Re: [PyrNet-L] physical activity - hot weather

["Tracy Bassett" <espinay@dynamite.com.au>]

<<Can anyone offer some guidelines for keeping pyrs comfortable and safe in
hot weather?>>

The sand pit mentioned earlier is a great idea :-)

Here are a few others:

A wading pool in a shady spot (I use the kids wading pool type - hard
plastic shaped sort of like a big shell)

Only exercise in the cool parts of the day - morning is usually best here,
but late in the evening is good too (although it seems to be hotter then
than in the morning).

Lots of cool shady spots to lie in.

Lots of cool water to drink (placed in a spot where it will be in the shade
all day).

Fine spray water misters on bushes/trees in the yard will help create
natural air conditioning when the breeze (even a light one) blows through
them.

Freeze large containers of water and dump these big ice blocks in the water
bowl or in a cool spot to be licked/chewed on.

My dogs love icecubes as treats in summer (good for teething puppies too
;-) ).

Keep the dogs coat well brushed and free of dead hair/mats that may prevent
good air circulation to the skin.

Don't wet your dog all over if it is a bit hot - just wet its paws, its
stomach and up the insides of its legs.

Cool mats (if your dog will lie on one) can also be useful.

Tracy Bassett
Canberra, Australia
espinay@dynamite.com.au
visit my webpage at http://members.dynamite.com.au/espinay/index.htm