Author Archives: Kristie Filion

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and are now bringing with them record-breaking temperatures.  North York, Toronto is no exception.  The extreme heat that lasts for lengthy periods can and does take a health toll on people but more, it affects dogs who are more susceptible to the effects of heat than people are.  In fact, some dog breeds like Pugs and Bulldogs are extremely sensitive to the heat and need particular care during these times.  

With that in mind, we have outlined our Top 10 Tips for keeping your dog cool in the event of a heatwave.

1. Be sure to have lots of ice on hand.  Not only is it great for us to have ice cold water on a hot day, but your dog will also be drawn to cold water to help them keep cool.  Keep the water bowl filled with ice.
2. Have a couple of towels handy that you can dip in some of the icy water.  A cold wet towel can make all the difference between a heat-stressed dog and a comfortable pal.
3. Many people keep one of those small plastic pools, especially for hot days.  If it’s hot enough, even a dog that generally avoids water will be happy to take a dip.
4. Keep out of direct sunlight.  Move your outdoor furniture to a shady spot.  If you don’t have shade nearby then consider building a sunscreen for your pet.
5. A cooling vest.  Cooling vests are used by people who must work on very hot days and these vests are made for pets too.  They tend to be more effective and their ability to cool lasts longer than a wet towel.
6. Stay off the streets and sidewalks.  Though a dog’s paw pads seem tough, they can be severely burned if they spend any amount of time on hot asphalt or pavement.
7. Exercise your dog in the early morning or late afternoon hours.  Take your dog for a walk in the cool of the morning or when it is cooler in the late afternoon/evening is your best bet to keep your animal cool and safe from the heat.
8. Keep a close eye on their drinking water, refill and re-ice regularly.
9. Weight and age are factors.  Like people, if a dog is overweight or aged then they are more susceptible to the heat.  While you can’t do anything about their age, you can help your pet lose weight before the heatwave season hits.
10. Stay indoors.  Staying indoors and running a fan will help your dog stay cool.  Humans sweat to cool down and dogs pant.  If you don’t have air conditioning, then having icy water and a fan nearby is the next best thing.

Dog walkers are more than just people who let your dogs out when you’re not around. They provide a
service to your dog that is extremely beneficial to them. When you invest in dog walking services for
your furry friend, you are investing in their health and social skills while also giving you the peace of
mind that your dogs are being taken care of when you’re not at home. North York Dog walkers provide
an essential service that you should get for your dog, especially if you’re a busy professional who may
not have the luxury of taking your dog out for frequent walks throughout the day

Socialization Is Important For Your Dog

Much like humans, dogs need socialization. They are pack animals, meaning that they rely on
companionship for happiness and security. There are a few reasons why it is important to socialize your
dogs. Dogs who aren’t well socialized tend to be fearful in new situations and circumstances. A dog
walker can walk your dog with other dogs or take them to the dog park to get this socialization that they
need.
Socialization also helps dogs to build up their confidence. Confident dogs are better able to develop
positive behaviors and learn to become a well-rounded dog. As they come across new experiences, they
will further develop their confidence, which can make the dog’s life easier and your life a lot less
stressful. You will then be able to take more trips out with your dog, you can also rest easy whenever
you are having gatherings at your home. Socialization is a must for dogs.