🌞 Ultimate Summer Safety Guide: How to Keep Your Dog Cool in Hot Weather 🐶❄️

In today's modern world, our cherished canine friends live vastly different lives compared to their wild ancestors, who once freely roamed the outdoors year-round. Before domestication, dogs possessed tougher paw pads, less body fat, and a natural ability to acclimate gradually to rising temperatures throughout the changing seasons. However, our companion dogs typically reside indoors with us in climate-controlled settings. Therefore, it's essential to recognize the potential effects of high temperatures on them before engaging in outdoor activities, especially on hot days.

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Heat Stroke Education and Prevention

When temperatures climb above 89°F, most dogs are at risk of heat stroke, making it advisable to avoid outdoor walks altogether when it reaches 90°F or higher. Even at temperatures above 82°F, outdoor activity can pose dangers for many dogs. High humidity exacerbates these risks by hindering effective panting, which dogs rely on to cool down. 

Stella & Chewy's. "Walking Dogs in Hot Weather." Stella & Chewy's, link.

Preventing heat stroke through proper precautions and awareness is crucial for ensuring your companion’s well-being during hot weather.

Each dog is unique, and determining the exact threshold for safe outdoor activity depends on several factors:

Breed: Brachycephalic breeds like English Bulldogs, Shih-Tzus, and Pugs are especially vulnerable to heat stroke due to their difficulty in cooling off through panting.

Size and Body Type: Small dogs dissipate heat more quickly than larger breeds, while overweight dogs and those with heavy coats are more prone to overheating.

Age: Puppies and senior dogs have a harder time regulating their body temperature, making them more susceptible to heat-related illnesses.

Health Conditions: Dogs with pre-existing health issues, such as heart or respiratory problems, are at higher risk in hot weather.

Coat Characteristics: Double-coated breeds like Golden Retrievers retain more heat than short-haired dogs, while dark-colored coats absorb more sunlight, further increasing heat retention.

Understanding these factors helps gauge whether it's safe to walk your dog outdoors. For instance, a temperature as seemingly mild as 75°F can pose risks if combined with high humidity or if your dog falls into a vulnerable category.

PetSafe. (n.d.). [Image]. Facebook. Retrieved July 19, 2024, from Piper Veterinary Primary Care.

Recognizing the signs of heat stroke is crucial.

Watch for symptoms, such as:

• Excessive panting

• Drooling

• Vomiting

• Weakness

• Bright red, blue, or bruised gums

• Dry or sticky gum tissue

• Weakness disorientation, or seizure

If your dog shows signs of heatstroke, it's critical to act swiftly as it is an emergency. Seek veterinary help immediately. Begin cooling your dog gradually to prevent shock: 

• move them to a shaded or air-conditioned area, 

• gently apply cool (not cold) water to their body - avoid using wet towels unless you can frequently replace them to prevent heat trapping. 

• Offer your dog cool water to drink without forcing it. 

• Note the time you start cooling your dog for your vet's reference, and ensure your car's air conditioning is on before transporting them to the vet.

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Dog Walk Considerations and Precautions

A dog’s paws are not as tough as many believe. Their skin is susceptible to burns, blisters, peeling, and infection, the same as human feet and hands, when exposed to hot pavement. Burns not only result in pain, but increased heat stroke risk, as dogs sweat through their healthy paw pads.

BetterVet. "Summer Pet Safety Tips." BetterVet, link.

Dog paws are made of skin and can be just as sensitive as the bottom of your feet.

Signs of Burnt Paw Pads:

• Limping or avoiding walking

• Licking or chewing feet

• Paw pads are darker in color than usual

• Pads are visibly damaged, blistered or red

First Aid for Burned Paws: If you think your dog has burned its paw pads: immediately bring your dog indoors (carry them if needed). Cool the affected foot with cold water or a cold compress and prevent your dog from licking the injured area. Contact your veterinarian.

Seek veterinary care promptly since burns can lead to infections. Depending on the burn's severity, your dog might need antibiotics or pain relief.

Surface check:

Consider the temperature of surfaces your dog walks on. Asphalt or concrete can reach scorching temperatures, potentially causing burns to your dog's paw pads in seconds. A quick test is to place the back of your hand on the pavement for 5 seconds; if it's too hot for you, it's too hot for your dog.

PetSafe. (n.d.). [Image]. Facebook. Retrieved July 19, 2024, from Shire Vet Pets.

Adjust Your Routine: On hot days, adjust your walking routine by choosing cooler times of the day, opting for shaded routes on grass instead of pavement, and ensuring your dog stays hydrated. Consider alternatives like indoor play, training commands, or swimming to keep them active without risking overheating.

Select Caregivers Carefully: If you trust your dog to a pet sitter for midday walks, ensure they have clear policies in place regarding both hot and cold weather. Select a professional pet sitter who has invested time into professional training and certifications, including Pet First Aid and CPR. If your pet sitter cannot or will not have a discussion around summer safety practices, move on to a more informed provider to best support the health and safety of your companion.

If you are not in the service area for The Empowered Companion and Compassionate Care Pet Sitting, you can find a qualified professional pet sitter in your area here.

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Additional Hot Weather Considerations

Sunburn Risk: Animals with white or ginger fur, or those with thin or shaved coats, are susceptible to sunburn. Protect sensitive areas like ears, nose, eyelids, and belly by minimizing sun exposure during peak hours, using dog-safe sunscreen, or dressing them in UV-blocking clothing.

Car Safety:

Never leave your furry friends alone in parked cars, as temperatures can rapidly rise, leading to heatstroke and even death.

BetterVet. "Summer Pet Safety Tips." BetterVet, link.

Stay Hydrated: Ensuring your dog stays hydrated is crucial. Provide fresh, cool water both indoors and outdoors, and consider using a water fountain or dispenser to encourage drinking. Ice chips or frozen treats can also help keep them cool and hydrated during hot weather.

Frozen treats like these are a delicious way to cool down your dog. Frozen Kongs stuffed with peanut butter, dog-safe ice pops, or frozen fruits and vegetables are all great options and provide long-lasting entertainment. You can find pre-made pupsicles at the store or make your own!

While our dogs may not share the rugged lifestyle of their ancestors, they still benefit from thoughtful care and consideration in managing their exposure to heat. This mindful approach to safeguarding your companion ensures they can enjoy safe and healthy outdoor activities while staying cool and comfortable.

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References: 

Montgomery, Joshua. "Summer Pet Safety Tips From a Veterinarian." BetterVet, 24 June 2024, www.bettervet.com/articles/summer-pet-safety-tips. Accessed 25 June 2024

Groshek, Nicole. "Walking Dogs in Hot Weather." Stella & Chewy's Blog, 1 June 2023, www.stellaandchewys.com/blog/walking-dogs-hot-weather. Accessed 25 June 2024.

Shallowford Animal Hospital. (n.d.). Tips to protect your dog’s paws from hot pavement. Retrieved from Shallowford Animal Hospital.

Kelley, T. L. (2024, May 2). How hot is too hot for dogs? Here's what the experts say. Daily Paws.

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This article is brought to you by The Empowered Companion, a platform dedicated to enriching family life through mindful and compassionate practices with our animal friends. The Healthy Companion blog articles are penned by Kelsey Bailey, RVT, to offer fact-based, well researched insights to enhance family life through vigilant, appropriate medical care for our animal friends. We aim to empower you to show love and respect by fostering well-being for pets at home and in shelters. 

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