CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The English bulldog had never been featured prominently in West Virginia history.
It has now.
Gov. Jim Justice's 4-year-old pure breed Babydog joined the ranks of Abraham Lincoln, Civil War soldiers and odes to Appalachian folk music in new murals under the golden dome of the state Capitol, alongside other state cultural symbols.
Tucked into a mural about artistic traditions, the dog sits placidly between a banjo player and an artist painting the Seneca Rocks, one of the state's best-known natural landmarks, in West Virginia's Monongahela National Forest.
![Election 2024 West Virginia Babydog](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/ad/3adc8176-cbfe-5ab7-9029-e1b3dfe8c685/6681e51e40eb8.image.jpg?resize=200%2C133 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/ad/3adc8176-cbfe-5ab7-9029-e1b3dfe8c685/6681e51e40eb8.image.jpg?resize=300%2C200 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/ad/3adc8176-cbfe-5ab7-9029-e1b3dfe8c685/6681e51e40eb8.image.jpg?resize=400%2C267 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/ad/3adc8176-cbfe-5ab7-9029-e1b3dfe8c685/6681e51e40eb8.image.jpg?resize=540%2C360 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/ad/3adc8176-cbfe-5ab7-9029-e1b3dfe8c685/6681e51e40eb8.image.jpg?resize=750%2C500 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/ad/3adc8176-cbfe-5ab7-9029-e1b3dfe8c685/6681e51e40eb8.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C800 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/ad/3adc8176-cbfe-5ab7-9029-e1b3dfe8c685/6681e51e40eb8.image.jpg?resize=1700%2C1133 1700w)
West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice's English bulldog, Babydog, is depicted in this zoomed-in shot of a new mural unveiled June 20 at the state Capitol in Charleston, W.Va.
Justice, a Republican now running to succeed Manchin, made Babydog a minor celebrity in the state during his two terms as governor.
The star of the governor's "Do it for Babydog" COVID-19 vaccination campaign, the dog was a gift from Justice's children in 2019. Referring to her lovingly as a "60-pound brown watermelon," Justice took the dog on gubernatorial trips across the state ever since.
He extols Babydog's ability to bring people joy and he raves about her fondness for Wendy's chicken nuggets. The dog, more often than not, sits panting quietly beside him in her signature chair.
Babydog made another memorable appearance at the Capitol in 2022, when the governor hoisted her up during his State of the State address and pointed her rear end at the camera. Days earlier, singer and actress Bette Midler, on the social media platform that was then Twitter, called West Virginians "poor, illiterate and strung out" after U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., refused to support a bill promoted by President Joe Biden and Democrats in Congress.
"Babydog tells Bette Midler and all those out there: Kiss her heinie," Justice said to a standing ovation from the crowd, which included state Supreme Court justices and members of the Legislature.
![Election 2024 West Virginia Babydog](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/42/242658df-55db-54e8-9ba0-a38014613bd0/6681e7bdc3e85.image.jpg?resize=200%2C133 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/42/242658df-55db-54e8-9ba0-a38014613bd0/6681e7bdc3e85.image.jpg?resize=300%2C200 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/42/242658df-55db-54e8-9ba0-a38014613bd0/6681e7bdc3e85.image.jpg?resize=400%2C267 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/42/242658df-55db-54e8-9ba0-a38014613bd0/6681e7bdc3e85.image.jpg?resize=540%2C360 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/42/242658df-55db-54e8-9ba0-a38014613bd0/6681e7bdc3e85.image.jpg?resize=750%2C500 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/42/242658df-55db-54e8-9ba0-a38014613bd0/6681e7bdc3e85.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C800 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/42/242658df-55db-54e8-9ba0-a38014613bd0/6681e7bdc3e85.image.jpg?resize=1700%2C1133 1700w)
Randall Reid-Smith, state secretary of the Department of Arts, Culture and History, left, hands Gov. Jim Justice a commemorative plaque June 20 about four new murals installed at the state Capitol in Charleston, W.Va., as Babydog looks on.
So far, Justice has been playing innocent about Babydog's appearance in the murals, which were commissioned as part of an effort to finish work inside the Capitol that started and then stopped during the Great Depression.
