With the hot summer months just around the corner, it’s time to refresh your memory about keeping your dog cool during this time of year. It’s normal to want to take your dog outside to enjoy the summer months but there are several precautions you need to take to keep him safe from rising temperatures. Read the steps below to prevent (and treat if necessary) heat exhaustion in your dog. 

Step 1: Limit your dog’s exposure to the heat. Pay attention to the heat and humidity and plan accordingly. If the temperatures are rising outside, it’s time to bring your dog inside. If you are unable or unwilling to bring your dog indoors, then you need to provide appropriate shelter for him outdoors. Put a doghouse underneath a shade tree so that he can have some respite from the rising temperatures. On very hot days, it’s not a bad idea to fill a small pool with cool water so that he can lie down in it and cool off. Prevent the water from heating up by making sure it’s in a cool spot in the yard and changing the water frequently.

Step 2: Limit your dog’s exercise during the heat. If you want to keep up your exercise routine with your dog, be sure to exercise early in the morning or late in the evening when the temperature has had time to cool off. Be sure to always carry water and a collapsible water dish with you. Also, refrain from running on the hot sidewalk or pavement and instead stick to dirt trails or grass.

Step 3: Know your dog’s cardio limits and age limitations. If your dog is overweight or aging, the middle of summer is probably not the best time to start his workout routine. You might want to start his workouts on a treadmill in an air-conditioned room before you take him outdoors in the heat.

Step 4: Keep your dog slim and trim. Obesity can be a contributing factor to your dog experiencing heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Try to get your pooch slimmed down by asking your vet for advice about food products and food quantities.

Step 5: Keep your dog’s hair trimmed as well. It’s not necessary for you to shave your dog in order to keep him cool in the heat. In fact, shaving him might put him at risk for sunburn! But, don’t be afraid to trim his long coat for the hot season.

Step 6: Leave your best friend at home. During the summer months it’s never a good idea to take your dog out and about running errands in the car with you. Although there are products that can help keep him cool (such as cool mats for the seat), you never know if you’re going to find yourself in a situation with rising temperatures and malfunctioning air conditioning. If you must take your dog in the car with you, under no circumstance should you ever leave him alone in the car.

Step 7: Be on the lookout for signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion. If your dog is excessively panting or appears weak or wobbly it’s time to cool him off (see step 8). Another way to judge if he is getting overheated is to look at the skin on the underside of his ears; if it has become flushed or red then it’s a good indication your dog is overheated. 

Step 8: Know how to treat heat exhaustion. If your dog appears very weak or is losing consciousness, get him to a vet immediately for treatment. If he is overheated, there are a few quick tricks you can do to cool him off. Put his paws in a puddle of cold water to begin cooling him from the feet up. You can soak a towel or bandana in cool water and drape it around his neck to act as a cool compress. You can even apply ice packs to his chest and stomach to lower his temperature. Keep him out of the heat, keep a close eye on him and be alert for signs of further distress or discomfort.

Follow the steps above and be smart about the toll that rising temps can take on our four legged friends. But, don’t be afraid to enjoy the beautiful weather and the companionship of your dog at the same time. This summer, try to participate in activities that will keep both of you cool, such as swimming, taking evening walks or walking on a treadmill indoors.

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