seems to like them more.  She spends a lot of time looking in the mirror (it's kind of adorable) so I wonder, does she know she's a white fluff-ball?  My boss has four poodles and one of them is white and when Szuka met them, she and the white male poodle started at each other for SO long!

In the end, I found a great couple (registered breeders, no backyard shenanigans and no pet shops) who breed Bichon Frise.  I researched the breeds I don't have reactions to tirelessly and the Bichon seemed like a great fit because it's small but spunky so I figured it could hold its own rough housing with Szuka.  I also read that they don't need to be the dominant dog, which I thought might make for a smoother adjustment.

We brought her home at the end of June and things have been a bit bumpy.  Szuka HATED her at first but we tried to let her assert her dominance with this little gal (within reason).  Another reason I got a small puppy - and not a full grown feral Komondor - is because I figured that IF growing our four-legged family is impossible, it would be easier to re-home a smaller dog with friends and family as opposed to another massive beast like Szuka (who weighs in at 104 pounds these days).  In the back of my mind, I really worried about how Szuka would adapt but I really thought a buddy would ease her loneliness.

After only a couple of weeks, the girls seemed to be getting along a bit better.  But they still haven't really "clicked".  In between the fighting, they play and chase each other around and they do often lie on the floor together chewing or snacking.  They have cuddled a bit, but it's always Hynda who instigates and Szuka just tolerates.

We've been doing our part to make the pack whole but sometimes I wonder if Szuka wouldn't just be happier being alone again... I just wanted to make my working easier on her, but it's difficult because she's only ever known a reality when I work from home most days.

But maybe it's just an adjustment process because Hynda is waaay less chill as a puppy than Szuka was.  Hynda earned the nickname "Tuna Breath Face Biter" for good reason.  She's been a struggle to crate train and housebreak (good gravy I'm still struggling) and she is teething something fierce.  She's drawn blood from hands after a particular bad sneak attack and she also lunges for my nose and face leaving little tooth marks if I get too close. Szuka was so calm by comparison and had very few accidents indoors (I can count on one hand the number of inside whoopsies her entire life).  The three of us (Hubs, Szuka and I) are all pretty laid back so maybe this energetic nutty ball of energy will need to mellow out before we gel as a pack.  Although I'm also worried because my Mom has been caring for both pups when I'm working long hours and she's expressed some concern about not being able to handle both dogs.

Even though I love this little gal, sometimes I worry that I made a mistake but I'm hoping that over the summer with both Hubs and I taking some holidays, we can get everyone into a good routine.  On the bright size, Hynda is smart and after two days she already learned the command for "come" and she comes running immediately.  Szuka, on the other hand, looks over at me and sighs when I call her name, lol. 

I've never had a home with two dogs so I'm all ears for any tips, tricks or training references you suggest!  I've been reading a ton but I am always happy for more resources.  Soon we'll enroll Hynda in obedience but I'd like to get her fully vaccinated first.

They move in such a blur that I mostly just have cell phone snaps of them but I'm going to try to get some better quality pictures of them before Hynda loses her adorable puppy proportions.  Her waddle bum is the funniest!

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8 Modern Dog Bowl Stands (Shop Stylish Raised Feeders)

Because Szuka's bowls are always out (she eats and drinks whenever she feels like it throughout the day, which is so convenient), I wanted her raised bowl stand to complement our decor, but there really wasn't much on the market at the time - so Hubby and I made her a sweet mid-century inspired raised feeder.  The three of us still love it!  So then we made a pink raised bowl stand on gold hairpin legs for my Mom's place too.  Now there are definitely a slew of really great modern dog bowls and bowl stands on the market, so I rounded up 8 favorites for anyone who wants a stylish raised feeder for their pup without having to bust out the jigsaw.  (Don't forget to chat with your vet to make sure a raised feeder is right for your four legged pal). 

This wood elevated pet food dish with white bowls look so beautiful, I'm not convinced they aren't meant for humans.  I love the warmth of the wood, which would really blend in beautifully with mid-tone wood floors for a dog bowl stand that disappears, visually.  It reminds me of the solid walnut tray on legs we made my Mom, so this has potential to serve as DIY inspiration, too...

