By Janet McAfee
Summer officially begins on June 20, 2025. However, our soaring May temperatures finds Coachella Valley people and their pups seeking ways to keep cool.
Dogs, just like people, need exercise. We need to get up early to take them for walks or trips to the dog park. Wait till the evening is cool to go that that second walk. The pads of their paws can easily burn on hot cement or sand if you are not careful. Dogs are traveling creatures and love to take car trips, but don’t ever leave them alone in a vehicle as they heat up quickly and this can be dangerous and even fatal.
If you have a backyard pool, Fido may be anxious to join you on these warm days. Many breeds including Labradors, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds and Newfies are built for swimming. However, dogs with short legs and flat faces like bulldogs may have difficulty swimming. Practicing water safety is important for your beloved canines. We dog lovers know that our activities are more fun when we see how much fun our dogs have joining us.
The two large breed dogs here are enjoying a game of fetch in their backyard pool. This is great entertainment for dogs, and you enjoy seeing their happiness. This kind of exercise makes them calmer when they come back indoors with you.
A friend’s senior dog who was going blind fell into her backyard pool and she later discovered him drowned. If you have an unfenced swimming pool, you must monitor your dogs when they are outdoors. If you have children or dogs, an alarm system can alert you when someone enters the pool.
Teach your dog boundaries that include staying out of the pool until he is invited. This is similar to teaching him not to jump on furniture or to exit the front door ahead of you. If you need assistance contact a Certified Professional Dog Trainer.
Take him into the pool carefully when he first takes a dip. Hold him while he learns to paddle his feet. Make sure he knows where the steps to exit the pool are located.
Teaching Fido to safely get out of the pool should he fall in is essential. Use motivators like toys, treats and affection to motivate them to come towards the pool steps for a reward. Wait until he shows a calm demeanor, let him exit the pool, and then bring him back in to repeat these steps. Soon you will see Fido happily enter and exit the pool on his own. Use a leash if you find it helpful.
Install a scamp ramp which is a ramp that floats in your pool. This will help your pup get out if it falls in accidentally. The ramp’s bright white color makes it easy to see even if the dog is in a panicked state.
If you have a senior or one of the flat nosed breeds like a French Bulldog, buy them a doggie life vest to enjoy pool time. If you take your dogs out boating on a lake or in the ocean, even the best swimmers among them should wear a life vest while on board. Loving All Animals had two lucky German Shepherds adopted by a family at the coast and we received photos of them happily wearing life vests aboard their owners’ boat. This tool is life-saving in case they fall overboard or have any type of problem while out swimming.
Most of the above tips are from local dog trainer Valerie Masi, owner and operator of Best Paw Forward. You can contact Valerie to schedule training sessions at (760) 885-9450.
Enjoy the summer season with Fido and stay cool!
