Hot Dog! 10 Ways to Ensure Your Canine Companion Stays Cool in Summer
During the dog days of summer, the heat, humidity, and intense rays can take a toll on our fur-covered friends, but fun in the sun with your canine companion is completely doable as long as you practice our team’s tips for keeping hot dogs cool and safe!
Why Are Pets Prone to Heatstroke?
Pets have higher “set” body temperatures than humans and very few sweat glands—a one-two punch that makes them susceptible to heatstroke. An animal’s body temperature is typically between 100 to 102.2 degrees, and signs of heatstroke in pets can start to surface when a pet’s body temperature tops 102.2 degrees.
Any pet can experience the dangerous effects of heatstroke, but some pets are more prone than others, including the following:
- Overweight dogs
- Senior dogs
- Dogs with chronic health conditions
- Brachycephalic breeds such as pugs and bulldogs
How to Recognize Heatstroke in Pets
Dogs have their own strategies for keeping their cool, mainly sweating through their paw pads and noses, and panting profusely, but it’s not enough when temperatures soar.
What does heatstroke for pets look like? Watch for these symptoms:
- Rapid respiration
- Pale, dry gums
- Excessive panting or drooling
- Trouble breathing
- Insatiable thirst
- Weakness
- Lack of coordination
- Vomiting/diarrhea
- Glazed eyes
- Seizure
- Sudden collapse
These signs of heatstroke in pets signal a veterinary emergency. Call your pet’s doctor of the nearest emergency clinic immediately for further instructions.
Help for an Overheated Pet
When you see signs of heatstroke in pets, take the following action immediately:
- Move your pet indoors or to a shady area.
- Blot your pet’s head, neck, and feet with a towel soaked in cool (NOT ice cold) water.
- Offer your pet cool water to drink.
- Follow the instructions provided by your veterinarian or emergency hospital.
Protect Your Dog From Heatstroke
Our team at East Sacramento Veterinary Center recommends the following precautions to help protect pets from heatstroke.
NEVER Leave an Animal in a Parked Car
Not even with the AC running. Not even for a minute.
Protect Your Pooch’s Paws
Your dog’s paw pads need protection from hot surfaces. Paw booties and balms can help!
Choose Cooler Times to Walk
Take shorter walks and aim for earlier in the morning and later in the evening when temps and humidity aren’t as high.
Give Your Dog Plenty of Rest Breaks
Pack cool, clean drinking water and a travel bowl for your dog, and take rest breaks often when walking or playing outdoors.
Provide a Cool Place to Potty
Give your dog a place in the shade to “do his business” and equip it with a bowl of cool water. Never leave your pet unattended outdoors when temperatures are high.
We want you to enjoy this season in the sun with your favorite canine. Contact us at (916) 737-5670 if it’s time for your dog’s wellness exam or if you have more questions about how to recognize heatstroke in pets.