How to Keep Your Dog Safe and Cool in the Heat

Summertime is a time for fun, vacationing, and relaxing in the sun, but it also brings potential health issues and danger for your pets. When the temperature rises, you need to take extra precautions to ensure that your dog is comfortable and safe in the heat.

Please remember that pets are just as susceptible to heat-related illnesses as humans!  Regarding hot days, if it’s uncomfortable for you, it’s even more uncomfortable for them.

Here are some tips to help your pup stay safe, comfortable, and healthy in the heat.

******  Never, never leave your pet in a vehicle alone on a summer day.  Even with windows rolled down a bit, within a few minutes a car can get extremely hot, stifling, and deadly.  If you see a dog in a closed vehicle and it appears to be in distress from the heat, call 911 immediately!

** Some dog breeds are less tolerant to the heat than others. Older, obese, or short-nosed breeds (Pugs, Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Pekinese, Boxers, Shih Tzu’s and French Bulldogs) are not able to regulate their body temperatures well in the heat. Be extra careful in keeping them cool and comfortable in the summer heat.  Puppies fall into this category, as well.

Exercise your dog early in the morning or later at night after the sun has gone down a bit.  Avoid the hottest part of the day.  Summer is a good time to back off of any exercise intensity you have with your dog.

Keep plenty of fresh water available for your dog at all times.  If the water is outside, keep it in a shady place. To entice your dog to drink water, try giving him “chicken water” throughout the day. Boil frozen or fresh chicken breast portions (not breaded) in a covered pot with water until cooked through. No salt, no seasonings. Let it cool and serve the broth with your pet’s meals, or as a beverage treat throughout the day. See my article on dehydration, dated June 13, 2016.

Keep your dog hydrated!!  Keep in mind that darker coats absorb more heat than lighter colored coats, and that older and overweight dogs are at a higher risk of dehydration.   Please see my article on Dehydration in Dogs and Cats, dated June 13, 2016.

Do not walk your dog on cement, blacktop, or asphalt when it’s hot outside.  Your dog’s paw pads can be burnt and blistered by the hot surface.  If you can’t tolerate it on your bare feet for more than 3 seconds, it’s too hot for your pup’s feet, too!  Walking on hot surfaces can also increase body temperature in pets and lead to overheating. It’s definitely not a good idea to drive around with your dog in the bed of a truck – the hot metal can burn paws quickly, and more importantly, the dog could fall out and become injured or even killed.

Find a spot outside in the shade and set up a kiddie pool filled with clean, cool water for your pup.

A sprinkler can also keep your pup cool!    

Lay down a wet towel for your dog to lie on and sponge his abdomen, armpits, and feet with cool water.  A wet towel does more good on the bottom of your dog than when laid on top of his coat.

Let your dog dig.  Yes, that’s right! Dogs in nature dig their dens for several reasons (to find food, hide, give birth), and one is to keep cool. If it’s possible, locate and designate a shady area where it’s okay for your dog to dig.  When my Joshie (a black Lab mix who was abandoned and found me) started digging a hole in our backyard, I kept filling it in and he kept digging it again.  Finally, I realized that he needed to keep cool there, so I let him dig it and lie down in it when he needed to keep cool.  I named it “Joshie’s Dugout”, and when he passed I put some of his ashes in the hole and planted a laurel bush there. (Love you and still miss you, Joshie!!)

Let your dog check out the weather.  Dogs don’t realize that it’s hot outside until they get out there.  Allow your dog to step outside and feel for himself that it’s too hot.  Instinctually, he will understand that the walk will be short or he will simply come back inside where it’s cool and comfortable.

If your dog is primarily an outside dog he will need shade and plenty of fresh water at all times. A dog house is not suitable for keeping him cool as there is no air movement.  Outdoor dogs often rest under the porch or deck or under a shady tree, so ensure that there are cool, shady places where he can be comfortable and safe. I have never had an all “outside” dog, but my rule would be: if you are not comfortable outside in your yard on a hot day, your dog won’t be either.

Swim!!  Remember that not all dogs are good swimmers and may need a life vest when in a pool or lake.

Consider a summer haircut or trim for long-haired dogs.  That long fur does not insulate them or keep them cool. Check with your veterinarian first to ensure that there are no concerns about sunburn or other health issues if you trim your pup.

Dish out some frozen treats. Ice cubes in his water, or frozen cubes of beef or chicken broth can provide fun, tasty refreshment for your pup on a hot day.

A simple fan, blowing cool air on your dog can help him stay comfortable and safe from summer heat.

Heat Stroke

If you suspect your pet is suffering from heatstroke, move him to a cooler place immediately and apply cool water to the abdomen,  “armpits”, ears, and paw pads.  Once he is stable, get him to a vet as quickly as possible, even if he seems to be cooling down.  Things may be happening inside that are not obvious or visible from the outside.

Signs of Heat Stroke

Panting that doesn’t resolve after resting

Dark pink to red tongue

Weakness, stumbling, or collapse

Lifting feet to avoid hot pavement

Vomiting

REMEMBER

The best places to cool a dog down are on the tummy, chest, paw pads, and neck.

If it’s too hot for you to stay comfortable in the car, in the yard, or on a walk, it’s even hotter for our furry babies.

Our pets rely on us to protect them and keep them comfortable and safe year round.  It is important for us to take care of ourselves and our pets, and to make good judgments about their hot weather activities.   Stay cool, stay safe, and have fun!