"I was just as surprised, in my ways, as anyone," he said this past week during a news briefing. "Really and truly, I wasn't a party to … putting Babydog in the mural."
Justice said a committee led by Randall Reid-Smith, secretary of the Department of Arts, Culture and History, made the call.
"They wanted to put a dog in and, well, had to pick some kind of dog, you know, so they picked an English bulldog," the governor said. "A long, long, long time ago and everything before we ever really became a country, the English were in charge, and everything seemed kind of fitting, you know?"
Justice told reporters that Reid-Smith told him the dog in the mural was not necessarily Babydog, but her "20th grandma."
![Election 2024 West Virginia Babydog](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/a7/0a79f725-10bc-5721-9a57-f0af09f140fc/6681e523f0dfb.image.jpg?resize=200%2C133 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/a7/0a79f725-10bc-5721-9a57-f0af09f140fc/6681e523f0dfb.image.jpg?resize=300%2C200 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/a7/0a79f725-10bc-5721-9a57-f0af09f140fc/6681e523f0dfb.image.jpg?resize=400%2C267 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/a7/0a79f725-10bc-5721-9a57-f0af09f140fc/6681e523f0dfb.image.jpg?resize=540%2C360 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/a7/0a79f725-10bc-5721-9a57-f0af09f140fc/6681e523f0dfb.image.jpg?resize=750%2C500 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/a7/0a79f725-10bc-5721-9a57-f0af09f140fc/6681e523f0dfb.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C800 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/a7/0a79f725-10bc-5721-9a57-f0af09f140fc/6681e523f0dfb.image.jpg?resize=1700%2C1133 1700w)
Crowds greet West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice's English bulldog, Babydog, center, at the June 20 unveiling of four new murals depicting the state's culture and history at the state Capitol in Charleston, W.Va.
The owner of the posh Greenbrier Resort and more than 100 other businesses, the billionaire was first elected governor in 2016 as a Democrat. The next year, at a rally with then-President Donald Trump, Justice announced he switched parties.
In May, Justice easily beat U.S. Rep. Alex Mooney in the Republican Senate primary. Justice's campaign included the sale of merchandise emblazoned with his dog's face, such as "Paw-litical Strategist" beverage coolers and "Re-Pup-Lican for Justice."
His Democratic opponent in November, Wheeling Mayor Glenn Elliott, does not find Babydog all that funny. Elliott said he saw Justice later the day the mural was unveiled, at another arts event to celebrate a new statue of the state's first governor, Arthur Boreman, in Wheeling.
"In his remarks, he spoke at length about his own dog and said nothing about Governor Boreman," Elliott wrote on X, formerly Twitter. "This total lack of respect for anything beyond himself is why he is wholly unfit to represent West Virginia in the United States Senate."
West Virginia's limestone state Capitol was designed by the renowned Cass Gilbert, the architect behind the U.S. Supreme Court building in Washington. The original design for the interior of the West Virginia Capitol, left incomplete because of limited funds, included murals that he said should "be historical and allegorical."
![Election 2024 West Virginia Babydog](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/b0/6b09575b-dd36-57a0-bc2c-7cfdfc07397f/6681e526e3d45.image.jpg?resize=200%2C129 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/b0/6b09575b-dd36-57a0-bc2c-7cfdfc07397f/6681e526e3d45.image.jpg?resize=300%2C193 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/b0/6b09575b-dd36-57a0-bc2c-7cfdfc07397f/6681e526e3d45.image.jpg?resize=400%2C258 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/b0/6b09575b-dd36-57a0-bc2c-7cfdfc07397f/6681e526e3d45.image.jpg?resize=540%2C348 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/b0/6b09575b-dd36-57a0-bc2c-7cfdfc07397f/6681e526e3d45.image.jpg?resize=750%2C484 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/b0/6b09575b-dd36-57a0-bc2c-7cfdfc07397f/6681e526e3d45.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C774 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/b0/6b09575b-dd36-57a0-bc2c-7cfdfc07397f/6681e526e3d45.image.jpg?resize=1700%2C1096 1700w)
West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice's English bulldog, Babydog, is depicted in a new mural unveiled June 20 at the state Capitol in Charleston, W.Va.
