How To Keep Your Dog Cool This Summer
It's that wonderful time of year again. Longer days, trips to the beach, endless watermelon, and outdoor gatherings with friends and family are in full swing. These are just a few of the many simple joys of summer enjoyed by humans. But summer isn't always as simple for our furry friends, and there are some things dog parents should know before bringing their pup to the next neighborhood BBQ.
What are the signs your dog may be overheated?
Unlike humans, dogs have few sweat glands. This is why dogs pant, as it is the canine form of our sweat mechanism. As a result, dogs often have a harder time dealing with the heat than humans do. If left untreated, heat-related conditions can become dangerous - even life threatening for your dog. Common signs to look for to determine if your dog is overheated include frantic or excessive panting, bright-red membranes, extreme salivation, lethargic behavior, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, or a grayish-purple mouth.
Ways to keep your dog cool
Provide fresh, cold water
The first, and probably most obvious answer is to keep plenty of fresh, cold water available for your dog whenever you are outside in the heat. If you take your dog on the day's adventures with you, you will want to bring a portable water bowl or squirt bottle along. Smaller amounts of water administered over intervals of 15-20 minutes will allow for greater absorption.
Protect paws from hot surfaces
Surfaces such as sand, asphalt, or metal may heat up in the sun and cause damage to your dog's paws. Before allowing your dog to walk on these potentially hot surfaces, it is good practice to check their temperature yourself using the back of your hand. If it too hot for you, it is likely too hot for your pup and should be avoided. It is best to keep to grassy areas or try using booties to protect your dog's paws if this is not an option.
Do not leave dogs in cars
Just like you have always been warned about leaving small children in unattended cars, dogs are no different. Leaving a dog in a hot car can quickly become fatal, even if the car is parked in shade or the windows are left open. If you are traveling in your car with your dog on a hot day, you should cool your car down prior to putting your dog in and keep the air conditioning running for the duration of the trip.
Plan your walks for mornings or evenings
If possible, avoid taking your dog for walks in the middle of the day when the sun is the strongest. If your schedule does not permit otherwise, try to choose grassy routes that offer plenty of shade (such as woods or parks).
Provide shaded areas
Most dogs will naturally gravitate towards shaded areas, which may be provided naturally by trees. If there are not naturally shaded areas, you can create one using umbrellas, canopies, or even a tarp or cloth would work. You can also use a shaded dog bed which not only provide shade, but also tend to be elevated above the ground to allow for greater air circulation.
Groom your dog
Regular grooming to keep your dog's coat clean and free of tangles or knots can help keep heat from getting trapped under matted fur. However, it is important to remember that your dog's coat is not only meant to keep them warm in the winter, but also helps keep them cool in the summer. Be sure to check with your groomer about what is best for your dog and their specific coat.
Know the signs of heatstroke
We can not stress enough about the importance of knowing the signs that your dog may be overheated or suffering from heatstroke. As mentioned above, the common signs to be cognizant of are frantic or excessive panting, bright-red membranes, extreme salivation, lethargic behavior, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, or a grayish-purple mouth.
Summer is a great time of the year to get outdoors with your pup. We hope that these simple guidelines will help you prepare accordingly so you can enjoy this vibrant time of the year with your furry friends.
Sources:
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dogs-overheating-signs-symptoms-prevention/
https://www.purina.com/articles/dog/care/6-tips-how-to-keep-dogs-cool
https://www.battersea.org.uk/pet-advice/dog-care-advice/summer-dog-care