Sure, we know your dog is the coolest already but as the temperature rises, so does the risk of heat-related illnesses like heatstroke and dehydration for dogs.

It's crucial for dog owners to understand the importance of keeping their pets cool and safe during these warmer months. This guide will provide you with essential information and tips to ensure your dog enjoys summer safely.

Recognize the Dangers

Summer can pose several hazards for our canine companions, the most significant being heatstroke, dehydration, and sunburn. Recognizing these dangers is the first step in protecting your pet.

Heatstroke in Dogs

Heatstroke occurs when a dog's body temperature rises to a dangerous level. It's a serious condition that requires immediate attention. Signs of heatstroke in dogs include:

  • Excessive Panting: Unlike humans, dogs don't sweat through their skin. Dogs pant to cool down, and excessive panting is a clear sign they are overheating.
  • Lethargy: If your dog seems unusually tired or unresponsive, it could indicate heatstroke.
  • Confusion: Dogs suffering from heatstroke might seem disoriented or confused.
  • Other Symptoms: Look out for drooling, reddened gums, vomiting, diarrhea, or collapse.
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Be especially careful with brachycephalic breeds. Brachycephalic breeds are characterized by their short, flat faces and skull shapes. Breeds like Bulldogs, Boxers, Boston Terriers and Pugs are more prone to heatstroke, so take extra precautions.

Dehydration in Dogs

Dehydration in dogs is a critical condition that can arise, particularly during the hot summer months. When a dog loses more body fluids than they are taking in, dehydration occurs. It's essential to recognize the signs of dehydration to prevent more severe health issues. Signs of dehydration in dogs include:

  • Dry Gums: One of the first signs of dehydration is dryness in the gums. They might also appear less shiny and sticky.
  • Excessive Drooling: While some drooling is normal, especially in certain breeds, an increase in drooling can be a sign of dehydration.
  • Lethargy: A dehydrated dog may seem unusually sluggish or tired. If your dog is less active than usual, it could be a symptom of dehydration.
  • Other Symptoms: Watch for sunken eyes, a dry nose, and decreased skin elasticity.
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Top tip: You can check skin elasticity by gently lifting the skin on the back of your dog's neck; if it doesn’t return to its normal position quickly, it could indicate dehydration.

Ensuring your dog has constant access to fresh water is crucial in preventing dehydration. This is especially important during summer when the risk is higher due to increased temperatures and more outdoor activity.

Sunburn in Dogs

Sunburn, though often overlooked, is a real and potentially serious issue for dogs, especially those with short or light-colored coats. Sunburn can lead to discomfort, skin peeling, and in severe cases, even skin cancer. Vulnerable areas include:

  • Nose: The nose is highly susceptible to sunburn, particularly in dogs with lighter colored noses.
  • Ears: The tips and edges of a dog's ears can easily burn, especially in breeds with erect ears.
  • Belly: The belly, particularly in dogs that love lying on their backs, can be exposed to direct sunlight and is prone to sunburn.
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Preventing sunburn is key. You can use pet-safe sunscreen on your dog's vulnerable areas. Remember to reapply it if your dog goes swimming or if it's been a few hours. Also, try to keep your dog in the shade during the peak sun hours to minimize exposure.

Manage Outdoor Activities

Schedule Walks During Cooler Parts of the Day

  • Avoid Midday Heat: Schedule walks in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are lower.
  • Monitor the Pavement: Check the pavement temperature with the back of your hand. If it's too hot to keep your hand on it for five seconds, it's too hot for your dog's paws.

Importance of Taking Breaks and Finding Shade

  • Frequent Rests: Take breaks during walks, especially on warmer days. Find shady spots where your dog can rest.
  • Watch for Signs of Overheating: Be vigilant for any signs of distress or overheating in your dog.

Safe Exercise Tips for Dogs in Summer

  • Water-Based Activities: Consider water games or swimming as alternatives to traditional walking. These activities can help keep your dog cool while providing exercise.
  • Indoor Exercise: On extremely hot days, play indoor games to keep your dog active without the risk of overheating.
  • Adjust Exercise Intensity: Be mindful of your dog's breed and health conditions. Some dogs may require lighter exercise during summer.
  • Shorter, More Frequent Walks: Instead of long walks, opt for shorter, more frequent outings to avoid overexertion.
  • Grassy Areas: Choose grassy or wooded areas for walks, as these surfaces are cooler and gentler on your dog's paws compared to asphalt or concrete.
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Monitor Your Dog: Always keep an eye on your dog's behavior and signs of distress, such as excessive panting, drooling, or lethargy.