For a change of pace, this acrylic dog bowl stand (which comes with TEAL bowls) made my heart skip a beat and I almost ordered it.  The price tag had another effect on my heart but, really, if this lasts a long time then the cost of use is next to nothing!  It would look so perfect in an ultra modern, minimalist home.

For a much more affordable dog bowl stand with a similar "lucite" look, this acrylic base with stainless bowls is a great alternative - although I do love the colored bowls of the previous stand.

This simple chrome dog bowl stand is a chameleon, working well in a mid-century modern inspired space or contemporary digs.  It's versatile and a great price.

This resin dog bowl stand is lower to the ground and comes in such summery colors.  Of course I love the turquoise, but the pink is adorable too.  The design is so clever for messy eaters!

Did someone say mint?  These mint-colored dog bowls look so perfect in a matte black bowl stand - I love the retro vibe (it comes in other colors, like purple, and different sizes too). 

I love the simple, modern look of this elevated dog bowl stand and I really appreciate that it comes in different heights to ensure a good match with a pup's size.  Plus, like all of my favorites, it would work really well with mid-century modern inspired decor. 

You know I'm not a huge fan of gold in my home, but even I cannot resist this gold dog bowl - it looks like a hunk of pyrite and I am a huge fan of rocks.  It's SO glamorous!
There you go: some of my favorite modern and stylish raised dog bowl feeders, plus some DIY ideas!  If you happened to score (or make!) a really cool dog bowl stand I'd love for you to share a link in the comments.

P.S. With hot weather on the horizon, don't forget to check out my post for tips on how to keep your dog cool in the summer months. 

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13 Easy Ways to Keep Your Dog Cool This Summer

Usually summer here isn't that hot, so we don't tend to get anxious about keeping our dog, Szuka, cool in the summer.  We know the basics of avoiding dog heatstroke: lots of water, don't leave her in a car, let her splash in the water.  But recently we had a scare that got us really thinking about easy ways to keep a dog cool during the hot summer months.

Hubby had been away for work and the day he came home there was a heat advisory for our area - which is rare.  We were loving the balmy weather (I even ordered two summer dresses online).  Szuka was SO pumped Hubby was home and she just went nuts, jumping all over him and looking at me wide-eyed, like "do you SEE who is HOME?!?"  We all went outside before she broke something - like her tail, which was thumping maniacally against the walls - and she had the zoomies in a big way.  She darted around like crazy, diving under the deck of the guesthouse and burrowing under the deck stairs of the main house.  She ran full tilt for about five minutes until she started to pant like crazy and we decided to take her inside.  We gave her some fresh water to drink and encouraged her to lie on the cool tile.  It was fairly cool inside our house, but maybe a little warmer than usual?  Tuckered out from about five minutes of activity, Szuka (and Hubby) had a nap.  Hours later, Szuka started to get restless and was panting like crazy.  She just would not settle!  As the evening wore on, I started Googling, "dog won't stop panting" and all of these articles about heatstroke and dogs popped up.  It had never occurred to me that a dog can get heatstroke from a few minutes of activity, but I read about a dog who died after a 10 minute walk!  It was heartbreaking.  We started researching ways to cool her down.  We wrapped a pack of ice in a towel for her to cuddle.  She happily curled up around her little ice pillow and munched on some pieces of ice.  We grabbed a small hand towel, soaked in cool water, and placed it on her head.  We read that wrapping a hot dog in a damp towel can have the opposite effect - creating a sauna heat trap - but she loved the towel on her head.  She's always been an odd duck.  We encouraged her to drink a little water and she even nibbled on a snack.  She started to calm down and the panting stopped, although her breathing was still pretty heavy.  We phoned the emergency vet number and spoke with our vet, who asked follow up questions about her condition: Was she vomiting?  Had she lost her appetite?  Was she dizzy or unsteady on her feet?  The vet was fairly certain that Szuka did not have heatstroke, but had just become overheated and likely overtired.  We were encouraged to keep her cool, monitor her for other signs and, if we were at all uncertain, bring her in the next morning for an exam.

