Summer heat can be a major concern for dog owners, ranging from heat stroke to burnt paws. With the weather starting to warm up, we discuss everything from temperature regulation to safer rides.
So read on as we explore simple ways to keep your four-legged best friend safe and cool this season…
Know the signs of heat stroke
One of the most important things you should do for your furry friend in hot weather is familiarize yourself with the signs of heat stroke and learn exactly what to do if it happens. Signs and symptoms of heatstroke include:
- Strong panting
- Difficulty breathing
- Excessive drooling
- Lethargy or drowsiness
- Lack of coordination
- Confusion or weird behavior
- Collapse
- Vomiting
To maximize their chances of survival, dogs suffering from heatstroke urgently need to bring their body temperature down gradually.
Act fast if you see the signs of heatstroke
Too often people don’t take these symptoms seriously or act quickly enough. To reduce the risk of death from heatstroke, you should act immediately and treat the situation as an emergency. Here’s what to do:
- If you notice signs of heatstroke, immediately move your dog to a cool, shaded area to begin providing first aid.
- Immediately begin pouring cool water over the dog. Avoid cold or frozen water as this can cause shock – tap water at 15-16°C (60-61°F) is considered the most effective.
- Avoid placing wet towels on the dog, as instead of cooling them, they can further trap heat and make the situation worse.
- Let them drink small amounts of water. Keep pouring him cool water until his breathing returns to normal, but not so much that he starts shivering.
- Avoid pouring water over or near the head and mouth as this could cause choking or drowning, especially in smaller breeds or those with flat faces.
Once your dog has cooled, contact your veterinarian urgently, even if your dog seems to have recovered. It’s important to seek professional help quickly once your dog has cooled down, as there may be organ damage or additional health risks that need attention.
Plan walks in advance
Exercising in hot weather is one of the most common causes of heatstroke in dogs. In order to avoid this, it is best to plan your walks in advance. Avoid the hottest times of the day, when the blazing sun is shining, preferring to walk during the cooler hours, such as early morning or later in the evening.
It’s also a good idea to opt for a more shady trail, such as through a forest or in a natural park. When it’s hot, sidewalks, tarmac, sand, and even artificial turf can burn your dog’s paws. If you can’t hold your hand down without it starting to hurt, then it’s also too hot for your dog.
While it’s important to make sure your dog gets regular exercise, it’s not worth increasing the risk of heatstroke if it’s too hot. If you can’t get outside, plan some fun indoor activities, like filling a dog paddling pool in a shady part of your yard, giving them puzzle treats to occupy them, or to prepare frozen treats wet dog food.
When it comes to exercise, remember that overexertion can lead to overheating and heat stroke, so do lighter activities or choose indoor exercise alternatives on unusually hot days.
Help them stay cool
There are a few things you can do to make sure your dog stays cool on hot summer days. Always make sure your dog has cool, shaded areas to rest and relax, as well as access to plenty of drinking water.
Maintain your dog’s coat well-groomed to help them regulate their body temperature. Regular brushing helps remove excess fur and promotes airflow to the skin. However, avoid shaving your dog’s coat too short, as this can expose his skin to sunburn.
Know the requirements of their breed
It’s crucial to understand your dog’s breed and their specific heat limitations. Different dog breeds have different tolerances to high temperatures, for example, brachycephalic breeds such as bulldogs and pugs are particularly prone to heat-related issues.
Older dogs, puppies, and dogs with certain health conditions are more susceptible to heat-related issues. It is important to know your dog’s limits and modify his activities accordingly to ensure his well-being in hot weather.
Never leave dogs in parked cars
In the United States, hundreds of dogs die each year from heat stroke or suffer irreversible organ damage after being left in hot cars. Even with the air conditioning or windows open, cars can quickly reach high temperatures that can be deadly to dogs.
While most dog owners wouldn’t deliberately leave their dog in a hot car, it’s often those who think their situation is an exception who find themselves in a sticky situation, like leaving the dog for a minute or getting insurance. the car is cool. However, you should not leave your dog in the car on a hot day for a single minute, even if the air conditioning is on.
Now you know how to keep your dog cool and safe this summer by recognizing the signs of heatstroke and planning walks during the cooler hours, so you can enjoy the summer months with a happy pup. and in good health.