Summer is a season that brings with it the joys of outdoor activities, longer days, and warmer weather. While many of us enjoy the summer sun, it’s important to remember that the heat can pose serious risks to our furry friends. Dogs, unlike humans, cannot cool themselves as efficiently, making them more susceptible to heat stress, heat stroke, and other related conditions. It is important to keep your dog cool during the summer months and we’ll help provide detailed strategies to ensure their safety and comfort during the hot weather times.
Understanding the Risks: Why Dogs Are Prone to Overheating
Dogs primarily cool themselves through panting and a small amount of sweating through their paw pads. However, this method is not as effective as human sweating and can easily cause overheating in dogs. Breeds with short snouts (brachycephalic breeds like Bulldogs and Pugs), older dogs, puppies, overweight dogs, and those with a thick dog’s coat are particularly vulnerable to heat.
Heatstroke is the most severe condition caused by overheating and can be life-threatening. It occurs when a dog’s body temperature rises above 104°F and can lead to organ failure, seizures, and even death if not treated promptly. Therefore, it’s crucial to be proactive in keeping your dog cool during the hot months.
Hydration: The First Line of Defense
Keeping your dog well-hydrated is essential during hot weather. Just as we need more water in the summer, so do our dogs. Dehydration can occur quickly in the heat, exacerbating the effects of high temperatures.
Tips for Ensuring Proper Hydration:
- Constant Access to Fresh and Cool Water: Ensure your dog has access to clean and cool water at all times. This is especially important during outdoor activities and typically anytime during those hot summer months.
- Ice Cubes: Adding ice cubes to your dog’s water bowl can keep the water cooler for longer, which is more appealing to dogs in the heat and can help them want to drink more water and bring down your dog’s temperature especially when outside.
- Portable Water Bottles: When out and about, carry a portable water bottle with an attached bowl so your dog can drink easily during walks or playtime.
- Wet Food or Broth: Adding water to dry food or offering low-sodium chicken broth can increase your dog’s water intake.
Timing Is Everything: Avoiding the Heat of the Day
During summer, it’s best to adjust your routine to avoid the hottest parts of the day and the intense heat. Midday, when the sun is at its peak, is the most dangerous time for dogs to be outside.
Adjust Your Dog’s Activity Schedule:
- Morning and Evening Walks: Take your dog for walks early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler. These times also offer the added benefit of less traffic and fewer distractions, making for a more pleasant walk especially if you’re gradually trying to leash train your dog.
- Shorter Walks: Even during cooler times of the day, consider shortening the duration of walks. It’s better to have multiple short walks than one long, exhausting one because even in cooler times dogs overheat.
Providing Shade and Shelter: A Cool Retreat
Creating a cool environment for your dog is vital, whether you’re at home or out in the yard. Dogs should have a shaded area where they can escape the sun at any time.
Setting Up a Cool Spot:
- Shade Cloths or Umbrellas: In your yard, use shade cloths, umbrellas, or trees to create a cool area for your dog to relax. A dog house may seem like a good idea, but it can trap heat, making it even hotter inside, so ensure it’s well-ventilated or consider other options.
- Cooling Mats: Cooling mats are specially designed to help regulate your dog’s body temperature. They work by absorbing your dog’s body heat and dissipating it into the surrounding air.
- Indoor Safety: On extremely hot days, keep your dog indoors with fans or air conditioning to help prevent the dog overheating on the hot day. If you don’t have air conditioner, create a cross breeze by opening windows on opposite sides of the house or use fans strategically to circulate the air.
Limiting Outdoor Time: Safety First
During periods of extreme heat, it’s often best to keep your dog indoors as much as possible. Overexposure to high temperatures can quickly lead to overheating, especially if your dog is very active or has a thick coat. You can have a staycation for your dog at home and have them be entertained during those hot summer months.
Indoor Activities to Keep Your Dog Entertained:
- Interactive Toys: Puzzle toys or treat-dispensing toys can keep your dog mentally stimulated and entertained without the need for strenuous physical activity.
- Training Sessions: Use this time to work on obedience training or teach your dog new tricks. Mental exercise can be just as tiring (and satisfying) as physical exercise.
- Short, Supervised Outdoor Breaks: If your dog needs to go outside, make sure it’s just for a quick bathroom break or a short, supervised time in the shade.
Never Leave Your Dog in a Parked Car: A Deadly Mistake
One of the most dangerous things you can do in the summer is to leave your dog in a parked car, even for a few minutes. The temperature inside a car can rise rapidly, even with the windows cracked, reaching deadly levels within minutes.