The "Shiveree of Seneca Rock" piece featuring Babydog depicts Seneca Rocks, a majestic 900-foot Tuscarora quartzite formation, along with important aspects of West Virginia industry and culture, including glass blowing, craftwork, music, dancing, painting and wildlife.
The dog was not included in initial designs shared with the public, nor was it mentioned at the dedication. Babydog attended the June 20 event, where she sat on a camper chair after being hoisted up by Justice staffers.
Afterward, people started noticing the bulldog in shots of the murals shared on social media.
Reid-Smith said at a news briefing that he had been working for years to get a governor to invest in completing Gilbert's vision and Justice was the one who finally made it happen. So far almost $350,000 in state money has been paid to Connecticut-based installers John Canning & Co. for the first four murals, with four more scheduled to be installed this fall.
"The only involvement that Jim Justice had in these murals is he gave us the money to pay for these murals that had not been done in 92 years," Reid-Smith said.
Essential dog and cat safety tips for the hottest days of summer
1. Learn the signs of overheating in pets.
Updated![1. Learn the signs of overheating in pets.](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/ca/eca0b1ea-a043-5d50-9e0c-b019af4a9bef/6679a74985d72.image.jpg?resize=200%2C133 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/ca/eca0b1ea-a043-5d50-9e0c-b019af4a9bef/6679a74985d72.image.jpg?resize=300%2C200 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/ca/eca0b1ea-a043-5d50-9e0c-b019af4a9bef/6679a74985d72.image.jpg?resize=400%2C267 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/ca/eca0b1ea-a043-5d50-9e0c-b019af4a9bef/6679a74985d72.image.jpg?resize=540%2C360 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/ca/eca0b1ea-a043-5d50-9e0c-b019af4a9bef/6679a74985d72.image.jpg?resize=750%2C500 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/ca/eca0b1ea-a043-5d50-9e0c-b019af4a9bef/6679a74985d72.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C800 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/ca/eca0b1ea-a043-5d50-9e0c-b019af4a9bef/6679a74985d72.image.jpg?resize=1700%2C1133 1700w)
Pets can’t tell you when they’re too hot, but you can learn how to identify overheating behaviors. In dogs, signs of overheating include panting, labored breathing, drooling, shaking, disorientation, and bright red or blue gums, and lethargy. Overheating in dogs can progress to tachycardia, seizures, vomiting, or bloody diarrhea if they don’t get water.
Cats show similar signs of overheating: panting, confusion, drooling, staggering, and a bright red tongue and gums. They may also groom excessively or stagger when they walk. Like dogs, overheating can quickly progress into a serious problem for cats, leading to tachycardia, vomiting, and diarrhea.
2. Keeping your pets hydrated is essential.
Updated![2. Keeping your pets hydrated is essential.](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/06/0066b829-415a-575d-8fb8-0cf2cf75181a/6679a74b28f37.image.jpg?resize=200%2C152 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/06/0066b829-415a-575d-8fb8-0cf2cf75181a/6679a74b28f37.image.jpg?resize=300%2C228 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/06/0066b829-415a-575d-8fb8-0cf2cf75181a/6679a74b28f37.image.jpg?resize=400%2C304 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/06/0066b829-415a-575d-8fb8-0cf2cf75181a/6679a74b28f37.image.jpg?resize=540%2C411 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/06/0066b829-415a-575d-8fb8-0cf2cf75181a/6679a74b28f37.image.jpg?resize=750%2C571 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/06/0066b829-415a-575d-8fb8-0cf2cf75181a/6679a74b28f37.image.jpg?resize=1000%2C761 1200w)
Hydration is essential for preventing heating in cats and dogs. Keep fresh water bowls inside and outside your house so dogs and outdoor cats can grab a quick drink on hot days. You should also keep a portable water bottle on hand for hot summer walks.
