In today's issue:

-Meet our dog of the day

-Enjoy a laugh with our dog meme of the day

-Get great information in our featured article

-Take our action of the week

-Check out our family photo of the day

Want your pup to be featured here?

Join our Facebook group - Post Your Pooch!

Protect against rising vet costs with pet insurance

The cost of veterinary services has been rising recently, with some common surgical procedures costing up to $7,000. Pet insurance can help cover accidents, illnesses, and even routine care, with some plans reimbursing up to 90% of costs. Money.com's Best Pet Insurance list can help you find affordable coverage starting at just $10 a month, so you can focus on what matters most – your furry friend's well-being.

Get a personalized pet insurance quote today and save thousands on costly vet bills.

No AC? No Problem! Simple, Loving Ways to Keep Your Pup Cool This Summer

Summer is the season of backyard fetch, long twilight walks, and sun-dappled naps. Now that it is upon us, we wanted to look at how to keep pups fresh and feeling their best as the temperatures start to rise.

Unlike us, dogs can’t sweat through their skin to cool down; they rely on panting and the sweat pads on their paws. When the air is hot and sticky, they need a little extra help from their human teammates.

The good news? You don't need a roaring HVAC system to keep your dog comfortable, happy, and safe. With a little creativity and these gentle, low-tech strategies, you can transform your home into a cool summer sanctuary for your pup.

Upgrade Their Water Game

Hydration is your first line of defense, but lukewarm tap water isn't very inviting on a scorching afternoon.

• The Ice Cube Trick: Drop a few ice cubes into your dog's water bowl throughout the day. The clinking sound is often an open invitation for them to come take a refreshing drink.
• The Frozen Cake: Take a plastic Tupperware container, fill it with water, throw in a few blueberries or a spoonful of peanut butter, and freeze it solid. Popping this "ice cake" out onto a tray gives your dog a stimulating, hydrating activity that cools them down from the inside out.

Redesign Their Rest Zones

If your dog's favorite sleeping spot is a plush, fluffy bed, they’re essentially sleeping in a winter coat on top of a heavy blanket.

• Ditch the Fluff: Put the fleece beds away until autumn. Encourage your dog to sleep on tile, linoleum, or hardwood floors, which naturally pull heat away from their bodies.
• The Cot Advantage: Consider investing in an elevated mesh dog bed. By lifting your pup a few inches off the ground, air can circulate completely underneath them, preventing heat from getting trapped.
• The Damp Towel Hack: Lay down a damp, cool towel for them to lie on. Just ensure it's not dripping wet, and never leave a wet towel over your dog, as it can actually trap heat against their fur.

Master the Art of the "Cross-Breeze"

Without AC, fans are your best friends—but you have to use them strategically. Fans cool by evaporating moisture from the skin, which isn't as effective on a furry dog.

To make a fan work miracles for your pup, place a frozen gallon jug of water directly in front of the airflow. This creates a DIY swamp cooler effect, blowing a chilled, refreshing mist across their favorite resting spot. Keep blinds and curtains closed during the peak heat hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to block out the greenhouse effect.

Rethink the Daily Routine

When the sun is blazing, standard exercise routines need a summer intermission.

A Note on Shaving: It's incredibly tempting to give a fluffy dog a buzz-cut in July, but if your dog has a double coat (like Golden Retrievers, Huskies, or Shepherds), don't do it! Their undercoat actually acts as insulation against the heat, and their topcoat protects their pale skin from severe sunburn. Stick to thorough brush-outs to remove dead winter fur instead.

Keeping Joy in the Dog Days of Summer

At the end of the day, keeping your dog cool is all about slowing down together. On those blistering afternoons, curl up on the cool floor with them, share a frozen watermelon slice (sans seeds!), and enjoy the quiet moments.

Dog Food and Supplement Recalls

Here are the recent recalls and advisories:

• Albright's Raw Pet Food - Chicken Recipe for Dogs: Potential Salmonella exposure

Want to help find lost pets?

Download our RoverAlert app to receive notifications of missing pets in your area.

We want to feature your pup!

We want to share your pup with our pack. Email us your favorite doggy pic or video with your pup’s name, and we'll try to feature it as a family photo in one of our upcoming newsletters or on our Facebook page.