Summer is the time to soak up the sun and have fun with your pup outdoors. But, just like us, dogs can get too warm on hot days. While dogs can cool themselves off, extreme temperatures can lead to heatstroke for your pup. It’s critical for pet parents to be aware of ways to regulate a dog’s body temperature and keep them cool in warmer weather.
Dogs don’t respond to extreme heat in quite the same way we do. It’s vital to understand how dogs handle heat and how you can help protect your dog and prevent overheating or a heatstroke.
Sweating through a tee-shirt is how people handle heat, but for dogs, it looks a little different. Except for their paw pads, dogs don’t sweat through their skin. Instead, dogs pant. Moisture leaves their body through their lungs, noses, and tongues — basically, panting is the only method your dog really has to cool down. So, what happens when that isn’t enough?
When dogs begin to overheat, certain signs come up. The signs of heatstroke and heat exhaustion are similar, except a heat stroke is more intense. While you’re in hot weather, watch fo these signs:
Anytime the gums on a dog are a bright red color or bluish in color it is considered abnormal. It is usually easy to notice compared to their normal pink gums. Change in gum color could be an indication that the condition is serious and requires immediate medical attention.
Dr. Dwight Alleyne
Due to the shape of their heads and skull structure, brachycephalic dog breeds (like French bulldogs, pugs, and bullmastiffs to name a few) have narrowed airways, and a harder time expelling moisture and heat. Brachycephalic airway syndrome (Trusted Source) is unique to breeds like this, and it means that even when your dog is breathing normally and not overheating or exerting a lot of energy, breathing is a bit more of a challenge.
It’s important to keep this in mind before adopting or purchasing a dog, If you live in a hot climate and plan for your dog to spend extended time outside, or want a dog that will be more active, it’s best to consider non-brachycephalic breeds.
Keeping your dog cool during the summer isn’t as complicated as you might think. A few proactive measures can go a long way to keep your dog comfortable in any temperature.
While dogs and people like routine, one of the best ways to help keep your dog cooler is to choose a cooler timefor outdoor time. Whether it’s a calm walk around the block or outdoor exercise, choose a timeframe that’s typically cooler, or check the weather before heading out to see how hot it is.
85 or hotter Dangerous, or fatal for all dogs
75-85 Possibly risky or dangerous for most dogs
65-75 Low to no risk for most dogs
55-65 Safe for most dogs
🚨It’s important to note that your car gets considerably hotter than the area around it. Some states, like New York, put legislation in place (Trusted Source) to help save animals trapped in hot cars. Cars can heat up significantly in as little as 10 minutes, which can be fatal for pups locked inside.
Just like humans, staying hydrated is important for our pets. It’s especially critical during hot summer days where dogs (and you) are losing more moisture. Carry collapsible dog bowls and spare water (or choose a food and water set, like this one) and provide plenty of opportunities for your dog to have a nice, refreshing cool drink. Dogs should drink about their weight in ounces — so your 120 lb St. Bernard should be drinking about 120 oz of water— but, during hot days and depending on their breed, more is better. Be careful, though, not to let your dog drink too much water, as it might upset their stomach.
Some products are designed to help our pets stay cool. Even some cat breeds, like the Maine coon, can overheat due to their size and thick coats. Here are some options available to you and your furry best friend.
For dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors, creating a shading space is a great way to help them cool down and beat the heat during a hot summer. Providing a covered doggie area, a well insulated dog house, or installing a doggie door so that they have access to the home is essential. Even with a cool area to rest in the shade, it’s crucial to keep an eye on your dog to ensure that they remain cool and comfortable throughout the day. You can also consider an outdoor elevated dog bed to create a buffer between your pup and the hot surface of the ground.
Swimming sessions, whether it’s at a doggie pool, beach, organized event, or lake, can help your dog have fun and cool down at the same time. It’s also a great chance to bond with you or work on building their tolerance of other dogs. If your dog isn’t the strongest swimmer, you can even invest in a doggie life jacket to keep them afloat.
If a pool isn’t an option, simply playing with water toys for dogs in the backyard can do a lot to keep your dog engaged and cooler during the summer. It’s vital to keep an eye on if your dog is overheating, but assuming they aren’t, this is a great option for mental and physical exercise, and staying comfortable.
While the outdoors can heat up and there’s little to remedy it, high temperatures in the home are something that pet parents can help with. Here are three tips for keeping your indoors comfortable for your pup (and you!)
For homes that don’t have central heating and cooling, rising temperatures can be a problem And, what may feel a little warm to you, may be very uncomfortable to your dog. Invest in window units (or portable air conditioners when needed) as well as fans to help keep the overall temperature lower.
Cooling dog beds are also an option as well. When the ambient temperature isn’t quite enough to help your dog stay comfortable during hot summer days, a cooling dog mat or bed may be a good choice.
Certain flooring, like carpet, can do more than just trap fleas and dirt — it can hold onto heat as well. The best flooring for dogs may just be tile, or another cooler flooring that allows dogs to cool down as they stretch across the floor.
For dogs with a thicker coat or thick double coat, grooming during the summer months is critical to staying cool. While shaving your dog should be the last resort (and should never be done with double-coated dogs), regularly detangling and removing errant strands of hair is always a good idea and can prevent heavy, painful mats from developing. These mats can trap heat (along with oils and a variety of other icky things) and cause more problems for your dog.
Dogs tend to eat more during colder months, when their bodies are working harder to stay warm. In the summertime, that isn’t quite the case. Rather than focusing on putting your dog on a diet (unless otherwise instructed by your vet), it’s helpful to spend more time finding ways to give your dog treats that are summer-appropriate!
Some of the best ways you can help your dog beat the heat and bond with them is with summer treats. Here are a few treats your dog will love during the hottest months of the year.
There are some distinct signs your dog is overheating, like excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, drooling, and mild to severe weakness. More severe symptoms can include seizures, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting. Always consult with a veterinarian if you suspect your dog is overheating.
During the summer, fresh water should be available for your dog at all times. If your dog is especially active or spends a lot of time outdoors, providing a dog water fountain or refreshing the water multiple times a day can promote hydration. Always ensure your dog’s water bowl is filled and in a shaded area to keep it cool. If going on a long walk or hike, make sure to bring along a water bottle for you and your pup.
Yes, certain breeds are indeed more prone to overheating, particularly those with short snouts. These dogs, also known as brachycephalic breeds, have smaller airways which make them less efficient at cooling themselves down than other breeds.
The best way to keep your dog safe from overheating while outdoors is by providing ample shade and fresh, cold water. Also consider creating a small kiddie pool for your dog to play and cool off in. Always avoid areas with hot pavement or sand to prevent their paws from burning. Another good idea is to limit exercise on especially hot days, or plan your outdoor summer adventures around the cooler times of the day.
You can use cooling mats, dog cooling vests, doggie pools, and shade, or fans to help keep your dog cool. Additionally, dog-safe sunscreen can be helpful for dogs who spend a lot of time outdoors in the summer, or for those at risk of sunburn, like the hairless Xoloitzcuintli.