Buy it here: Gorilla Grip No Spill Portable Dog Water Bottle with Built-in Bowl, $19
3. Grooming keeps your pets cool, but don’t overdo it.
Updated![3. Grooming keeps your pets cool, but don’t overdo it.](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/c7/bc7d097a-c798-5fc9-b8d8-d90350e1cbed/6679a74d6fb73.image.jpg?resize=200%2C134 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/c7/bc7d097a-c798-5fc9-b8d8-d90350e1cbed/6679a74d6fb73.image.jpg?resize=300%2C200 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/c7/bc7d097a-c798-5fc9-b8d8-d90350e1cbed/6679a74d6fb73.image.jpg?resize=400%2C267 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/c7/bc7d097a-c798-5fc9-b8d8-d90350e1cbed/6679a74d6fb73.image.jpg?resize=540%2C361 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/c7/bc7d097a-c798-5fc9-b8d8-d90350e1cbed/6679a74d6fb73.image.jpg?resize=750%2C501 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/c7/bc7d097a-c798-5fc9-b8d8-d90350e1cbed/6679a74d6fb73.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C801 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/c7/bc7d097a-c798-5fc9-b8d8-d90350e1cbed/6679a74d6fb73.image.jpg?resize=1700%2C1135 1700w)
Keep your dog or cat’s coat brushed and free from matting and tangles to help them maintain a healthy body temperature on sweltering days. According to the American Kennel Club’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. Jerry Klein, shaving a double-coated dog could make them hotter. The inner coat insulates the dog and traps heat in the winter, but it also keeps cool air close to the skin in hot weather.
If your dog or cat is showing signs of overheating, give them water and a quick, cool bath to bring their temperature down before going to the vet.
4. Avoid hot pavement.
Updated![4. Avoid hot pavement.](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/d8/2d8e76d8-6eb6-592b-8d93-4bf7ee7a3fa8/6679a74f9bb08.image.jpg?resize=200%2C203 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/d8/2d8e76d8-6eb6-592b-8d93-4bf7ee7a3fa8/6679a74f9bb08.image.jpg?resize=300%2C304 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/d8/2d8e76d8-6eb6-592b-8d93-4bf7ee7a3fa8/6679a74f9bb08.image.jpg?resize=400%2C405 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/d8/2d8e76d8-6eb6-592b-8d93-4bf7ee7a3fa8/6679a74f9bb08.image.jpg?resize=540%2C547 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/d8/2d8e76d8-6eb6-592b-8d93-4bf7ee7a3fa8/6679a74f9bb08.image.jpg?resize=750%2C760 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/d8/2d8e76d8-6eb6-592b-8d93-4bf7ee7a3fa8/6679a74f9bb08.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C1216 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/d8/2d8e76d8-6eb6-592b-8d93-4bf7ee7a3fa8/6679a74f9bb08.image.jpg?resize=1430%2C1449 1700w)
Walking your dog early in the morning or after sunset is the best way to avoid overheating on hot summer days, but it’s not always possible. If you have to walk your dog during the hottest parts of the day, walk them on shady sides of the street, in the grass, or with special dog booties.
Buy it here: PawZ Rubber Dog Boots, $20
5. Provide shaded areas.
Updated![5. Provide shaded areas.](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/0b/e0b59703-97b2-5941-8a1b-29ac0f936331/6673551c2fd55.image.jpg?resize=200%2C200 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/0b/e0b59703-97b2-5941-8a1b-29ac0f936331/6673551c2fd55.image.jpg?resize=300%2C300 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/0b/e0b59703-97b2-5941-8a1b-29ac0f936331/6673551c2fd55.image.jpg?resize=400%2C400 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/0b/e0b59703-97b2-5941-8a1b-29ac0f936331/6673551c2fd55.image.jpg?resize=540%2C540 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/0b/e0b59703-97b2-5941-8a1b-29ac0f936331/6673551c2fd55.image.jpg?resize=750%2C750 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/0b/e0b59703-97b2-5941-8a1b-29ac0f936331/6673551c2fd55.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C1200 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/0b/e0b59703-97b2-5941-8a1b-29ac0f936331/6673551c2fd55.image.jpg?resize=1440%2C1440 1700w)
Most pets will retreat to the shade if they’re feeling too hot, so make sure you provide a place for your dog or cat to cool off. This tent is perfect for dogs who love to be part of the action at backyard barbecues and family gatherings.