Manage Diet and Nutrition

Adjust food intake during hotter months

  • Smaller, More Frequent Meals: In summer, dogs may feel less hungry. Offering smaller, more frequent meals can be more appealing and digestible.
  • Lighter Food Options: Consider lighter food choices that are easier to digest in hot weather, such as lean meats and vegetables.
  • Avoid Heavy Foods: Steer clear of heavy or rich foods that might upset your dog's stomach in the heat.

Suggestion of frozen treats and cool snacks

  • Frozen Treats: Offer your dog frozen treats like ice cream made for dogs, frozen yogurt, or frozen fruit (like watermelon or berries) to help them cool down.
  • Cool Snacks: Keep snacks like kibble or dog biscuits in the fridge for a refreshing treat.
  • Hydration Boosters: Incorporate snacks that boost hydration, like cucumber slices or broth cubes.
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Looking for some frozen treat recipes? Check out our dog-friendly frozen ice cube recipes.

Nutritional needs of dogs in summer

  • Stay Hydrated: Ensure your dog's diet supports hydration. Wet food can be a good option to increase fluid intake.
  • Balanced Diet: Maintain a balanced diet to support their energy levels, especially if they are less active in the heat.
  • Supplements: Consider supplements for skin and coat health to combat any summer-related issues.

Manage Indoor Environment

Keeping indoor spaces cool and comfortable

  • Ventilation: Ensure good air circulation with fans or air conditioning.
  • Close Curtains: Keep curtains or blinds closed during the hottest part of the day to block out sun and heat.
  • Cooling Devices: Use cooling devices like a pet-safe air cooler in areas where your dog spends most of their time.
  • Constant Water Access: Make sure your dog has access to plenty of fresh water.
  • Safe Spaces: Create a comfortable, cool area where your dog can relax away from direct sunlight.
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Emergency Contacts: Leave emergency contact information visible in case of power outages or other emergencies.

Creating a cool retreat for dogs inside the house

  • Cool Bedding: Use cooling beds or mats in their sleeping area.
  • Tile Floors: Encourage your dog to rest on tile or concrete floors, which stay cooler than carpet or wood.
  • Shaded Areas: Arrange shaded spots in various parts of the house for your dog to rest.

Manage Grooming and Coat Care

Role of Grooming in Keeping Dogs Cool

  • Regular Brushing: Removes loose fur and helps air circulate through the coat, keeping your dog cooler.
  • Undercoat Care: Pay special attention to the undercoat during grooming to prevent overheating.
  • Skin Checks: Use grooming time to check for any signs of heat-related skin issues.

Tips for Summer Grooming and Coat Maintenance

  • Appropriate Trimming: Have your dog's coat trimmed if necessary, but avoid shaving, as their coat protects them from sunburn.
  • Bathing: Frequent baths can help keep your dog's coat clean and cool.
  • Natural Shampoos: Use gentle, natural shampoos to avoid skin irritation during more frequent bathing.

How Different Coat Types Affect a Dog's Heat Tolerance

  • Thick Coats: Dogs with thick coats may struggle more in the heat and require more frequent grooming.
  • Short Coats: These dogs are more prone to sunburn and may benefit from sun-protective clothing.
  • Breeds with Double Coats: Be cautious with breeds having double coats; excessive trimming can harm their natural cooling system.

Manage Travel and Transportation

Precautions for Car Travel in Summer

  • Never Leave Your Dog in a Parked Car: Temperatures can soar dangerously high in minutes, even with windows cracked open.
  • Ventilation: Ensure good air circulation in the car with air conditioning or open windows.
  • Regular Breaks: On longer journeys, take regular breaks to allow your dog to stretch, hydrate, and cool off.
  • Shade and Hydration: Provide access to shade and water during stops.
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Temperature Monitoring: Once a car reaches, 35 to 40 degrees Celsius, it prevents a dog from regulating its own body temperature. If your car doesn't have one built in, keep a thermometer in the car to monitor the temperature, ensuring it's always safe for your dog.

Importance of Never Leaving Dogs in Hot Cars

  • Rapid Overheating: Cars can become like ovens in the sun, putting your dog at risk of heatstroke.
  • Legal Consequences: In many places, it's illegal to leave a dog in a hot car due to the danger it poses.
  • Awareness and Action: Be aware of the signs of heatstroke and know what to do if you see a dog left in a hot car. Taking immediate action can save lives.
  • Public Education: Spread awareness about the risks of leaving dogs in hot cars to prevent potential tragedies.
  • Emergency Preparedness: Keep contact information for local animal control or non-emergency police numbers to report dogs left in hot cars.

Looking to keep your dog hydrated? Check out our hydration guide for some top tips.