Essential Tips for Keeping Your Canine Companion Safe During Summer Heat
**Keeping Your Dog Safe in the Summer Heat**
As the mercury rises, it's essential to be aware of the risks that summer poses to our canine companions. By understanding the signs of heat-related conditions and taking proactive measures, you can help keep your dog healthy and happy during the warmer months.
**Recognising the Warning Signs**
Early signs of heat exhaustion in dogs include excessive panting, drooling, rapid breathing, bright red gums, weakness, lethargy, and a lack of interest in play. If left unchecked, these symptoms can progress to heat stroke, characterised by vomiting, diarrhea, staggering or uncoordinated movements, collapse, and seizures. Dehydration signs also require immediate attention, including dry gums, sunken eyes, lethargy, and loss of skin elasticity.
Certain breeds and dogs are at higher risk, including flat-faced breeds (such as Bulldogs, Pugs), overweight dogs, seniors, puppies, dogs with respiratory or heart issues, and those with thick or dark-colored coats.
**Handling Heat-Related Conditions**
If you suspect your dog is overheating or showing signs of heat exhaustion/heat stroke, act quickly. Move your dog immediately to a shaded or air-conditioned area, offer small amounts of cool (not cold) water to drink, and begin gradual cooling. Wet their paws, belly, ears, underarms, and neck with cool water, use a fan to enhance evaporative cooling, and apply cool, damp towels to their body. Avoid using ice or very cold water to prevent shock or blood vessel constriction. Seek veterinary care immediately, even if symptoms improve, as internal damage may still occur.
**Preventing Heat-Related Issues**
To prevent heat-related health issues, avoid walks or strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Never leave your dog unattended in parked cars. Provide constant access to fresh water and shaded areas. Use cooling products like vests, mats, or fans on very hot days. Encourage hydration by offering water frequently, adding water to food, or giving ice cubes as treats. Keep walks short and gentle during heat waves.
When temperatures exceed 85°F, outdoor activity should be limited to short potty breaks. Humidity increases the danger for dogs as it interferes with their ability to cool themselves through panting. In such conditions, it's best to keep exercise indoors entirely.
Consider using a pet-safe sunscreen for high-risk dogs or longer outings. Dogs can get sunburned, especially those with short, light-colored fur, pink skin, or thin hair coverage.
Foxtails are one of the most dangerous but often overlooked summer hazards. These sharp, barbed seeds can burrow into a dog's skin, causing infection and potentially life-threatening complications. Symptoms of foxtail embedment may include head shaking, paw licking, sudden sneezing, or swelling in affected areas. Check your dog thoroughly after hikes or walks in wooded or grassy areas.
Summer is prime time for external and internal parasites that can seriously impact a dog's health. Keep your dog on year-round parasite prevention, including flea/tick treatments and heartworm medication.
By closely monitoring your dog for early signs of heat stress and taking immediate cooling and veterinary steps, you can effectively manage and prevent heat-related health issues during the summer months. Senior dogs, puppies, and those with underlying health conditions have less efficient thermoregulation and should be closely monitored in hot weather. Always check your dog thoroughly after outdoor play, especially in dry fields or overgrown trails. Once it hits 90°F or higher, it's safest to keep exercise indoors entirely. Outdoor temperatures under 75°F are safe for most dogs, but caution is advised between 75-85°F, especially for dogs with thick coats or short snouts. To protect your dog, limit sun exposure during peak hours and provide ample shade when outdoors. Hydration is one of the most critical ways to protect dogs during hot weather. Always offer fresh, cool water throughout the day.
Dr. Cassibry's #1 piece of advice: Always be proactive, not reactive. Plan ahead to prevent emergencies and keep your dog safe.
During the summer, it's crucial to ensure that your dog stays safe, not only from the heat but also from health-related issues. Proactively monitor your dog's health and wellness, and be alert for signs of heat-related conditions like excessive panting, drooling, or lethargy, as well as the danger of summer hazards such as foxtails, parasites, and sunburn. Incorporate science into your pet care by researching cooling products, pet-safe sunscreen, and the best practices for keeping your dog hydrated during the warmer months.
