Stay Cool and Have Fun with Your Dog in the Heat
BY SARAH FISH
Summer can be a difficult time for dogs in Florida Asphalt can be too hot for their paws and high temperatures create a risk of heat stroke. Avoiding these conditions and taking advantage of Bradenton area dog parks will help keep your pup happy this season.
Easy Ways to Keep Your Dog Cool in the Summer
Provide Lots of Water
Staying hydrated is important for dogs and humans. If you feel thirsty, make sure to give your dog a drink, too. Let them play in clean water to cool off. You can run a sprinkler while they’re playing in the backyard or get a small kiddie pool to splash in. Avoid lakes and ponds for the obvious Florida reasons: gators.
Give Them Frozen Treats
We all scream for ice cream, even dogs. You can find ice cream for dogs in stores, or you can make your own. Or pop some dog cookies in the freezer to give them on hot days. A few ice cubes in their water bowl should help, too.
Groom Them Regularly
In the summer especially, maintain regular grooming for your dog in order to keep their coat thinned and short. This will help keep them cool. Even in Florida, dogs can grow a winter coat that needs grooming to keep up with how fast temperatures rise once spring has fully sprung and summer gets underway.
Avoid Pavement
The temperature of pavement can quickly reach dangerous levels that can burn the pads of your dog’s paws. Before taking your dog for a walk on any kind of pavement, even lighter colored cement, check it with your hand. If it’s too hot to touch after five seconds, don’t take your dog out on it without protective footwear. They sell shoes for dogs for just this reason.
Try a Cooling Mat
Cooling mats are exactly what they sound like — mats that are cool in temperature that your dog lays on or you drape over them. You can buy them in stores or online or you can make your own with a blanket and freezer packs.
What to Do If Your Dog is Overheating
Know the signs of heat stroke in dogs to avoid the potential of it happening to your pet. According to AKC.org, heat stroke looks like a heavy panting and excessive drooling. Dogs will appear lethargic or tired, and they may collapse or vomit. They may have dry, sticky gums and discoloration of the gums and tongue that looks like bruising. They may collapse, have seizures, and will very likely die if left untreated for too long. Take your dog to your vet immediately if you suspect heat stroke. It is a life-or-death situation.
Bradenton Area Dog-Friendly Parks and Places
Bradenton and the surrounding area have a few dog parks worth bringing your pooch to where they can safely run around and interact with other dog friends. Here’s a list of parks and places that let you bring your furry friends.
De Soto National Memorial Beach
De Soto National Memorial Beach is dog-friendly and has a beach where you can let your pup splash around it. There are restrooms and pavilions and interesting historical displays. Per the park website: De Soto National Memorial, though pet friendly, is not a designated dog park. As per county and park regulations, all pets must be maintained on a six-foot fixed leash. The park is located at 8300 Desoto Memorial Hwy, Bradenton
Robinson Preserve
Robinson Preserve is a great dog-friendly place to walk your pup with lots of trails and plenty of shade. There are pavilions, restrooms, water fountains and all dogs must remain on a leash. 1704 99th St NW, Bradenton
Happy Tails Dog Park at G.T. Bray Park
Happy Trails is a fenced-in park, which includes a separate small dog area, drinking water, and benches. 51st St W & 29th Ave W, Bradenton.
Jiggs Landing Preserve
Dogs are welcome at Jiggs Landing Preserve, a pet-friendly park located on the Evers Reservoir that also features a boat ramp, wildlife viewing areas, picnic areas, and pavilions. 6106 63rd St E, Bradenton.
Paw Patch Dog Park
Paw Patch Dog Park is a fenced-in, 2-acre off-leash dog park that features a doggie drinking fountain, waste bags, pavilion, and an enclosed area for small, fragile, or elderly dogs. The park is closed for maintenance on Tuesday mornings from 7am until 11am.
7025 44th Ave E, Bradenton.
Palma Sola Causeway Park
This dog-friendly park has a dock, grills, picnic shelter and tables, restrooms, and a water fountain to keep you and your dog hydrated. 9000 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton.
Motorworks Brewing
Their website says they are always dog- and family-friendly in both their Orlando and Bradenton taproom and beer gardens, so grab your pup and a beer for relaxing summer fun. 1014 9th St W, Bradenton.
Their website says Fido is welcome to join you for a refreshing beer at the dog-friendly brewery in Bradenton. Leashed pets are welcome at shaded outside picnic tables and inside the tasting room. 8405 Heritage Green Way, Bradenton.
Does your dog love to kayak? Bring them with you for a kayak rental at Surfer Bus. Dog owners should bring a dog life jacket for their pet. Dogs are not allowed on the paddle boards. Surferbus is open seven days a week from 8am to 5pm. 9800 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton.