Summer heat is in full swing, and those mild spring days feel long gone. If the temperature feels unbearable to us, it’s even harder on our pets. Dogs can’t cool down the way humans do — they only sweat through their paw pads, and up to 80% of their body heat is released through panting. When high heat combines with humidity, poor ventilation, limited shade, or lack of water, the risk of overheating climbs fast. Here are a few ways to spot signs of heatstroke and keep your dog cool and safe during the hottest stretch of the year.
Tips to Keep Your Dog Cool in the Summer
If you are planning on traveling with your dog or spending some time outdoors with your dog, here are some helpful tips to keep your dog cool in the summer heat.
Shade. Find a grassy area under a tree or spot of cool concrete for your dog to cool down. Not only is the air temperature more comfortable, but light-coated dogs or those with exposed skin are less likely to get a sunburn. Cooling pads, such as The Green Pet Shop Self-Cooling Pet Pad contain a gel that absorbs body heat and stays cool when pressure is applied.
Water. Keep plenty of clean, cold water available to keep your dog cool in the summer. Staying hydrated and cool from the inside out is extremely important on hot summer days. There are many collapsible bowls on the market that are portable and can be used when playing outside. Inexpensive plastic pools can be filled in the yard, so your dog can immerse himself and keep body temperature regulated. Swimming in a pool or clean lake is a great way to for us and dogs to cool off in the summer heat.
Limit exercise. Walk in the early morning or evening and avoid hot asphalt. If possible, limit walks to grassy areas and remember to bring water. Dog booties can be worn if asphalt is unavoidable.
Ventilation. A fan provides a limited amount of relief from hot weather and airflow is important. A doghouse can act like a hot car, and enclosed spaces (without A/C) should be avoided. Remember, a dog must pant to cool off and evaporative cooling is difficult above 90 degrees; even less when there is high humidity and poor circulation. Try blowing a fan over ice cubes to beat the heat.
Keep the coat. Because dogs don’t have sweat glands in their skin like humans, shaving their coats doesn’t provide relief. In fact, the first downy layer of a dog’s coat acts like insulation, keeping them cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. In addition, shaving a dog exposes their skin to the sun which can lead to burns and melanoma.
Get in the kitchen. Mix up a batch of homemade dog treats to cool them off in the hot weather days. See a Peanut Butter Popsicle recipe below!
Dog Overheated? Signs of Heatstroke
Signs of heatstroke can be observed when a dog’s body temperature rises to 104 degrees and above. Inside a car on an 85-degree day, even with the windows cracked, temperatures reach 120 degrees in 20 minutes! Don’t leave your dog unattended in a vehicle as there is no way to keep a dog cool in the car and no air is really passing through. Signs of heatstroke can include: heavy panting, glazed eyes, a fast heartbeat, difficulty breathing, excessive thirst, lethargy, fever, dizziness, lack of coordination, excessive salivation, vomiting, a deep red or purple tongue, seizure, and finally, unconsciousness.
Especially susceptible are the old and very young puppies, obese pets, dogs breeds with short muzzles (Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terrier and other brachycephalic breeds) and Arctic breeds like the Siberian Husky. A handy reference chart was developed by veterinarians at Tufts University that gives an idea what outdoor temperatures might be considered safe for your dog based on their body weight and physical condition. Take your pet’s individual physiology into consideration when deciding what is safe; staying inside is sometimes best for pets!
Homemade Frozen Dog Treats For Summer
DIY Peanut Butter Popsicles For Dogs
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter, preferably unsalted and unsweetened (Check your peanut butter’s label to make sure it doesn’t contain any kind of xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.)
- Half a ripe banana, mashed
- Water as needed
Directions
In a small mixing bowl, combine peanut butter with a little water or half a mashed banana. (The water and banana aren’t essential, but they help with freezing consistency.)
Line a cookie sheet with wax paper, or use Kong-style rubber toys that have a cavity you can fill.
Spoon the mixture onto the tray just like you would cookie dough, or stuff it into the toys. Freeze the tray or toys for several hours or overnight. If you need to reuse the tray right away, pop out the cubes and store them in a bag or container in the freezer.
Enjoy on those days when nothing else will do!
