Is it a good idea to give a dog a kiddie pool during the summer?

Our question this week was:

Dr. Debra – This what I'm doing now to keep my dogs cool during the summer. I make sure they have plenty of fresh water. I run water on them over their backs and under their bellies everyday. Their kennel is located under some trees with a cover over it. Is it a good idea to have a kiddie pool with water in it, for them to get in to keep cool? I also have a Pitbull too.

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Jeanette Seay

Answer

Hi – thanks for your email. You wrote about how you keep your dogs cool. You are right – it is extremely important that dogs have plenty of fresh clean water to drink. It is also important that they have shade. The fact their kennels are in the shade is good. Their environment should also be clean and they should have the opportunity to have plenty of exercise every day when the environmental temperature is cooler (early in the am or late pm).

A kiddie pool is a great idea for a way for dogs to play and cool off. Make sure it has fresh clean water as well.

An article that might be helpful to you is Keeping Your Dog Cool in the Summer.

Best of luck!

Dr. Debra

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