Our elec bill is way up compared with last year, usage the same, too.
Sad, but true, a neighbour's boxer died of a heart attack last week when it was so hot here. She was not a young dog, and didnt seem distressed at the time. But she was outside in the yard with the kids playing, when it happened. She always had access to the wading pool, and to come indoors, but she just wanted to be out with the children, and it must have been too much.
It is so very important to realize that dogs feel the heat and humidity a lot more than humans, its more difficult for them to cool themselves. They dont sweat, and panting is not enough if its really hot. Never let the dog exercise a lot in hot weather. Always keep at least 2 water dishes nearby, and keep them clean and full. Add ice several times during the day. And give the dog a chance to play in the sprinkler, swim, or get wet somehow. Most of our neighbours have the wading pools for their kids and dogs, and fill them clean daily.
Most of all, if you have AC in the house, let the dog sleep in that room.
Another important consideration, dogs like Boxers or Pugs, with the truncated faces, do have slightly more difficulty breathing, so we must be extra careful with them.
My other neighbour with a white Boxer, lets her play in the hose or the outside shower(on cold) anytime when when the weather is hot.
Jane
edit/add, Forgot to say, that when its really hot, keep the dog indoors. I know thats hard when the kids are out and playing, thats where the dog wants to be, but if its cooler in the house and the AC is on, make him stay inside for a while.
