Cool Canines: Keeping Your Dog Comfortable and Safe in the Summer Sun
Many dogs love summer and all that it brings. Unfortunately, they can’t always tell us when they’ve had too much. This means we need to be very observant to keep them safe and comfortable in the summer sun. In an effort to promote safety and comfort all summer long, owners of sun-loving dogs can rely on us for guidance and tips:
A Rule of Thumb
Generally speaking, if the ground is too hot for you to walk on barefoot, it’s best to wait for temperatures to cool down. Surfaces like asphalt, concrete, gravel, and even natural pathways like dirt, can create painful burns on a dog’s paw pads. Plus, high heat makes it very challenging for dogs to cool themselves down.
Beyond Panting
Dogs sweat through their paw pads but not enough to truly regulate their body temperature. Panting, or the rapid inhalation and exhalation of air, helps to humidify and evaporate water from a dog’s nose and lungs. In turn, this process helps cool them down, but it’s not enough when they over-exert themselves on a hot day.
Ideally, dogs should exercise in the hours around dawn and dusk. When the sun is at the highest point of the day, conditions can be dangerous, and may even lead to heat stroke. If you ever see the following symptoms of heat stroke, move your dog to a cool place with cross-ventilation, offer small sips of water, and apply lukewarm compresses to their body:
- Excessive or uncontrollable panting
- Drooling
- Agitation, panting, or restlessness
- Very red gums and tongue
- Rapid heart rate
- Vomiting or diarrhea
Left alone, heat stroke can cause weakness or collapse, seizures, and even death. Please call us for guidance about transporting your dog during this type of veterinary emergency.
Water Rules
An important part of a dog’s defense against heat stroke is staying hydrated. Dehydration on its own can be hazardous to a dog’s health, and it can also expedite symptoms of heat stroke.
Always keep fresh, cool water on hand wherever you go with your dog. Encourage them to take breaks and enjoy long, satisfying drinks from a travel water bowl or other container. Replenish water bowls at home throughout the day to keep your dog coming back for more.
- Install a water fountain or sprinkler for them to drink from ( and cool down near)
- Make your own dog popsicles
- Provide moisture-rich foods (either substituting for kibble, or adding to their dry food)
As for water safety, if your summer plans include swimming, be sure to provide a snug-fitting life jacket for your pet. Supervise them the entire time they are in, or near, the water and be sure they always know how to safely exit the water.
Summer Pet Safety
Summer is a great time for making memories with your dog, but things can go sideways quickly. Please call us at (916) 939‑1705 if you have questions about our summer pet safety measures. Our team at MarketPlace Veterinary Hospital is always happy to help.