Szuka was fine - WHEW! - but it really gave me a scare!  I thought I knew the basics of keeping a dog cool but, after doing research, I realized just how susceptible dogs are to heatstroke, so it made me want to get prepared to keep Szuka cool because it looks like this summer might be a hot one!  Here are 13 easy (and stylish) ways to keep your dog cool this summer, to prevent heatstroke but also to make sure your dog is enjoying the balmy weather as much as you!

1. Encourage Your Dog to Stay Calm During Hottest Part of the Day

Seems like common sense, but it didn't dawn on us that she shouldn't run full tilt at 3:00pm!  We were loving the warm weather and she didn't seem bothered by it either - until she was.  To be safe, keep your dog calm and preferably somewhere cool when it's hottest, and try to stick with early morning or late evening for any activity.

2. Consider Some Protective Dog Booties

We exercise Szuka on the grass, but if you walk your dog on pavement or asphalt, it can become scathingly hot on a puppy's paws - even at night when the air is cool.  There are many different styles of dog booties on the market that can protect your dog's feet from scalding asphalt.  Look for a style that can offer your dog traction and allow him or her to still feel the ground to prevent the booties from becoming a stumbling hazard.

3. Keep Water Handy at Home (& Get a Collapsible Bowl for When You're on the Go)

I love these turquoise collapsible bowls for dogs, which can be filled up on the go from your water bottle.  In a pinch, toss an old plastic cottage cheese container or ziploc container in the car, just in case.


When we're at home, we keep TWO bowls of water handy - one inside and one outside.  Szuka often won't want to go inside for a drink, for fear of getting stuck in there all day, so she will power through and go without.  We let her drink from the lake in a pinch, but I worry about her consuming something she shouldn't, like floating debris, so I keep an old, dishwashered Pyrex bowl outside in the summer.  When we're playing or she's just chilling, it's filled with fresh cool water from the hose and she often runs to it for a drink - giving me the stink eye if it hasn't been filled with fresh fresh water in the last five minutes.  She'll drink from a swamp but not from a water bowl that's a few minutes old. 

4. Wrangle Your Pup into a Cooling Dog Vest or Cooling Dog Bandana

A cooling vest - or a cooling bandana for those fashionable pups - is a great way to help keep your pup cool on hot days, and, as a bonus, can make him or her more visible on the road, when folks might be squinting in the sun (we have a bright yellow high-vis jacket that doubles as a cooling jacket - we just didn't think to put in on her, duh! - but even blue is better than a dog's natural coat for visibility).  I couldn't find Szuka's vest online:

 But this Ruffwear Swamp Cooler vest for dogs, although not bright, has amazing reviews on Amazon!

For a dog who loathes coats, a simple cooling bandana might be enough!
 
5. Fill up a Kiddie Pool - or Special Doggie Pool

Szuka sweetie has ready access to the lake if she wants to cool down, but not every doggie does!

For land locked dogs something as simple as filling up an old kiddie pool - or a special doggie pool - with water can be enough for a dog to cool down on a hot day.  Place the pool in shade and don't worry if it's really shallow - dogs cool from the feet up, so even if only the paws and belly get soaked, that should be enough.

6. OR... Let Pup Dig!

Gah, digging in soil is the worst, but it's one way Szuka keeps cool.  At home she can jump in the lake, but even here sometimes she prefer to just create a little soil bed to keep cool.  She loves shimmying under the truck, where it's extra grimey.  At my parents' place, she's done this a lot - to my Mom's chagrin.  Yes, she'll track in a little dirt but it's a small price to pay for keeping her comfy and healthy in the hotter months.  So if your pup dives for the garden and want to nestle in, that's a sign he or she is too hot so let 'em, or bring 'em inside to cool off.

7. Buy a Cooling Bed

Live in an apartment or don't want your dog soaking wet from the kiddie pool or lake?  That soil tip probably doesn't sound super appealing either.  A dog cooling pad is a clever way to keep your pup cool without the mess.  Plus it can be used outdoors or inside.

