- safety
- heat safety
- heatstroke
- summer
- summer safety
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The summer heat can be stifling for both dogs and humans. And when we lose power, it is not only stressful on our own bodies but on our dogs’ as well. There are a few steps you can take to keep your dog (and you!) safe and cool in extreme heat.
Most Dogs Aren’t Built for Heat
Most breeds are built to conserve rather than dissipate heat. They don’t have sweat glands, and most of their body is wrapped in fur with little or no exposed skin. As a result, they lose heat through the pads of their feet and through their mouths by panting.
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While sunscreen is important for all dogs, some breeds need special consideration when it comes to the sun. For example, white or fine-coated breeds, like Bull Terriers and Greyhounds, are especially vulnerable to sunburn, while the black coats of dogs like the Schipperke absorb heat, adding to the danger of overheating and heatstroke.
Keep Water Available
- Let your dog drink as much water as possible
- If you have a working freezer, make cold treats, like frozen chew toys or dog-safe ice pops
How to Help a Dog Cool Down
Along with plenty of cool water, the most important thing to do to keep a dog cool is to stay indoors or in the shade. If your air conditioning turns off on an extra-hot day (and you can’t get it back on), go to the coolest area of the house you can, such as the basem*nt. If possible, stay at a friend’s house until your air conditioning is restored. There are other ways you can relieve your dog from the heat by having dog cooling supplies on hand in advance, such as:
- Battery-operated fan
- Cool cloths made of chamois, like those used to dry cars at a car wash. If this happens at a dog show, put a moist chamois on your dog’s back without getting them too wet, take it off, and present them to the judge, who probably will only feel a tiny bit of dampness when going over the dog. If you keep your cool cloth in a cooler, don’t put it directly into the ice. You don’t want to put anything ice-cold onto a dog, because that shrinks the blood vessels and actually generates more internal heat.
- Cooling vest, which deflects the heat and cools the dog through evaporation
- Cooling crate pad or a cold, wet towel that you can spread out for your dog to lie on. You can also have them stand on a damp towel to help their paw pads release heat.
- Rubbing alcohol, which you can dab behind your dog’s ears, on their stomach, or on their paws. Rubbing alcohol cools faster than water and can draw out heat.
- Spray bottle filled with cool water. Spray the underside of their body that’s not exposed to the hot sun (such as the groin area, where the hair is less dense), the bottoms of their feet, and inside their mouth.
- Rectal thermometer with lubricant. Your dog’s temperature shouldn’t rise above 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the high end of normal.
- Unflavored pediatric electrolyte solution for the dog to drink if they get dehydrated
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Signs of Heatstroke
In spite of your best efforts, your dog could develop heatstroke. Here are the symptoms:
- Unusual breathing (rapid and loud)
- High rectal temperature (103 degrees Fahrenheit or higher)
- Extreme thirst
- Weakness and/or fatigue
- Frequent vomiting
- Disorientation
- Dark or bright red tongue and gums
- Skin around the muzzle or neck doesn’t snap back when pinched (dehydration)
- Difficulty breathing
- Thick saliva
- Rapid heartbeat
- Heavy drooling
- Agitation
If you suspect that your dog is overheated, immediately take them to a cooler area or to the vet. Once in a cool room, separate their fur with your fingers so the cool air can penetrate the skin.
To cool your dog down as quickly as possible, pour cool water over their head and body, gently hose a very gentle stream of cool water over them, or, where possible, submerge them in a tub of cool water.
Even if your dog seems stable, it’s a good idea to take them to the nearest vet for evaluation and treatment if necessary.
This article is intended solely as general guidance, and does not constitute health or other professional advice. Individual situations and applicable laws vary by jurisdiction, and you are encouraged to obtain appropriate advice from qualified professionals in the applicable jurisdictions. We make no representations or warranties concerning any course of action taken by any person following or otherwise using the information offered or provided in this article, including any such information associated with and provided in connection with third-party products, and we will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary or other damages that may result, including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness or death.
Related article: Heatstroke in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, Treatments
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FAQs
Keeping them as cool as possible during the warmer months is vital to keeping them safe.
- Keep them hydrated. ...
- Walk them at cooler times of the day. ...
- Let your dog rest. ...
- Use a paddling pool. ...
- Provide cooling mats and ice packs. ...
- Use cooling coats and collars. ...
- Make some ice treats. ...
- Get a fan.
Along with plenty of cool water, the most important thing to do to keep a dog cool is to stay indoors or in the shade. If your air conditioning turns off on an extra-hot day (and you can't get it back on), go to the coolest area of the house you can, such as the basem*nt.
