Heat waves are getting hotter and more dangerous, and here’s the kicker: your dog feels it more than you do. Dogs can’t sweat like humans, and this puts them at high risk during summer heat waves. With these 1o tips, you can keep your dog comfortable and out of harm’s way.
10. Never Leave Your Dog in a Parked Car
This one’s already obvious and yet every summer, dogs die inside hot cars while their owners do some “quick” errands. Cars heat up very quickly and pets are vulnerable because their bodies heat up faster than adults. The better thing to do? Leave your dog at home during errands, or choose pet-friendly establishments where you can take your dog inside.
9. Do the “Hand Test” Before Every Walk
The simple hand test—placing your hand on the ground for seven seconds—can help you check if it’s safe for your dog to walk outside. If the pavement, asphalt, or sand is too hot for your hand, then it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. Asphalt is especially worth checking because dark surfaces absorb more heat than lighter surfaces.
8. Limit Outdoor Exercise
High-energy breeds and working dogs may always think that playing fetch under the sun is fun. But on hot summer days, consider moving the fun indoors. It’s the perfect time for training sessions or mind-stimulating puzzle games. If outdoor exercise is really a must, you can do it early morning hours or late evening when temperatures drop.
7. Be Extra Careful with Flat-Faced Dogs
All dogs can suffer from heatstroke, but there are certain breeds that are more vulnerable. We’re talking about flat-faced breeds like Pugs, Bulldogs, and Pekingese. Because they can’t pant effectively (due to their short noses), they can’t cool down efficiently either. If you care for any of these breeds, be extra vigilant and discuss heat safety with your vet.
6. Know the Warning Signs of Heatstroke
Heatstroke can develop rapidly in dogs and many owners miss the early warning signs. Excessive panting is one of them, and if it doesn’t improve with rest, your dog may also drool, vomit, or lose coordination. If you notice anything concerning, move your dog to a cool area and call your vet immediately.
5. Learn Emergency Cooling Techniques
If your dog shows signs of overheating, it’s crucial that you know how to apply cooling efforts while waiting for veterinary care. After moving your dog to a cool area, offer small amounts of cool water. You can also apply wet towels to areas where blood vessels are close to the skin (neck, pits, and between the hind legs). Do these cooling efforts gradually to avoid causing shock to your dog.
4. Monitor Water Intake
Dehydration contributes to heatstroke, so make sure that your dog is actually drinking water and absorbing it. Some dogs drink less when the water is warm, so it’s important to have fresh, cool water constantly. Add ice cubes to keep the temperatures down, or if your dog is reluctant to drink, add a small amount of low-sodium broth for flavor.
3. Create “Cool Zones” in Your Home
During heat waves, dogs need quick access to cool areas. You can setup multiple cooling stations in your home by having cooling mats in different rooms or several water stations with cool water. Outdoors, create shaded areas instead of enclosed spaces that trap hot air.
2. Watch Your Dog at a Backyard Barbecue
Summer is the perfect time for backyard barbecues but guess what? These events also create the perfect environment for your pup to overheat. Shade and water aren’t always enough if the temperature is too high. Plus, dangerous foods are everywhere. Grapes, onions, chocolates, and chicken bones can be toxic or cause choking.
1. Go for an Early Summer Checkup
When it comes to your pet’s health, prevention is always better than cure. Taking your dog for an early summer checkup is one of the kindest things you can do as the season brings various risks, not just heatstroke. If you’re also planning for outdoor trips (hikes and beach days), a checkup would ensure that your pup’s body and stamina are in good shape.