3 Simple Tips to Help Your Dog Stay Cool In the Summer Heat!

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My husband's childhood and early adulthood were spent with family pet companions. His family has always been great advocates for animals. My father-in-law has volunteered at pet shelters and a local children's hospital. Early in our marriage, my husband made it clear that he wanted us to adopt a dog one day. I, on the other hand, did not grow up around pets. I wasn't fond of animals and never planned to own a pet.

In September 2016, we had a spur-of-the-moment idea to visit a local pet shelter. We weren't planning on adopting a pet because it wasn't in our budget, and I wasn't ready for the responsibility. After looking around for a while and seeing how sad and lonely many of the dogs appeared, we decided to adopt a dog and adjust our budget as necessary.

That same day, we visited a second shelter, where we found Luke, a four-month-old sweet black retriever, greyhound mix. He was asleep, and no matter what we did- knocking on the glass, calling his name, whistling- we couldn't wake him. When we met him in a private room, he trembled. He was timid and chose to stay underneath a chair in a corner during the entire meeting. His sad eyes left a lasting impression on us. We were able to bring Luke home within a few hours. 

Ever since we brought Luke home, he has blended into our family perfectly. He's no longer that scared, timid puppy we met at the shelter—he's thriving! I have gained a newfound love for dogs that I never thought I would have. I have even taken it upon myself to learn more about Luke's health and well-being to ensure he is always in the best health possible.

My husband has done a fantastic job training Luke!

We enjoy taking Luke hiking or bike riding. He enjoys being outdoors, sniffing and exploring the environment. It's a great way to help him burn off all the energy he has. According to our veterinarian, dogs must have at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day because:

1. It helps curb boredom. Dogs naturally have a lot of energy. When they cannot release that energy through physical activity and play, they become bored, which can lead to hyperactivity.


2. It helps keep them from becoming overweight. When dogs are overweight, it can lead to troublesome health issues.


3. It helps improve their socialization. Oftentimes, dogs can become so territorial that they try to attack any well-meaning dog or human that comes within or close to their territory or family members. Socialization helps decrease the odds of that happening and helps them become more friendly.

In addition to physical activity, another major factor in Luke's well-being and growth is a balanced diet. His health and nutrition are as essential to us, and the number one pet food brand we have trusted for his nutritional benefits is Purina®. Purina has a variety of foods and treats at PetSmart, which helps take the mystery out of pet care and provides pets with what they truly desire. Luke loves Purina ONE®.

During June, PetSmart shoppers who purchase $40 worth of participating Purina® products will receive a $10 gift card. Be sure to stop by your local PetSmart throughout June to take advantage of this fantastic offer! Even better, there is no limit to how many times the deal can be redeemed at the redemption site until July 9, 2017.

We get Luke's favorite food from the Purina® ONE aisle at our local PetSmart store. 

With summer quickly approaching, the heat will make it difficult to keep pets outside for longer than 30 minutes every day. Below are a few tips to help you and your dog stay cool during exercise this summer.

*If there are high heat advisories, I strongly suggest you and your pet stay indoors.

Now that I have shared my family's story, our love for our pet is no mystery. Do you have a pet that holds a special place in your heart? If so, share your unique story and encourage your social media followers to share their stories using the hashtag #PurinaMysteries.