How to Keep Your Dog Cool in Hot Weather

1. How to Keep Your Dog Cool in Hot Weather In the scorching summer heat, both dogs and humans can face the stifling consequences. Additionally, the drained energy not only stresses our bodies but also takes a toll on our furry companions. To ensure your dog's well-being during hot weather, proactive preparation to keep them cool is crucial. While enjoying the pleasant weather, it becomes equally important to prioritise your dog's safety. Further, the ultimate goal is to prevent heatstroke; see to it that your canine stays in optimal health. Why Is It Important That Your Dog Stays Cool During Summer? Dogs are more susceptible to heat-related issues than humans, and heatstroke significantly threatens their health. When exposed to high temperatures, a pooch's internal temperature can rapidly rise, leading to potential organ failure and severe damage. Also, heatstroke can be life-threatening. An alarming statistic reveals that 1 in 7 dogs that suffer from heatstroke do not survive. Tips For Keeping Your Dog Cool When The Temperatures Are High Walks At Cooler Times Dogs have a harder time coping with heat compared to humans, and even warm weather can put them at risk of overheating, particularly during exercise. To make sure they are safe, consider taking your dog for a gentle walk during cooler hours, either early in the morning or late in the evening when the temperature has dropped. Alternatively, stimulating indoor activities can be a safer option on hot days. Always keep an eye on the weather forecast and take regular shade breaks during your walks to prevent any issues. Safeguard Your Dog's Paws From Hot Surfaces Surfaces like tarmac or sand can become scorching and cause discomfort to those furry paws. Conduct a simple test – if the surface feels too hot for you to touch, it's likely uncomfortable for

2. your dog. In such cases, opt for grassy or shaded areas for walks and playtime to protect their sensitive paws from potential burns or discomfort. Further, your attentiveness to their comfort will make their outdoor experience much more enjoyable and safe. Always Have Water With You Never forget the importance of providing water for your dog to keep them cool, especially during hot weather. Whether you're at home or out for a walk, always have a bottle of water and a bowl readily available. Hydration is imperative for dogs throughout the year, and on hot days, keeping them well-hydrated becomes even more critical. Prevent Exhaustion Find alternative ways to engage your dog's mental and physical energy without putting too much strain on them. For instance, if they typically enjoy running for extended periods, it's best to avoid this when the sun is glaring down upon them to prevent any harm. Instead, go for mentally stimulating activities, like hiding their toys or treats for them to sniff out. Another great idea is freezing their dog food or using frozen treats in dog toys or food puzzle toys to keep them entertained. Additionally, encourage your dog to spend time in a shaded paddling pool by using toys or treats as incentives. Whatever activities you choose, you need to keep them calm. Don’t Leave Dogs Alone In Cars Under no circumstances should you leave your dog alone in a hot car, as it can lead to fatal consequences. Even if the car is parked in the shade with windows open, dogs can quickly become distressed, uncomfortable, and develop heatstroke. Besides, always have a plan in place so that your dog is never left alone in the car or any enclosed spaces. It's best to avoid car travel with your dog on hot days whenever possible. Moreover, if it's necessary to travel, take precautions for their comfort and safety: ● Use shade covers on the windows to prevent direct sunlight ● Cool down your car beforehand ● Have the air conditioning on Further, try to travel during chillier times of the day and choose less congested routes to minimize time spent in the car. One must provide their dog access to water during the journey, using non-splash travel bowls designed for this purpose. Carefully Monitor If There Are Signs Of Heat Stroke Heatstroke occurs when a dog's body temperature rises uncontrollably, leading to severe problems. This risk isn't limited to just scorching days; even slightly warm temperatures can pose a threat. Although any dog can be susceptible, certain factors increase the risk.

3. Watch for these signs of heatstroke: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● If you suspect your dog has heatstroke, act swiftly. Immediately contact your vet while following these steps: ● Move the dog to a shaded and cool area. ● Keep them calm and still. ● Place them on a chilled, wet towel, cooling mat, or in front of a fan. ● Allow the dog to drink small amounts of cool water. ● Further, gently pour cool water over their feet, ears, and head—avoid using ice or very cold water as it may cause shock. ● Gradually apply cool water over their body, taking care not to cause shivering. ● Also, continue cooling your dog, if possible, while en route to the vet. Heavy panting Lethargy Confusion or loss of coordination Excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth Vomiting or diarrhea Shaking or weakness Seizures Know If Your Dog Is At Risk Heatstroke can affect all dogs, but certain factors increase the risk, making some dogs more vulnerable. Research indicates that dogs with a higher likelihood of developing heatstroke include those that: 1. Are overweight 2. Have flat faces (brachycephalic breeds) 3. Are more energetic and active 4. Are older 5. Are larger, especially those over 50kg 6. Have longer or thicker fur. 7. Have underlying health issues, such as dehydration, heart problems, or respiratory conditions Moreover, certain breeds are more commonly seen at veterinary clinics with heat stroke cases. These breeds include: 1. Chow Chows 2. Bulldogs (English and French) 3. Dogue de Bordeaux 4. Greyhounds 5. Boxers 6. English Springer Spaniels 7. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels 8. Pugs 9. Golden Retrievers 10. Staffordshire Bull Terriers

4. Understanding these risk factors and breed tendencies can help dog owners take appropriate precautions. Be mindful of the specific needs and vulnerabilities of individual dogs. But remember to follow these tips for keeping your dog cool. Happy playtime!