PORTSMOUTH, Va. - Animal shelters in Hampton Roads said it can be a challenge to keep dogs cool in the summer months.
The Portsmouth Humane Society said a dog's daily routine is different than normal.
Limited time outside is one way to keep dogs healthy in high temperatures. The Portsmouth Humane Society said dogs are walked twice a day, but only for bathroom breaks.
Animal Care Technician, Alecia White said, "You have to think of it like being outside with a fur coat on. It's gonna be hot. They have ways to cool themselves down, but it's still gonna be hot for them."
Play time for dogs is also cut short when it's 85 degrees out hotter outside, and for the Norfolk SPCA it's 75 degrees.
Sprinklers and blow up pools are also set out for the animals to cool off in when they show signs of heat exhaustion.
Some of those signs include excessive painting, not wanting to walk, and excessively trying to go back inside.
White added, "We even use their kibbles sometimes just put them in a little bit of water or pop it in the freezer and they have little ice cube treats that we pass out through out the day."
These tips are recommended for dog owners at home to use to provide their pets with a fun yet safe summer.
