Keeping Your Hot Dog Cool

Wow, it sure is hot this summer! Have you thought about how the summer heat affects your dog? Humans can usually find shade, go to the pool and even hangout in the air conditioning. But your dog doesn’t always have these choices.

Here are some tips on how to keep you hot dog cool

1. Be mindful about walking your dog or playing when the temperature and humidity are high. If you must do any of these activities, watch out for the telltale signs of overheating (labored breathing, slowing down, foaming at the mouth, wobbliness). Any of these can be signs of a dog getting too hot. Cool them down immediately by getting them to shade, splashing or spraying them with water, giving them ice to eat or lick. Overheating can be deadly, so get their body temperature down quickly. Also, get your dog into the air conditioning whenever possible when they show signs of overheating.

2. If you dog is a hairy breed (with an undercoating), make sure to brush them to remove excess hair. This will help to dissipate the heat.

3. Don’t walk your dog on concrete or paved surfaces that are exposed to sun. Walking your dog on a sidewalk or even on a paved parking lot in the summer heat can scorch their pads. Also, dogs sweat through the pads of their feet. When a dog walks on hot surfaces, the sweat has little or no time to provide evaporative cooling. So, just don’t do it! Wait until later in the day when these hot surfaces have cooled down.

4. Keep you dog hydrated. Dogs need water just like humans, so keep a cool drink of water available at all times, either with a water or spray bottle.

5. Don’t over do it! Pace yourself and your dog when the heat is on. Provide rest breaks, so your dog can cool off.

Have fun this summer and keep your hot dog cool!