Can dogs overheat without AC? ›
A broken AC can cause extreme overheating and even heat stroke in your pets—they wear fur coats, after all.
How do I cool my dog down ASAP? ›
8 tricks to cool down your dog in hot weather
- Find your dog a cool spot to rest. Cold spots like tiles, concrete floors or even patches of shaded grass will help to cool your dog down. ...
- Let your dog have a drink in the shade. ...
- Give your dog ice cubes. ...
- Spray your dog with cold water. ...
- Go for a swim.
If your pet is mildly overheated, splash cool water or use cool towels on their body, particularly on their neck, belly, armpits, and paws. Do not use freezing cold or ice water, as this can cause their blood vessels to constrict and cause their body to go into shock.
What temperature is too hot for dogs? ›
Planning on walking dogs in hot weather? It's generally safe in temperatures of up to 19°C (68°F) but be careful when the mercury rises above this. Even at temperatures as low as 20°C (70°F) dogs are at risk of heat stroke. Heat stroke in dogs is essentially a high temperature not caused by a fever.
Can I put a wet towel on my dog to cool him down? ›
It is important NOT to place the dog into cold water or put wet towels over them. The cold water can send them into shock and the towels can warm up and act as a barrier, making the animal even hotter. It is also difficult to prevent the temperature from dropping too low once the animal is wet.
Can dogs have ice cubes? ›
If your dog is healthy and feeling warm on a hot day, you can give them ice cubes. You can also add ice cubes to their water bowl to keep the water chilled. The ice cubes need to be an appropriate size for your dog, for example a small dog can't be given a large ice cube as they can pose a choking risk.
Do fans help dogs cool down? ›
Using a fan to cool down dogs is not recommended because unlike humans, dogs primarily regulate their body temperature through panting and releasing heat through their paw pads and nose. While a fan may provide some relief, it's not as effective for dogs and may even cause discomfort due to the noise and blowing air.
Is 80 degrees in a house too hot for a dog? ›
An ideal temperature doesn't exist for all dogs, since their normal body temperature will vary according to size. Most dogs begin to show signs of overheating when the air temperature is between 81 and 85 degrees F.
Dogs cannot be housed in temperatures above 85 °F for more than 4 consecutive hours. If the temperature rises above 85 °F for any length of time, you must provide additional ventilation such as fans, blowers, or air conditioning.
Do dog cooling mats work? ›
While cooling mats are great for making dogs more comfortable, they're no match for extreme temps—especially for dogs who are particularly vulnerable to heat, as Dr. Cutler cautions: “Cooling mats should not be used in place of other heatstroke prevention methods.
How to comfort a dog in heat? ›
Tips to Help Comfort a Dog in Heat
- Give your dog extra hugs, love and time.
- Take her on leashed solo walks to help get some energy out.
- Make sure you give her more opportunities to go out if she's urinating more frequently. ...
- Don't leave her outside unsupervised.
Wetting your dog is a solution to the heat, according to Blue Cross. Whether your dog is ready to jump into the water or it needs some coaxing, wetting your dog's coat can effectively cool them down. Even if your pup just dips its paws in, the water will be absorbed, and heat will be released through its paws.
Can I put ice on my dog to cool down? ›
So, ice cubes are completely safe to help prevent heatstroke in dogs but should never be used as a treatment for overheated dogs.
How do you lower a dog's high temperature? ›
To reduce fever in dogs, apply a towel or cloth soaked in cool water to your dog's ears and paws and run a fan near your dog. Stop applying the water when your dog's temperature drops below 103 F. Continue to monitor your dog closely to ensure that the fever doesn't return.
What soothes a dog in heat? ›
Your dog may feel more anxious or needy than usual during her heat cycle, so it's important to provide her with plenty of attention and affection. Spend time cuddling and playing with her, and consider giving her extra treats or toys to keep her occupied.
How can I ease my dogs heat pain? ›
Managing Your Dog's Discomfort During Her Heat Cycle
Help your dog stay comfortable by offering a quiet, cozy space for her to rest. Regular, gentle exercise can help ease discomfort, and staying hydrated is important. Some pet owners find that a warm blanket or heating pad can provide additional relief.
Do dogs like fans blowing on them? ›
Using a fan to cool down dogs is not recommended because unlike humans, dogs primarily regulate their body temperature through panting and releasing heat through their paw pads and nose. While a fan may provide some relief, it's not as effective for dogs and may even cause discomfort due to the noise and blowing air.
