Overheated Dog

Summer Tips To Keep Your Dog Safe In The Summer Heat

1. When walking your dog on a hot summer day you need to check the pavement.

Hold the back of your hand on the pavement for five seconds.  If it is too hot for that amount of time, then it is too hot for your dog to walk on.  

When it is 85 degrees the asphalt can heat up to 135, which can burn your dog's paws in less than a minute.  You might want to look into buying some doggy booties.

If your dog is limping or licking their paws after all day in the sun, they might have burned paws.

Check their paws for blisters and cracks and you might want to take them to your vet for treatment as they can put on antibiotics and bandages so they won't get infected.

2. Don't over-exercise your dog if it is too hot outside as you might have an overheated dog.

Some days you might not be able to take them on your usual walk. Play with them inside the house and wait until evening or early morning to take them on their walk.

3. You probably might know this, but never leave your dog in the car on a hot day. 

Even if you crack the windows the inside of a car can heat up to 30 degrees more than the outside heat, and you will have an overheated dog.

4. A way to test to see if your dog is hydrated, pull up the skin around their neck.

“It should snap back down,” says Nicole Ellis, pet lifestyle expert at Rover.com.

“But if the dog is dehydrated, it’ll go down very slowly.” Try it on a temperate day at home so you have a reference point.

5. Keeping Your Dog Cool.

Make sure you have plenty of water on hand and if you walk them find a park that has a lot of trees that provide shaded paths to walk your dog.

6. Provide Adequate Shade To Prevent An Overheated Dog

Create a shaded area in your yard.  You can use shade sails and umbrellas, to provide shade for your dog.

7. Trim Your Dog's Hair

Trim your dog's hair regularly to prevent them from overheating. Long hair can trap heat, making it difficult for your dog to regulate their body temperature.

However, don't shave your dog's hair completely as it protects from the sun's harmful UV rays.

8. Know Your Dog's Breed

Different dog breeds have different levels of tolerance to heat.

Breeds with short noses such as pugs, bulldogs, and boxers are at higher risk of heatstroke as they have a harder time breathing in hot weather.

Therefore, it's essential to know your dog's breed and take extra precautions if they're at higher risk.

Overheated Dog

There are three signs that your dog can be suffering from heat exhaustion.

If they have a bright pink tongue, their gums are pale and they are panting heavily and rapidly.

In addition, if they have a wobbly walk and weakness you should take them to a vet.

Conclusion:

Preventing your dog from overheating during hot summer days requires a combination of measures as listed above.

Make sure your dog is well hydrated, limit outdoor activities during peak hours, and provide shade.

Never leave your dog in a hot car!

You want to use cooling products, trim your dog's hair, monitor their weight, and know their breed's heat tolerance.

By taking these measures, you can keep your dog safe and prevent an overheated dog.

Check out our 25 fascinating facts about dog breeds and take the dog bonding test.