Understanding the Risks:
- Rapid Temperature Increase: On an 85°F day, the temperature inside a car can reach 102°F within 10 minutes and 120°F within 30 minutes.
- Heatstroke Risk: These temperatures are more than sufficient to cause heatstroke and can be fatal. Always err on the side of caution and leave your dog at home if you’re running errands.
Cool Baths and Sprays: Instant Relief
One of the most effective ways to cool down an overheated dog is with a cool bath or a gentle spray of water. This can bring down your dog’s body temperature quickly and is especially useful after outdoor play or a walk.
How to Safely Cool Your Dog with Water:
- Cool (Not Cold) Water: Use cool water rather than cold water to avoid shocking your dog’s system. Focus on wetting the areas where fur is thinner, such as the belly, armpits, and paws.
- Wet Towels: If a bath isn’t possible, soak a towel in cool water and place it on your dog’s back. You can also wrap ice packs in towels and place them on your dog, but never apply ice directly to their skin.
- Kiddie Pools: For dogs that love water, a shallow kiddie pool filled with cool water can be a fun and effective way for them to cool down. Just be sure to supervise at all times.
Frozen Treats: Delicious and Cooling
Frozen treats are not only a refreshing way to cool down your dog, but they also provide mental stimulation and enjoyment.
Ideas for Homemade Frozen Dog Treats:
- Ice Cubes with a Twist: Freeze small treats, pieces of fruit (like blueberries), or bits of meat in ice cubes. These simple treats are fun for dogs to chase around and lick.
- Dog Popsicles: Blend dog-safe fruits like bananas and blueberries with plain yogurt and freeze in ice cube trays or popsicle molds.
- Frozen Broth: Freeze low-sodium chicken or beef broth into ice cubes for a savory treat your dog will love.
Protecting Paws from Hot Pavement: A Critical Step
Pavement can become scorching hot in the summer sun and can easily burn your dog’s paw pads. It’s important to protect your dog’s feet during walks and to all around try to go during those cooler times.
Tips for Keeping Paws Safe:
- The 5-Second Rule: Before walking your dog, press the back of your hand against the pavement for five seconds. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog.
- Dog Booties: Consider using dog booties to protect your dog’s paws from hot pavement. Make sure they fit properly and that your dog is comfortable walking in them.
- Stick to Grass: When possible, walk your dog on grass or shaded dirt paths instead of pavement or asphalt.
Recognizing and Responding to Heatstroke: Know the Signs
Even with the best precautions, it’s important to recognize the signs of heatstroke in your dog. Early detection and treatment are crucial to preventing serious health consequences.
Signs of Heatstroke:
- Excessive Panting: While panting is normal, excessive or labored panting is a sign that your dog is struggling to cool down.
- Drooling: Heavy drooling, especially if thick and sticky, can be a sign of overheating.
- Weakness or Lethargy: If your dog seems unusually tired or weak, it could be a sign of heat exhaustion.
- Vomiting or Diarrhea: These are more severe symptoms and indicate that your dog needs immediate medical attention.
- Collapse: If your dog collapses or has seizures, it is an emergency situation requiring immediate veterinary care.
What to Do If You Suspect Heatstroke:
- Move to a Cool Area: Immediately move your dog to a cooler environment, preferably indoors with air conditioning.
- Gradually Cool Down: Offer cool (not cold) water to drink and use cool, wet towels to gently lower their body temperature. Focus on areas with thinner fur, such as the belly, paws, and armpits.
- Contact a Vet: Even if your dog seems to recover, it’s important to contact your vet for advice or an emergency visit, as heatstroke can have delayed effects on internal organs.
Keeping your Dog Cool During the Hot Weather
Summer should be a time of joy and relaxation for both you and your dog. By taking proactive steps to prevent overheating, you can ensure that your dog stays safe, healthy, and happy throughout the season. Remember, when in doubt, it’s always better to be on the side of caution. A cool, comfortable dog is a happy dog, and with these tips, you’ll be well-equipped to help your furry friend beat the heat all summer long.
And for those busy families who want to ensure their dog receives the extra care and attention they need during the hot summer months, consider enrolling your pet in Performance K9 Training and Boarding’s Doggy Daycare Program. Our program is designed with your dog’s comfort and safety in mind, offering a cool, supervised environment where they can play, rest, and socialize with other dogs. With our expert staff, your dog will enjoy the best possible care while you go about your day worry-free. Keep your dog cool, happy, and well-exercised this summer with Performance K9 Training and Boarding.
