Summer Heat Safety Tips for Dogs

Summer is an ideal season for spending time outdoors with our dogs. Although we enjoy basking in the sun, it's important to remember to prevent our furry companions from getting too hot. Overheating can lead to a serious condition known as heatstroke, which is triggered by extended periods in hot or humid conditions and is more common in the summer.

What is heatstroke? 

Heatstroke is a serious medical emergency that occurs when the body temperature significantly rises due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures or intense physical activity, posing a risk to life.

Heatstroke in dogs is most frequently caused by being left unattended in a hot car, being exposed to hot and humid weather without shelter, and engaging in physical activity in hot and humid environments.  

Who is most at risk for heatstroke?  

Even though certain dogs are more vulnerable, it is crucial to understand that all dogs can suffer from heat stroke. Dogs have sweat glands only on their paws, relying mainly on panting to regulate their body temperature and cool down.

Short-muzzle breeds like Pugs, Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Boxers, etc., have difficulty panting effectively, making it challenging for them to regulate their body temperature, especially in hot or humid conditions, which increases their vulnerability.

Additional care should be given to overweight, elderly dogs, as well as those with underlying heart or respiratory issues, and dogs with thick or dark coats, as they are more susceptible to heatstroke.

What are the signs of heatstroke?  

If your dog is overheating, early signs may include heavy panting, seeking shade, whining, reluctance to play, and drooling.

Immediately move them to a cool, air-conditioned area with water available. You can also dampen them with cool water and position them in front of a fan. Ensure that double-coated breeds (such as Siberian Huskies, Pomeranians, Great Pyrenees, etc.) are thoroughly wet all the way to their skin.

In case your dog keeps panting and drooling excessively, or if they show signs of difficulty breathing, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, weakness, confusion, seizures, or collapse, it is crucial to promptly take them to a veterinary hospital as these are indications of heatstroke, a critical medical emergency.

What measures can I take to avoid my dog getting heatstroke and other heat-related injuries?

To ensure your dogs stay cool in hotter temperatures, the following tactics should be implemented:

• Engage in activities during the cooler parts of the day

  • Although the sun is strongest around noon, the temperature peaks in the late afternoon, typically between 3-5 p.m. It is advisable to schedule walks in the early morning or evening to steer clear of the hottest periods of the day.

  • Grant access to areas with shade

    • Being in the shade can prevent excessive heat from the sun.

• Refrain from intense physical activity

  • Avoid engaging in strenuous exercise, particularly in the hottest hours of the day, on very humid days, and in early summer when pets may not have adjusted to the higher temperatures yet.

• Stay indoors during extreme temperatures

  • During extreme temperatures, high humidity, or sudden temperature changes, it's advisable to keep pets indoors to keep them cool, preferably with air conditioning or fans.

• Ensure your dog has regular water breaks

  • Always remember to bring water and a collapsible bowl when you are out with your dog, and make sure to offer your dog plenty of chances to drink water. Using swimming pools or sprinklers can also help keep your furry friend cool.

• Exercise caution when walking on hot asphalt and pavement

  • Asphalt surfaces can retain a significant amount of heat, often exceeding the surrounding temperatures. Although dogs' paw pads are more resilient than human skin, they are still susceptible to burns from hot pavement. If you are unable to place your hand or stand barefoot on the pavement for approximately 10 seconds without discomfort, it is likely too hot for your dog to walk on as well.

• It is important to never leave your dog unattended in a car!

  • Simply cracking the windows open does not effectively cool the car. Even when the outside temperature is only 70 degrees Fahrenheit, the interior of the car can heat up by 40 degrees within an hour. The majority of this temperature increase occurs within the first 15-30 minutes. While you might consider leaving your dog in a running, air-conditioned car, it is not safe to leave them unattended in such conditions.