How To Keep Your Dog Cool This Summer

The summer months mean three things – vacations, road trips and warmer temperatures.
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But hot temperatures aren’t the only things to negatively affect your dog – high humidity does, too. Dr. Barry Kellogg, VMD, of the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association, said, “Animals pant to evaporate moisture from their lungs, which takes heat away from their body. If the humidity is too high, they are unable to cool themselves, and their temperature will skyrocket to dangerous levels—very quickly.”

​A dog’s temperature shouldn’t go over 104 degrees. If it does, then the dog should be treated immediately for heat stroke. Signs of heat stroke can include:

• Heavy panting
• Heavy drooling
• Difficulty breathing
• Fast heartbeat
• Dark or red gums and tongue
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Agitation
• Lethargy

Tips on Keeping Your Dog Cool This Summer

1. Keep dogs in the shade and supply them with fresh water when outside in the summer, even if you’re only outside for a few minutes. Add ice to water during when the heat index is high.
2. Leave Fido at home. Most of us with canine companions enjoy taking a ride in the car in the summer. And if you grab your keys, your dog is likely to want to ride along. But during the summer though, it is probably best to leave your dog at home. Dogs will be uncomfortable in the car, and the best thing to do is not leave them alone, even with the air conditioner running in the car. Temperatures can quickly rise to dangerous levels inside a parked car on hot days.Better to be safe than sorry.
3. Be aware certain breeds are at risk during hot weather. Pugs, Pekingese, Boston Terriers, and many other breeds can’t pant effectively, and are more susceptible to heat stroke. Keep water handy.
4. Set up a kiddie pool for your dog. If canine companion is an outdoor dog – set up a wading pool.Make sure that the pool is not too deep. The dog should be able to stand on the bottom of the pool with his head above the water.
5. Give your dog a cooling pad. A cooling pad is filled with gel that can draw heat out from your canine’s body. You also can put a damp towel on a tile floor. If your pup will lie on it, it will help keep your dog from overheating. Just be sure to watch that your dog doesn’t chew on the cooling pad as most contain a type of gel that can be toxic.
6. Don’t trust a fan to cool the dog. Dog’s tend to sweat from the bottoms of their paws and primarily regulate temperature through panting. A fan doesn’t do much in effectively cooling a dog down. It is a comfort, and many dogs will lie in front of a fan when it’s hot outside.
7. Limit exercise. It is probably best to limit the type of exercise you do with your dog during the summer, especially on the hottest of days. Go out early in the morning or late in the evening. Be aware that pavement gets very hot, and can burn your dog’s paws. Walking in the grass can help and when necessary, you can always carry your dog across hot pavement to protect their paws or use dog booties. If you must exercise your dog daily, try substituting swimming for your daily walk to help keep cool.
8. Keep your dog groomed. Matted hair can lead to overheating. Never shave your dog unless you consult your veterinarian or groomer first. Some dogs actually stay cooler with their coats intact. Proper grooming of your dog during the summer can help keep him or her cool this summer by reducing oils, dirt, and debris that can weigh down your dog’s coat.  Make sure he or she is bathed consistently, nails clipped and ears cleaned. Try grooming products  to help keep your dog clean and cool.
9. Try frozen dog treats, like doggie popsicles or chew toys frozen in a block of ice. Even a few ice cubes in your dog’s water bowl can be a fun treat.
10. Allow your dog to dig. When it’s hot, your dog’s natural instinct is to dig down below the layer of grass to reach the cooler earth beneath to lie upon. Allow your dog to dig in a safe, shady area of the yard when outside.

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