HELP YOUR PUP HAVE A FUN & COOL SUMMER
It’s already mid June and the 90 degree heat is here in full force. You’re either one of those people who can’t wait to be basking outside all summer, or you’re one of those people who would prefer to hang out in the air conditioning. Either way, it’s here for the next couple of months. Dogs are similar. Some dogs do better with heat than others. We do need to be aware of the heat for the sake of all dogs though. Today we will talk about some ways to have summer fun while keeping your dog cool as well as some things to watch out for.
“THE DIVAS”
Well, they may not all be divas, but it’s a fact that some dog breeds weren’t build to handle the heat as well as others. If your dog is brachiocephalic (commonly called smoosh-nosed) such as Pugs, Boston Terriers or Frenchies, they are more susceptible to breathing issues and becoming overheated easily due to their narrow airways and nostrils. They are more susceptible to heat stroke. Other breeds that were bred specifically for cold climates such as Alaskan Malamutes who have extremely thick fur might also get overheated easily.
An important fact to note: If you have a dog with thick fur you may be tempted to shave them in the summer to keep them cool. This might not be a good idea though, as it could have the adverse affect (more on that later in this post though).
These are some of the breeds to watch extra closely in the heat (this is not an exhaustive list): Pomeranian, Bull Dog breeds, Alaskan Malamute, Boxer, Chow, Pug, King Cavalier Charles Spaniel, Akita, Boston Terrier, Pekingese, Shih Tzu, Samoyed, Eskimo Dog and Husky.
“THE OUTDOOR LOVERS”
Some dog breeds handle the heat better than others. Breeds with shorter coats and those bred to be working dogs in moderate to warm climates generally fare better on hot days; especially if they can go for a quick swim. Many of these breeds love the water. Breeds such as Retrievers, German Shorthair Pointers, Fox Hounds, Australian Cattle Dogs, Chihuahua’s and those bred for warm climates tend to handle the heat better than those mentioned above. Of course, this doesn’t mean they should stay in the heat for too long. You should still watch for signs of heat stroke and give them plenty of water. Make sure they don’t over exert themselves, (especially the athletic working breeds).
WAYS TO KEEP COOL
No matter what breed of dog you have, it can be difficult to keep them cool, since they don’t sweat like we do. Here are some ways to help them from over heating, while still having fun this summer.
Give them lots of water - Make sure they stay hydrated. You can put ice cubes in the water for something extra cool.
Brush them - Especially dogs with thick coats. Keeping their undercoat brushed thins out their coat and allows more airflow.
Cooling Vest/Harness - There are a lot of options out there. Do some research and find one that suits your dogs needs.
Wet bandana around their neck - This can help keep your pup cool on a hot day. There are also special cooling bandanas on the market as well.
Frozen Dog Treats - Of course they love getting the treat! And the treat being frozen will help cool them off. I’ll be posting some frozen treat recipes soon ;-)
Cooling Pet Pad - There are also lots of cooling pads on the market. Raised beds help too.
Swimming! - If your dog is like mine, she HATES the water. But lots of dogs LOVE the water! Setup a kiddie pool for them to wade, swim, splash, have fun and cool off. Or take them to the river/lake/beach.
Sprinklers - In addition or instead of a pool, you can setup a sprinkler for them (and maybe yourself).
Make shade - setup a canopy, tarp, umbrella or something to give shade.
Cold Water Bottle - If you’re traveling, hiking etc. bring a cold water bottle with you.
Damp towel or Ice pack - You can set out a damp towel or ice pack for them to lay down on.
WHAT NOT TO DO
Stay in the heat for too long - Every dog is different. Get to know your dog. We know the breed has some bearing upon how long they can stay out. But, age, weight, health, energy and a lot of other factors come into play here. If your dog is showing signs of distress, it’s time to go back inside.
Walk on hot pavement or sand - Have you ever tried to walk with bare feet on black pavement or the sand at the beach on a hot sunny day? You probably started hopping up and down saying something like “ah that’s hot.” It is hot. Surfaces like this absorb heat. They are a lot hotter than grass, pebbles or white surfaces. It can be too hot on your dogs paws and even cause burns. If it’s too hot for your bare feet, it’s too hot for theirs.
Shave them - It may be tempting to give your thick/double coated dog a shave. It seems like it would help cool them down. But, their fur is much different than human hair. Their coat can actually keep them cooler by insulating them and protecting them from the sun. Their undercoat is different from their outer coat. Their undercoat is what sheds. If you shave their outer coat it might damage it and take years to grow back properly. Instead brush them really good and get as much of the undercoat brushed out as you can. Always consult a professional groomer.
HEAT STROKE
You should know the signs of heat stroke. If your dog has been in the heat and is showing any of these signs, you should get them into an air conditioned area as soon as possible and contact your veterinarian. You want to cool them down, but not too rapidly as to send them into shock. You can wrap cold, wet towels around them or use a fan. The best thing though is to call your veterinarian asap for instructions and best practices.
Very rapid panting and breathing
Slowed movements or fatigue
Muscle tremors
Thick saliva and increased drooling
Staggering
Temperature of 103° F or above (normal is 101.5°F)
DEHYDRATION
You should also know the signs of dehydration. They can be easy to miss. So, paying close attention and knowing your dogs “normal” will help. If you think your dog may be dehydrated contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Lethargy or slow movements
Unusually dry mouth
Eyes may appear “sunken in”
Skin doesn’t snap back quickly when gently pinched or pulled up at the top of their neck.
CONCLUSION
I hope these tips have been helpful. With the proper precautions, get out and enjoy the sunshine (or stay in and enjoy the air conditioning)!
