Spoiling Senior Dogs In Summer


Having senior dogs is a challenge in any weather, but it's compounded in the summer. Molly is almost 12 now and Parker is 13, and we're definitely taking special precautions with them in July in Iowa. They also each have their own health problems, so we have to make a lot of adaptations to their lives and our schedules to make them as comfortable and happy as possible. 


Molly is the four-legged love of my life. It's hard to watch her joints and body deteriorate, especially being a big dog (she's 125 pounds of Great Dane and German Shepherd). We're taking walks that are long enough to keep her stretched out and limber, since movement is so good for her, but not long enough that she overexerts. She lets us know when she's walked her fill, going where she goes and heading back in when she's done.


Keeping them both cool is so important when the humidity level in Iowa in July is close to 452%. They love just laying on the kitchen floor and looking out the window, and we have a supply of ice cubes handy for Diesel and Molly. Parker doesn't understand the excitement over frozen, tasteless water, which is fine. Making sure the water bowl is filled is a constant project - even though they each have a water bowl, they will only drink out of one. Yep, they have quirks just like the rest of us.


One of the best ways we've beat the heat recently is just giving them cool-water baths. The boys aren't fans in the moment, but they're small enough that we can get them in and out of the tub easily. This is the attitude beforehand, knowing what's coming. I know how much better they're going to feel afterwards when they're not hot and oily, so I can ignore that look pretty effectively. Molly can't get in  the tub anymore, so we cool her off and bathe her with dog cleansing wipes, which she will tolerate but not enjoy.


I have to share Parker's last bath with you. Diesel had already had his a couple of weeks before, so he was fixated on making sure Parker was ok. I closed the bathroom door, but Diesel still got in, stuck his head in the tub, and cried the entire time his brother was in the water. Once he came out, Diesel had to inspect every inch of him to see that I had done a thorough job and even tried to help with the drying process.


Parker's so fluffy now, got cooled off quickly, and acts like he feels so much better now. So we're limiting their time outside in the heat and making sure they have plenty of cool, fresh water. They get extra treats and ice cubes, and we're paying attention to any signs of heat exhaustion and dehydration. The beautiful result is happy senior dogs who can soak up some brief sunshine, enjoy being outdoors, and still stay cool and healthy despite the high temperatures. What are your favorite ways to keep your dogs cool and happy in summer?

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