Tips To Keep Your Dog Cool In Summer.
During the height of summer dogs can become uncomfortably hot, just like we do. Dogs can suffer from heatstroke in similar ways too, so it’s always best to try and make sure your pooch is kept cool during hot summer days. Read on for tips to keep your dog cool in summer.
Dogs don’t sweat through their skin like people. The only way they can stay cool is by panting and releasing heat from their pads and nose. It is therefore up to us to make sure our furry friends are kept safe in periods of heatwave. A survey in 2022 by the British Veterinary Association found that 38% of vets had seen at least one dog affected by heat exposure after being walked, or exercised.
Hydration.
Keeping your four-legged pal well hydrated in hot weather is essential. Have multiple bowls around the house and garden – and on particularly hot days, you could add ice-cubes to the water.
Small breeds of dog aren’t able to regulate their temperature so well, so this makes them more susceptible to over heating. Always keep a watchful eye on the little ones in hot weather. Older dogs too can suffer more in extreme heat. Frail dogs are more vulnerable to heat stroke, so it is essential they are kept well hydrated.
Limit exercise in the heat of the midday sun.
Try and exercise your dog early in the morning, or later in the evening, when temperatures are cooler. Searing temperatures around the middle of the day, can make pavements incredibly hot to walk on. If you put the back of your hand on the surface of a road, or pavement and it feels too hot – don’t walk your dog. Dog’s paws can be delicate (especially if they walk a lot on soft, grassy ground) – so, walking on very hot roads can be unpleasant. It can even cause painful blisters.
Other energetic activities should also be avoided, – ball throwing and lots of chasing and running can cause dogs to overheat quickly in high temperatures. Aim for a stroll in a wooded area instead. If you know of safe, sheltered, swimming spots, this also gives your dog an opportunity to cool down.
Cool canines.
One of the top tips to keen dogs cool in summer, is to try and keep them in the shade as much as possible. Some dogs will lie flat out in the heat of the midday sun, but this isn’t necessarily a good choice. It is far better to persuade them to stay in the house and close doors – or leave doors open, but use a baby gate to prevent hours of sun bathing!
If you have to go out and leave your dog indoors, leave them in the coolest part of the house with plenty of water and perhaps a cooling mat and/or a fan (out of reach) and a frozen Kong. Closing curtains will help to screen direct sunlight.
Paddling pools.
Paddling pools are great for those water loving pooches and really help to keep them cool. You can buy reinforced pools especially for dogs. These are less likely to be punctured by sharp claws – unlike traditional blow up children’s paddling pools. Alternatively, you could fill up a large bowl, or sand pit. Remember to place the pool in a shady spot.
Don’t forget the sun cream.
Yes, some dogs can benefit from having sun cream on their noses (lower snout area) and tips of the ears. Always buy a product which is made for animals though – don’t use human sun-cream as this may contain toxic ingredients if the dog licks it.
Grooming.
Dogs can’t throw off their big woolly coats when it’s hot outside, but keeping them well groomed will help to remove loose fluff and fur which will trap warm air.
Never leave dogs in hot (or even warm cars).
The temperature inside a car can soar in a matter of minutes. Never leave a dog in a hot car under any circumstance. That quick ‘pop into the shop’ could mean severe heat stroke, or worse, for your dog.
Signs of heatstroke in dogs.
Very fast panting that does not stop, even when the dog is resting.
Lying down, malaise, stumbling, unsteady on the feet, or total collapse.
Difficulty breathing – blue lips, or gums.
Lack of interest in their environment.
If you suspect your dog is suffering heatstroke, get them into a cool place, (under a tree and in the shade ) as quickly as possible. Give them sips of water. You can cool the dog by pouring luke-warm water over them. However, don’t use very cold, or icy water, as this can make the dog go into shock. Likewise, don’t drape the dog in a soaked towel as this traps warm air around the dog’s body. Seek veterinary attention as soon as possible.
Conclusion.
In the UK, we’re not as used to regular high temperatures that people – and animals – experience in other places in the world – like the Mediterranean, for example. Dogs in the UK are not as acclimatised to the extremes of hot weather as canines residing in warmer climes have become accustomed to.
In addition, many dogs in cooler climates have thicker coats – which make it harder for them to cool down.
The UK has a lot of flat-faced breeds (Brachycephalic) and these breeds of dog don’t fare well in extreme temperatures.
Many dogs in hotter countries have evolved to tolerate heat better. Therefore, just because you may see dogs in other countries managing in warmer weather – it doesn’t mean to say pet dogs here, can cope with extreme heat waves just as well.
While many people wouldn’t dream of leaving their dog in a hot car on a sunny day, they still take their dogs for walks and, often, during the hottest part of the day. Undoubtedly, dogs can and do suffer in extreme heat when they are walked, or exercised, in the hot sun. The message is clear – if in doubt – don’t go out.