Buy it here: BEIMO Dog Shade Shelter Outdoor Blue Tent, $90
6. Swim safely.
Updated![6. Swim safely.](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/d0/4d0cdfbc-1399-5340-9a4a-69a4a48a0079/66739a42b1759.image.jpg?resize=200%2C200 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/d0/4d0cdfbc-1399-5340-9a4a-69a4a48a0079/66739a42b1759.image.jpg?resize=300%2C300 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/d0/4d0cdfbc-1399-5340-9a4a-69a4a48a0079/66739a42b1759.image.jpg?resize=400%2C400 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/d0/4d0cdfbc-1399-5340-9a4a-69a4a48a0079/66739a42b1759.image.jpg?resize=540%2C540 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/d0/4d0cdfbc-1399-5340-9a4a-69a4a48a0079/66739a42b1759.image.jpg?resize=750%2C750 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/d0/4d0cdfbc-1399-5340-9a4a-69a4a48a0079/66739a42b1759.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C1200 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/d0/4d0cdfbc-1399-5340-9a4a-69a4a48a0079/66739a42b1759.image.jpg?resize=1440%2C1440 1700w)
Some cats and dogs recoil at the sight of water, but others range from curious about it to big fans. If you want to cool off with your dog or cat in a pool, lake, or ocean, make sure you’re watching them at all times, and invest in life jackets for pets who love to swim.
Buy it here: Outward Hound Granby Splash Orange Dog Life Jacket, $16
7. Adjust your routine.
Updated![7. Adjust your routine.](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/e1/2e1737c1-d90c-5653-a681-a14e008f68ca/6679a7571abec.image.jpg?resize=200%2C134 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/e1/2e1737c1-d90c-5653-a681-a14e008f68ca/6679a7571abec.image.jpg?resize=300%2C201 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/e1/2e1737c1-d90c-5653-a681-a14e008f68ca/6679a7571abec.image.jpg?resize=400%2C268 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/e1/2e1737c1-d90c-5653-a681-a14e008f68ca/6679a7571abec.image.jpg?resize=540%2C362 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/e1/2e1737c1-d90c-5653-a681-a14e008f68ca/6679a7571abec.image.jpg?resize=750%2C502 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/e1/2e1737c1-d90c-5653-a681-a14e008f68ca/6679a7571abec.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C804 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/e1/2e1737c1-d90c-5653-a681-a14e008f68ca/6679a7571abec.image.jpg?resize=1700%2C1138 1700w)
In addition to walking dogs early or late in the day when the weather is cooler, you should also adjust the amount of exercise you do. If your dog loves coming on your daily runs, make sure you’re not running at noon. If you go on long hikes together, save that activity for more moderate days. Likewise, indoor/outdoor cats should be kept inside when the temperature is too high. When the pavement is too hot for your hand, it’s probably too hot for your cat’s paws.
8. Don’t leave your pet unattended in the car.
Updated![8. Don’t leave your pet unattended in the car.](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/9e/e9e46bf5-3e22-58de-bc2f-a87982f2c19c/6679a75be2e7b.image.jpg?resize=200%2C133 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/9e/e9e46bf5-3e22-58de-bc2f-a87982f2c19c/6679a75be2e7b.image.jpg?resize=300%2C200 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/9e/e9e46bf5-3e22-58de-bc2f-a87982f2c19c/6679a75be2e7b.image.jpg?resize=400%2C267 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/9e/e9e46bf5-3e22-58de-bc2f-a87982f2c19c/6679a75be2e7b.image.jpg?resize=540%2C360 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/9e/e9e46bf5-3e22-58de-bc2f-a87982f2c19c/6679a75be2e7b.image.jpg?resize=750%2C500 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/9e/e9e46bf5-3e22-58de-bc2f-a87982f2c19c/6679a75be2e7b.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C800 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/9e/e9e46bf5-3e22-58de-bc2f-a87982f2c19c/6679a75be2e7b.image.jpg?resize=1700%2C1133 1700w)
Cars can quickly heat up in the summer sun, with indoor temperatures surpassing the temperature outside. Never leave your dog or cat alone in the car on hot summer days, and always provide extra water (even if it means extra potty breaks) on road trips.