Summer’s here and it’s a great time to enjoy the outdoors, especially with our dogs. We need to be careful, however, to protect our furry friends from the dangers of overheating. Knowing the signs, as well as how to treat and prevent heat injury, will help you keep your dog safe while you both are having fun in the sun.
How Dogs Keep Their Cool
Dogs have a fairly limited body cooling system. Dogs sweat very minimally and only through their footpads, so this is not a significant means of cooling. A dog’s main cooling strategy is panting. When a dog pants, air flows over the tongue and throat area and helps cool the blood sent to the tongue by the heart. That cooler blood then circulates through the rest of the body back to the heart, to start the process over. Dogs can also lie on a cool surface, if available, and their heat is transferred. You may often see dogs dig an indentation in the dirt so that they can lie on the slightly cooler, freshly dug earth.
There are physical factors that affect the ability of a dog to be able to cool their body. Brachycephalic breeds like Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, and Boxers are notorious for overheating. Due to breed-related airway abnormalities such as small nostrils, long floppy palates and tonsils, and narrow, weak windpipes, brachycephalic dogs can overheat very quickly. Another consideration is whether a dog is conditioned to living in a hot climate. Just like people, it can take dogs some time before they acclimate to the warmer temperatures if they are used to living in a cooler region. A dog’s health, age and physical fitness also play an important role. Dogs who are not accustomed to exercise and exert themselves in hot weather can suffer heat stroke very rapidly. This is especially true if they are overweight or elderly.
When They Can’t Take the Heat
Heat stroke progresses through three stages. It begins with heat stress where a dog is needing to work hard at keeping their body cool. Initially, a dog will pant heavily, their tongue red, enlarged and extended in an effort to maximize that air circulation. You may notice increased salivation, an anxious expression, staring without seeing, failing to respond to commands, skin that is warm and dry, fever, rapid pulse, fatigue or exhaustion, muscular weakness, and physical collapse. They will seek a cool surface, and drink water to bring their body temperature down.
If a dog cannot do these things or cannot do them effectively (such as when trapped in a hot car), heat stress develops into heat exhaustion and heat injuries can start to set in. The panting becomes much faster, heart rate elevates, the gums become red and tacky, and body temperature is likely greater than 40 degrees Celsius.
If this goes unaddressed, heat stroke develops. Symptoms can include a warm nose and foot pads, glazed eyes, heavy panting, rapid pulse, a dark red tongue, fever, dizziness, vomiting or diarrhea, immobility, and unconsciousness. Brain damage occurs when the body’s temperature reaches 41° to 42°C. A dog’s normal temperature is 38° to 38.5°C.
First Aid
If your dog experiences any of the above symptoms, provide immediate first aid. Your rapid response may save your dog’s life. Reduce your dog’s temperature by moving them into shade and immersing her into cool water beginning with the head and extremities. If possible, apply ice packs to their head and neck. Apply wet towels to the abdomen, groin, legs, head, and neck.
After cooling, take your dog to the veterinarian. Do not wait to see if they improve, as heat stroke can be deadly in a matter of hours.
Even if they seem to have recovered, their body temperature could increase again; heat stress always carries a risk of brain damage; and depending on the dog’s age, physical condition, and the amount of time spent with an elevated temperature, complications can occur.
How to Keep Cool When the Heat is On
Your dog’s coat is designed to protect him from weather extremes. Regular grooming is a necessity, especially for dogs with a thick undercoat,
Dogs who appear to have thick tufts of uneven hair throughout their coat definitely need the old undercoat brushed out. Single-coated dogs can actually be at a disadvantage. They may need more protection against sunburn and heat because they lack that protective undercoat. Whatever you do, avoid the myth about shaving your dog’s coat to make him cooler.
Many dogs enjoy playing or lying down in a hard plastic kiddie pool containing a few inches of fresh, cool water. This is a much easier way to wet down your dog to cool him off than using a hose. Wet the belly, groin area and the under the armpits of the front legs. You should not wet their backs because it can actually make them hotter by trapping the heat closer to the skin.
Make sure when your dog is outside that he has shade and plentiful fresh water. Keeping it cold and fresh may encourage your dog to drink more. Replenish frequently and add ice cubes. If you plan to visit a dog park, choose one that has water nearby for swimming and playing.
If you’re going for a walk or hike in hot weather, always carry along water and a bowl for your dog. Dogs pant to release heat. So if your dog pants more heavily than usual, slow down, stop, find shade, offer water, and rest for a while. When in an urban area, first test the temperature of the pavement before having your pooch walk on it. Place your bare hand on the pavement or sidewalk for 10 full seconds. If the temperature feels comfortable to your hand, then it should be safe for your dog. If not, forgo the walk until surfaces have cooled down.
Hot Cars Kill
Many owners prefer to take their dogs with them as they run errands around town. This could be a deadly practice, especially in the summer months. Many people believe if they park in the shade and crack open the windows, all will be well as they make a quick pit stop, but they couldn’t be more wrong. When the outside temperature is just 26°C, your car can reach a deadly 46° in less than 30 minutes. Either leave your dog safely at home, or take them in the store with you. Canadian stores that allow dogs include:
- Home Depot
- Bed, Bath & Beyond
- Most pet stores
- Winners
- Homesense
- Marshalls
- Canadian Tire
The stores listed here may be location dependent. Call ahead to be sure if they are pet-friendly.
Your dog depends on you for everything they love and need. It’s your job to keep them happy, healthy and safe. Knowing how to recognize, treat, and prevent heat injury will help your dog enjoy the summer happily and safely along with you.