With heat waves all around the country, you can’t be too careful when trying to keep your pooch cool in this summer heat. Check out these simple tips to keep your dog safe.
How Can I Keep My Dog Safe in the Summer Heat?
The heat can get brutal over the summer, no matter where you live. And although we can cool ourselves down with air conditioning, staying hydrated, and even through sweating, our dogs can’t do the same for themselves.
Did you know that dogs don’t actually sweat? That’s why they pant. And even though this helps them, it doesn’t cool them down as easily as sweating does for us. Plus, a dog can’t tell you with words when they need more water or when they’re overheating. So it’s up to us as pet parents to watch for serious signs of heat stroke, and to take all necessary safety precautions.
What Hot Temperatures Can Dogs Tolerate?
As we mentioned, dogs have a harder time cooling themselves down than we do. Some of the most important places to watch out for unsafe heat levels are in the car, and on the pavement.
Don’t leave your dog in a parked car. Keep in mind that a parked car is always hotter inside the car than it is outside. When the temperature is 70° outside, your car will actually be 90° inside within the first 10 minutes. In less than an hour, the inside temperature of your parked car can increase up to 110°.
Don’t walk your dog on hot pavement. We don’t always think about the pavement because we wear shoes. But it can get extremely hot in the summertime. When the temperature is 77° outside, the pavement’s temperature can be 125°. And when it’s 95° outside, the pavement can actually be 149°!!
One way to make sure it’s safe for your pup is by testing the ground temperature with your hand. Try the 7 Seconds Test! Just put the back of your hand on the pavement for 7 seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your pup’s paws.
If your dog still needs to be on the pavement on a hot day, try using dog boots to protect your pooch’s paws.
How Can I Keep My Dog Cool in Hot Weather?
Here are some very important dog safety tips to help keep your dog cool in the hot weather this summer. Remember that overheating can be dangerous. But there are simple steps you can take to avoid that.
1) Provide plenty of fresh, cold water
Remember, dogs can’t get up and grab a cold drink on their own. And dehydration can cause a lot of physical harm. So, always provide plenty of cold water. And if you’re going somewhere with your dog, make sure to bring water and a bowl for them.
2) Play in the water
This is a perfect way to cool off your hot dog. You can get out the sprinkler or fill up a kiddie pool. You can even take your dog for a swim in a lake, pond, or pool. Just remember to bathe them afterward to help avoid any infections—especially in those sensitive areas.
3) Stay out of the afternoon heat
The afternoon is almost always the hottest time of day. So, try to avoid outings with your pup during this time. Instead, try to keep them in an air conditioned environment. If they do have to be outside, provide them with shade and a fan.
4) Avoid the dog house
Although the dog house can provide some shade, it also traps in all of that oppressive summer heat. Your dog needs shade, but they also need a cross-breeze.
5) Use dog cooling products
In addition to dog swimming pools, there are other cooling products like dog cooling mats or pads. These use water, air, or gel to stay cool while your hot pup lays on them.
6) Use dog sunscreen
If your dog is outside under the hot sun a lot, check out some pet-friendly sunscreen. Dogs can get cancer just like us. So make sure to protect their skin—especially their nose and ears.
7) Know the signs of heatstroke in dogs
It’s important to know the Signs of heat stroke in a dog. Watch out for excessive panting and salivating, anxiety, vomiting, lethargy, seizures, bloody diarrhea, stumbling, passing out, or if your dog has a dark or bright red tongue and gums. I know this sounds scary, but it’s important to know what signs to watch out for.
What is the Fastest Way to Cool Down a Dog?
If you’ve tried keeping your dog cool with our tips above, but it’s just not working. Or maybe you didn’t realize how hot it would be. The best way to cool your dog down immediately is by getting them into water! Gently spray them with a hose, put them in a cold bath tub, or get them into a doggy pool. This will instantly cool them down, and their wet fur will help them stay cool for a little while.
Remember—if you suspect that your dog is dangerously overheating or experiencing symptoms of a heat stroke, call your veterinarian immediately. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. And we all want to make sure our precious fur babies are staying safe and healthy.
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