Keeping Your Dog Safe in the Summer Heat
Written By: Rachel Holly
Vet-reviewed by Kevin Smith, DVM, Richmond Road Vet Clinic
Summer can be the best time of year for dog owners. The weather is good, parks are open, and what’s better than spending the long sunny days outside with your best friend? But the hot summers of Middle Tennessee can present a potentially deadly risk to pets whose owners don’t recognize the signs of overheating in their dog. Just like us, dogs are susceptible to heatstroke. And while our bodies are pretty efficient at cooling off thanks to our ability to sweat, the canine body doesn’t have the same ability. When a dog cannot lower his body temperature, he is at risk of a heatstroke. Know the warnings signs and make this summer a happy and safe season by protecting your dog in the brutal hot weather.
What is a Heatstroke?
Heatstroke occurs when the body temperature of the dog is over 105 degrees F.
Heatstroke can happen very quickly in dogs as they have only two ways in which to cool off: panting and vasodilation (blood vessel expansion). The severity of the situation is determined by how high the dog’s temperature rises and the length of time the dog was exposed to the heat. Be on the look out for these indicators that your does is overheating:
Symptoms of Heatstroke in Dogs:
heavy panting/ drooling
rapid breathing
fast heart rate
vomiting
bright red gums / tongue
skin that is hot to touch
some dogs can become hyperactive or panicky
loss of balance
Severe Symptoms include:
white or blue gums
muscle tremors
dilated pupils
seizure
collapse
If the body temperature of the dog remains high, cellular damage will occur causing low blood oxygen, liver/kidney dysfunction, heart failure, and death.
What Dogs Are Prone To Heatstroke?
While any dog can suffer a heatstroke if the conditions are right, there are a few factors that increase a dog’s risk. Dogs with long thick coats, brachycephalic (flat-nosed) dogs, overweight dogs, puppies, and seniors are more likely to be intolerant of extreme heat. Any dog with health issues as their resilience and ability to recover are likely impaired.
Playing It Cool: Tips for keeping your dog cool in the heat:
Always have plenty of fresh drinking water accessible. Small portable drinking trays are available to take on walks and car rides.
Make sure your dog has a shady area out of the sun if outdoors.
A cooling collar or vest works nicely when you and your dog are on a walk.
Avoid the mid-day heat. A walk or outdoor playtime early morning or late evening is best.
If your dog spends time out on the patio provide them with elevated cots and canopies to keep them off the concrete that gets hot from the sun. Add a cooling mat.
Help your dog maintain a healthy weight.
Keep the coat trimmed short but not too short. A dog’s coat protects them from sunburn.
Provide a kiddy pool for your dog to splash around in.
Let your dog slowly adjust to the season’s changing temperatures. The first hot day of the summer is not the best choice for a two mile run.
NEVER ever leave a dog in a parked vehicle during hot summer days-even for “just a few minutes.” And no, cracking the window a few inches is not enough ventilation to keep your dog cool. This is the most common cause for heatstroke cases in dogs.
What To Do If Your Dog Shows Symptoms of Heatstroke
Heatstroke is a medical emergency but one that is preventable. Should your dog experience the signs of heatstroke, start cooling them down. Get them into air-conditioning. Have them drink cool (not cold) water and sponge them down with room temperature or slightly cool water. Again, not cold water – this can shock the system. And do not use ice. You should get your dog to your vet or vet hospital immediately. While on your way, use the car’s air conditioning to cool your pet down. For mild cases, you vet will determine if it’s safe for your dog to go home or if further treatment is needed such as intravenous fluids. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary. While heatstroke can be fatal in extreme cases, the good news is that with early recognition of symptoms and prompt medical treatment your dog has a greater chance of full recovery.
