Keeping Your Dog Cool in Hot Weather
Most dogs can are very active in hot weather, especially when they get access to water and shade.
Certain dogs have a greater appreciation for hot climates, and all dogs could benefit from extra TLC in the summer. Below will be some tips to keeping your dog from overheating.
Keeping Cool Through Dog Days of Summer
- Offer an ice pack or wet towel
- Add ice cubes to water dish
- Offer access to cool shade by stringing up a tarp, cloth, or shade screen
- Bring a collapsible water dish on your walks
- Replace a portion of their regular diet with canned food
- Early morning or evening walks, playtime, and exercise are best.
- Give your dog some frozen treats
Best Hot Weather Dog Breeds
Dogs with thin, short coats – Beagles, Chihuahuas, and Dalmatians do best in the heat. Dogs with short noses and thick coats are less comfortable. Dogs breeds that originate in hot climates or used for coursing and racing are best for hot weather.
Heatstroke in Dogs
If you see any of these signs in your dog, get them inside and contact your vet. Wrap them in cold wet towels in the underarm and belly area. Check their temperature every five minutes and ending cooling when their temperature gets down to 103. Make sure not to rapidly cool to avoid shock.
- Raised temperature (101.5 is normal)
- Rapid breathing and panting
- Excess salivation and thickened saliva
- Fatigue or depression
- Muscle tremors
- Staggering
Dehydration in Dogs
Dehydration isn’t always easy to detect. If you suspect dehydration, a trip to the vet is recommended.
- Sunken eyes
- Lethargy
- Dry mouth
- Depression
- Folding a pinch of skin at the top of the neck and it slowly snapping back
Dogs can overheat quickly, make sure to keep yourself and your pup hydrated and cool.