Beat the heat! Tips to keep your dog cool.
Heatstroke is no joke, and now that the summer heat is here, you can bet that our dogs are feeling the heat in a big way.
Covered in a year-round fur coat and with limited sweating ability through their paw pads, dogs are vulnerable to overheating. And overheating can quickly escalate to life-threatening heatstroke that requires emergency treatment.
With a few simple precautions, you can ensure your dog always keeps their cool, even in the sweltering heat of summer. Here are some things you can do to prevent heatstroke:
- Car caution! Never leave your dog in the car. Not on cooler days, not in the shade and not even with the windows cracked. If you’re stopping, make sure it’s at a location that allows you to bring your dog. If you can’t bring your dog, leave them at home. Interior car temperatures rise very quickly, even on sunny, cool days.
- Be a hydration hero! Keep fresh water available at all times—outside, inside and on walks, outings and hikes.
- Timing is everything. Plan your outdoor exercise for the cooler morning and evening hours to avoid the scorching midday sun.
- Crowd control. Skip crowded events and parades where your dog may be at risk of overheating or becoming overwhelmed by noise. Opt for smaller, quieter gatherings in cooler locations instead.
- Take it slow. Give your dog breaks to cool down during walks, hikes and runs as needed.
- Provide shade. Your dog should always have a way to escape the summer sun when outdoors. Trees, canopies or table umbrellas can all do the trick. Avoid using a doghouse, as it can trap heat. Remember that the sun travels through the day, so be sure to plan accordingly.
- Never tie up your dog outside! Never confine your dog this way, as it can restrict access to water and shade, posing a serious danger in hot weather.
- Home cooling. Even without air conditioning, you can use strategies to keep your dog comfortable (and your energy bill down!), like closing blinds and curtains during the day.
- Air circulation. Maintain good airflow with a floor or ceiling fan. A cooling mat can be a paw-some addition!
- Paw protection. Asphalt, wood and even artificial turf can all get extremely hot on sunny days. Provide cool, soft areas to rest, such as natural grass or soil.
- Groom for summer. Help your dog stay cool with a summer grooming routine to shed excess hair and keep them comfortable in the heat.
Keep cool and stay safe. With these tips, you can rest easy and enjoy the season with your best buddy by your side!
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