German Shepherd dog laying down on grass outside with trees in the background

Those scorching summer days can impact humans and dogs alike. Our furry companions, in particular, may struggle to regulate their body temperature due to their inability to sweat through their skin like humans can. That’s why it is important to be aware of the potential risks dogs can face with prolonged exposure to high temperatures and learn how to keep them safe during the summer activities you and your family have planned.

Here are some summer heat safety tips to help your pup stay healthy and comfortable this season.

UNDERSTAND THE RISKS

There are several risks when dogs spend time in the heat, including:

  • Overheating: On average, a dog’s regular temperature is 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if this number rises above 102, your dog can become overheated. You will likely start seeing recognizable signs, such as excessive panting, weakness, drooling, rapid breathing, etc.
  • Heatstroke: This is an advanced stage when overheating gets left untreated, and your dog’s internal temperature rises to and above 105 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a life-threatening stage, which makes it imperative to watch for signs before your pup reaches heatstroke territory. All the symptoms associated with overheating can worsen, along with hyperventilating, rapid heart rate, lethargy, vomiting, and more.
  • Dehydration: This occurs when a dog loses more water than they are ingesting. Water loss can occur through breathing and panting, for example, which can become increased in hot temperatures. Symptoms of dehydration include weakness and lethargy, loss of appetite, thick saliva, decreased energy levels, increased panting, and more.
  • Burnt Paw Pads: When the surfaces dogs walk on are too hot, pups risk burning their paw pads. If you’re planning on walking on asphalt, test out how hot the surface is by using your hand—if it’s too hot to touch after seven seconds, it will be too hot for your dog’s paw pads. Visible symptoms of burnt paws can include red and irritated pads, but you may also catch your dog limping, licking their affected paw(s), or having difficulty walking.

NEVER LEAVE YOUR DOG IN THE CAR

Even if you’re running a quick errand, a parked car can get extremely hot (even with cracked windows) and put a dog at risk for overheating and potentially death. A car’s interior temperature can rise significantly in the first 10 minutes. For example, it can be 94 degrees Fahrenheit outside, but the inside of a car can rise to 113 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you can’t bring them inside with you, it is best to leave your pup at home.

KEEP YOUR PUP HYDRATED

Staying hydrated is critical for dogs any time of the year, but especially during the summer months when they may be panting more to try and cool down. As they release water through their attempts to lower their internal body temperature, they need to supplement with clean, fresh water.

A common way to measure how much water they should consume is based on their weight; they should drink at least 1 ounce of water for every 1 pound they weigh. However, it is always best to have fresh water they can access whenever they feel the urge to drink.

Always clean their water bowl daily and try to replace their water a couple of times a day to prevent bacteria build-up caused by their saliva.

You can also incorporate frozen treats into their diet, given their vet provides the green light. There are many frozen treat recipes you can try out, depending on your pup’s taste, such as frozen broth treats, pupsicles, and more. These icy treats can be nutritious and aid in their hydration.

SKIP THE SUMMER HAIRCUT

You might think bringing your pup in for a summer haircut is a good way to help them stay cool, but it’s actually the contrary. Their coat helps them regulate their body temperature in hot weather, thanks to their undercoat (mainly seen in dogs with double coats), which helps to trap cool air. Removing this eliminates this natural cooling mechanism. Cutting their coat too short could make them more susceptible to sunburns because their skin is more exposed.

Regular brushing and baths can help keep their coat fresh, clean, and free of build-up, which is a plus when they rely on it during the summer. Make sure to use pet-specific bath products designed for your dog’s skin and coat.

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TRY COOLING PRODUCTS

Several pet products, such as cooling vests and bandanas, are on the market that can help lower a dog’s body temperature. In most cases, these products work by soaking them in water, wringing them out, and letting the water evaporate while on the pup, which helps keep your furry friend’s skin cool.

When choosing products for dogs to wear, select one that fits them well and is not too small. Additionally, these products should not be the only way of keeping your dog cool; they should be used in tandem with other ways to cool them off.

PROVIDE SHADE WHEN OUTDOORS

If you plan on outdoor time this summer, ensure your pup chills in the shade, as this can help them stay cool. When dogs are in direct sunlight, even their go-to internal cooling mechanisms (such as panting) may not be of much help, leading to overheating or potentially heat stroke.

Designating a spot with shade can help them recharge. This area should also have fresh water that they can access. Carry a travel water bottle or collapsible bowl if you’re not at home.

If you catch your pup starting to overheat, this shaded area can be a big help in cooling them down.

LIMIT OUTDOOR EXERCISE

Maintaining your dog’s activity level helps sustain good health and boost their overall wellbeing. However, on hot days, strenuous activity can lead to overheating. If you plan on adding activities to your pup’s day, even if it’s a walk, try early morning or late in the evening/night when the temperature is not at its peak.

Bringing your dog to Dogtopia daycare can also be a great way to help them stay active and engaged throughout the day in a supervised, climate-controlled environment. No matter the weather outside, our playrooms are always a comfy temperature, thanks to our advanced HVAC system. We also have live webcams in our playrooms, which allow you to check in on your furry family member and have peace of mind that they’re having the Most Exciting Day Ever.

Find a Dogtopia near you to keep your pup safe, happy, and healthy this summer and all year long.