8. Pick up or Make a Cooling Pad/Compress

We wrapped a ziploc bag of ice in a towel for a makeshift cooling pad that Szuka hugged against her chest.   Bringing a dog's temperature down too quickly by dousing him or her in an ice cold bath, or surrounding him or her with ice packs, can actually do more harm than good, causing blood vessels to constrict which prohibits their ability to let off heat.  By wrapping the ice bag in a towel, it was only slightly cool, not freezing cold.  My Mom makes all natural, buckwheat stuffed cotton lined heating/cool pads and I'm thinking that we need one too (for us and Szuka! We'll share).  I can keep it in the basement so it's always cool, but not freezing, and it's something I can hold against her chest to help her cool off.
 
If you buy a cooling pad, or make one, just watch your pup if he or she is a chewer because you don't want a hole gnawed!


9. Spoil Your Dog with Covered Dog Shade

Some dog houses, although they offer shade, can really be quite the sauna on hot days.  If your dog is outside a lot, consider a canopy dog house kennel cover, or try one of these easy-to-set-up covered dog canopies, which keep your dog off the ground and offer air flow. 

This covered dog canopy is even stylish, for anyone who has an outdoor space that isn't as...wild and untamed as our mess of a yard over here.  That is a seriously chic dog canopy bed!

10. Pop a Chew Toy in the Freezer

When Szuka was a puppy and we were still living in Ottawa, even though it was September there were some steamy, humid days so we'd make a fruit smoothie and pour her a little or pop one of her toys in the freezer.  This adorable plush popsicle just needs to be soaked in water and popped in the freezer for a cool, crunchy chew toy with a squeaker inside.  It comes in a ton of fun shapes, like a kiwi slice and ice cream cone.

11. Keep an Eye on Your Pup's Activity

Sometimes dogs can be dummies and they need us to look out for them and do what's in their best interests.  But sometimes dogs can indicate what they want or need so if you're outside playing or hiking and your dog starts seeking shade or wants to lie down, he or she is getting overheated.  Watch for these signs and act immediately.  When Szuka started diving under the decks, I think she was seeking a cooler area but she also wanted to be close to Hubby, so she fought her instinctive urge to cool down in an effort to play with him more.  We should have brought her in right away!

12. Leave Your Pup at Home

When it's cold outside, I'll often take Szuka into town with me.  Often I leave her at my parents', but if I'm running a few errands, she'll hang out in the vehicle.  When she's woolly, even if it's winter she's totally fine in the car for fifteen minutes.  Come summertime, it's less convenient so she spends more time at home.  I NEVER leave her in the car in the summer, not even for two seconds, but even just being at my parents' place in the summer, because they lack air conditioning, can be taxing for her.  I leave her at home where she knows where the cool spots are and let her just chill on the ceramic tile.  A fan helps keep air moving and provides a cooling breeze in lieu of air conditioning.

13.  Don't Shave Your Pup!

Szuka's fur is a bit long right now but shaving a dog right down is a bad idea because it can leave them exposed to sunburn - plus the coat does protect them from overheating.  A trim can definitely help, but a naked shave is a bad idea.  If your pup needs a haircut, chat with an experienced dog groomer about the right length for the summer.

There you have it: 13 easy ways to keep a dog cool in the summer, gleaned from hours of frantic research and an emergency call to our vet!  We're going to be implementing these tips for prevent dog heatstroke more rigorously to keep our pup cool as a cucumber.

Annnddd...Get a Doggie Thermometer.

This won't keep your dog cool, so it didn't make the official list, but getting a dog thermometer is the best way to monitor a dog's temperature if you suspect heatstroke.  Feeling a dog's nose is unreliable and a rectal thermometer is cruel (to the human who needs to use it), but this thermometer goes in a dog's ear!  Yes.   We definitely need to order one these right away because that's one of the first questions the vet asked.

This goes without saying, but always check with your vet about what you should do to keep your pup healthy and happy.

What are your tips for keeping your dog cool in the summer heat?  Have you had a heatstroke scare?

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