As the summer season hits full swing it is crucial to understand how to keep our pups safe in the heat and to know the potential risks posed for our best four-legged furiends.
Dogs are vulnerable to overheating and are not great a preventing this independently.
Add in the urban environment and all of the concrete that goes with it, and this can exacerbate the likelihood of experiencing challenges due to the heat.
However, by taking proactive measures, pawrents can ensure their pups stay safe and comfortable during the scorching summer months.
Keep reading to learn essential guidelines to prevent overheating in dogs, learn how to recognize the signs of overheating, and how to provide immediate treatment.
Additionally, we will discuss when veterinary intervention becomes necessary to safeguard your dog's well-being.
Recognizing Signs of Overheating in Dogs:
Dogs cannot efficiently regulate their body temperatures as efficiently as humans do.
Their primary cooling mechanisms are: 1) Sweating through their paws
2) Panting
As a result, they are prone to overheating, which can lead to potentially life-threatening conditions such as heatstroke. It is vital to familiarize yourself with the signs of overheating, enabling you to take prompt action. Prevention and early intervention are key!
Here are some signs of overheating:
· Excessive Panting:
Dogs regulate body temperature through panting.
However, excessive panting, especially if accompanied by a wide-open mouth, tongue lolling out of the side, and drooling, may indicate overheating*
· Lethargy and Weakness:
If your dog appears unusually tired or weak, it may be a sign of overheating.
· Elevated Body Temperature:
Feel your dog's ears, paws, or underbelly. If they feel excessively hot, your dog may be overheating.
· Excessive Drooling:
Dogs may drool more than usual when they are overheated.
· Rapid Heartbeat:
An abnormally fast or irregular heartbeat is a sign that your dog's body is struggling to cope with the heat.
· Disorientation and Dizziness:
Overheated dogs may show signs of confusion, disorientation, or even collapse.
Preventing Overheating in Dogs:
Prevention is key to ensuring your dog's safety during hot summer days.
Here are some essential tips to prevent overheating:
· Hydration is Crucial:
Always provide fresh, cool water for your dog. Carry a portable water bottle and collapsible bowl when out for walks or adventures. You can increase hydration by also adding water, coconut water, or bone broth to their meals or by providing ice cubs or pupsicles. (Check out our prior blogs for the a pupsicle recipe and smoothie recipe for your pup to enjoy!)
· Plan Walks Strategically:
Schedule walks during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening. Avoid asphalt or concrete surfaces, which can become extremely hot and burn your dog's paw pads. If you are unable to keep the back of your hand against a surface for 7 seconds comfortably, it is too hot for your dog’s paw pads. Consider using boots or avoiding these surfaces whenever possible. Avoid stopping in sunny spots that may heat quickly. Know that every surface heats differently and be cautious. Paw burns are extremely painful and a serious injury which tends to take a long time to heal; prevention is key!
· Find Shaded Areas:
Whenever possible, walk your dog in shaded areas to minimize exposure to direct sunlight. If your dog appears to be “shade seeking” (darting from shady spot to shady spot,) this indicates they are too hot and attempting to self-regulate.
· Never Leave Your Dog in a Parked Vehicle:
Even with cracked windows, the temperature inside a parked car can rapidly rise to dangerous levels, potentially leading to heatstroke.
· Create Indoor Comfort:
Keep your home well-ventilated and provide access to cool areas such as air-conditioned rooms or fans. Consider using cooling mats or bandanas to help regulate your dog's body temperature.
· Avoid Intense Exercise:
During hot weather, limit strenuous physical activity and opt for lighter exercise sessions. Lean into enrichment and training games inside or in cool shady areas. If you live in a building with cool community spaces, this is a great opportunity to take your training and enrichment elsewhere while still maintaining comfort and safety.
Treating Overheating:
If you suspect your dog is overheating, immediate action is crucial.
Cool them down quick:
· Move to a Cooler Area:
Take your dog to a shady or air-conditioned spot immediately.
· Offer Water (do NOT put ice in it as this can shift the body temperature TOO quickly and make them feel worse. Aim for room temperature or cool water.)
· Allow your dog to drink small amounts of cool (not cold) water. Do not force them to drink if they are disoriented.
· Wet your dog's body with cool water. Focus on the chest, neck, and paw pads. Avoid using cold water or ice as it can constrict blood vessels.
· Use Wet Towels:
Place wet towels or cool packs on your dog's chest, neck, belly, armpits, and groin area to help lower their body temperature.
· Contact Your Veterinarian:
If your dog's condition does not improve within a few minutes or if they show severe symptoms like vomiting, seizures, or loss of consciousness, seek immediate veterinary assistance.
When Veterinary Intervention is Necessary:
In some cases, overheating can progress to heatstroke, a life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical attention.
Veterinary intervention is necessary if:
· Your dog's body temperature exceeds 104°F (40°C).
· Your dog displays severe symptoms like rapid breathing, collapse, seizures, or unconsciousness.
· The cooling measures you've taken at home do not lead to an improvement in your dog's condition.
* * * Remember, heatstroke is a medical emergency, and prompt veterinary care is vital to prevent organ damage or even death.
Summer can be a challenging time for dogs, particularly in the city. By being proactive you can significantly reduce the risk of your dog overheating. Remember that your dog is not good as self-regulating and just because they appear to enjoy baking in the sunshine or running in 80+ degree weather, does not mean they are not at risk of overheating. We humans must be vigilant and recognize the signs of overheating to keep our pups safe and comfortable.
Summer is a great time for leaning into stationary work, impulse control building, and enrichment. It is a great time to find unusual places to work with your dog and practice, like your local indoor community spaces that are dog friendly. It is also an opportune time to schedule an Engaged Walk and to let the professionals help your pup stay safe and comfortable while learning new skills.
If you’d like some support, schedule a consultation or an Engaged Walk today and we’ll be happy to share some options of activities your specific pup can appreciate and enjoy during the summer months while staying safe and comfortable.
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This blog is educational and informational. It is not a substitute for medical advice. If you are ever concerned your pup may need veterinary intervention due to heat related illness, please reach out to your vet immediately.
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