Summer Dog Care: Preventing Heat Stroke On Scorching Days

Hot, summer weather can take its toll on both humans and dogs. While it may be obvious when humans suffer from too much sun, it is not always as obvious in canine companions. Dogs are highly susceptible to heat stroke unless their owners stay vigilant in protecting them.

Provide access to water at all times

On days when outdoor temperatures reach sweltering levels, always provide plenty of cool drinking water for dogs. Outdoor dogs need water that is located in a shady area so that the sun doesn’t heat it up. In addition, check the dog’s water bowl multiple times per day, and refill it as needed.

Adding ice cubes to your dog’s water offers a cool, refreshing treat for your pet. When exercising or traveling with your pet, take a portable water bowl along. Just as humans need a cool drink of water, your pet does too.

Stay out of direct sunlight

On scorching days, opt for early morning or evening walks when the temperatures are lower. If midday walks are necessary, stay in shady locations that are out of direct sunlight.

Avoid walking your dog on hot asphalt or concrete surfaces, as they reflect heat upward and heat up the dog’s paws.

Owners that exercise outdoors should leave their pooch at home on hot days.

Humans sweat more efficiently than dogs and even light exercise can raise their internal body temperatures to dangerous levels.

Wet down outdoor dogs

As lowering the dog’s body temperature is the best way to avoid heat stroke, wetting down your pooch can help. Spray outdoor dogs with a hose to allow evaporation to keep them cool. Owners can even provide a small plastic pool filled with water for dogs to play in during the day.

Dogs that don’t tolerate heat

Certain breeds of dogs and those with health issues must remain indoors during hot weather. Short nosed breeds, such as Pugs , Bulldogs and Pekingese do not draw in oxygen well and can quickly develop a heat stroke. In addition, obese dogs and those with breathing problems or heart ailments should remain indoors as well.

Even normal walking on hot days can quickly develop into something serious for these animals.

Never confine dogs

Even caring pet owners sometimes make mistakes that have disastrous consequences. Owners should never leave dogs inside parked vehicles for any reason.

Temperatures soar inside vehicles, even on mild days. On scorching days, they reach temperatures equivalent to the inside of an oven.

Muzzles are another item to avoid during the warm weather months. Panting is one of the only ways a dog can cool off and muzzles prevent them from doing this.

It’s worth a little barking to make sure that your pet is safe and healthy. If biting is the concern, confine your dog to a shady, outdoor location rather than placing a muzzle on it.

Signs of heat stroke

The early symptoms of a heat stroke are hard to detect because they involve excessive panting and a rapid heart rate. Owners may misdiagnose these symptoms as simple fatigue after playing fetch. However, if additional symptoms occur such as excessive drooling and a bright red tongue or gums, it is a sign that the dog is too hot.

If left untreated, dizziness, vomiting and seizures may occur. Cool the dog down immediately and visit a veterinarian for treatment.

Although summer time heat stroke is a serious, and sometimes deadly occurrence for dogs, it is one that doesn’t have to happen. By taking a few precautions and being vigilant for symptoms, owners and their dogs can enjoy the warm weather.