Dogs in Austin (daycare, house, maintenance)

[Jazzedforhim]

Ok, this may sound like a strange question...but what do ya'll do with your dogs when its really hot outside and you are going to be gone all day? I am a stay at home mom so if we go out for an errand or two our dog stays in the house, but here in California if we are going to be gone all day we have a kennel outside to put her in. But...I'm thinking if it is really hot out she might start diggin in her water bowl and then have nothing to drink. She might try to dig out if I leave her in the yard without a kennel of some sort. I thought maybe (if she'd stay in the yard) I could put one of those kiddie pools out there for her too. She loves the water. What do ya'll do for your dogs?

[Trainwreck20]

Most dogs do fine outside if they are given water and shade. There are a few specific breeds that might have problems (think husky or chow), but even those do okay with a custom hairdo . Dogs, in general, are not nearly as 'high maintenance' as humans, and adapt to the heat very quickly.

My dad raises and trains border collies, and they are notorious for overworking themselves and overheating if not worked carefully. He does keep a kiddie pool, and they LOVE it on hot days. When he is not working them, they do fine in their kennels (and the one 'pet' that runs free in the yard). They never come in, except the 'pet' that comes in during thunderstorms (which terrify her...). Only one is a long coat (vs. smooth coat) and she is shaved short in the summer.

[brattpowered]

I agree with Trainwreck. Dogs are very hardy creatures and should do fine outside as long as you provide them with plenty of water and shade that is constant throughout the day. A doghouse would be a nice touch, too.

[Jazzedforhim]

I've has Aussie dogs in the past and we're thinking about getting another one after we get settled...but were not sure about the hair and the weather. So, this is encouraging...I hadn't really thought of shaving them. Ha...I bet they feel better, even if they look a little silly! LOL

[Trainwreck20]

I have a couple of friends that have un-shaved Austrailian sheppards, and they did not seem to have problems with the heat. They do not work them - they are pets - but if you run with them or something you may want to consider trimming them up a bit. My folks really shave their one dog due to the grass burrs...they can be a nightmare on long hair pets that live in the country.....

[Jazzedforhim]

That is exactly why I posted the question about horse trails...I got to thinking about the possibility of bring the dog with me. I remember those burrs too! Hmm...something to think about. Mostly the dog will be a pet.

[fil]

My dogs are my family.

My family lives indoors.

I don't want my dogs to die due to a heat stroke.

Dogs don't sweat and they die in extreme heat, such as the heat in the South and Southeast.

You may want to consider a crating your dog if you don't trust them inside of your home unattended.

Dogs are denning animals, so crates are like a den.

Dogs have no concept of time, so 1-10 hours in a crate is the same to them.

Please don't keep them outside when the weather is hot.

[love roses]

We have a border collie who stays inside most hot days, unless he needs out to run, which we let him do for a few minutes a day. My sister has a lab that stays out all day, and she hasn't had any problems, although she has a dog house and they also have a covered patio so she has shade. Because our dog is long haired and will run himself to death, we have to be more diligent.

[tanyagail]

Does anyone have any recommendations for good quality doggy daycare and kennel? Our dog goes to one up here in Wisconsin a couple times a week and just loves to play all day with other dogs. He leaves home ready to jump and play, comes home happy and exhausted.

I've seen a bunch off of 290 on the way to Belterra/Dripping. Anyone used those or others nearby to kennel their dog?

Thanks!

[mimimomx3]

I keep my dog inside, even with a fan on the porch and water, it gets REALLY hot- I wouldn't want to be outside in a fur coat. Also, the FLEAS here can be nasty...