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August 6, 2019 by Terran Leave a Comment

Tips to Keep Your Dog Happy in Hot Summer Weather

Guest post written by Abi Pennavaria

Dogs can get overheated quickly in the summer, especially if they are a breed susceptible to the heat, overweight, elderly, or diabetic. Keep your dog happy in hot summer weather with these tips!

Know if Your Dog is Sensitive to Heat

Some dogs are more susceptible to the heat because of age, breed, or health issues. If your dog is a breed originating from a hot climate, such as a Basenji or Chihuahua, you have less to worry about.

Dog breeds sensitive to hot climates include sub-nosed (brachycephalic) dogs, who have a hard time regulating their body temperature because of their short nasal passages, giant breeds, such as Great Danes, and dogs with double coats, like Chow Chows.

Other reasons your dog may be sensitive to hot weather include if they are overweight or obese, if they are very young or elderly, or if they have a health issue that raises their body temperature, like diabetes.

 

Keep Your Dog Cool

Whether or not you have a breed that is especially sensitive to the heat, keeping your dog cool in extreme heat can be a challenge. Because dogs don’t sweat, they can have trouble cooling off on their own. Some ways you can help your pup cool down are:

  • Set up a kiddie pool in your yard that they can have access to
  • If there is no shade in your yard, make some by hanging a tarp, curtain, or shade screen
  • Bring a cold water bottle and a collapsible dish for them on your walks
  • Put an ice pack or a damp towel out for them to lie on
  • Put ice cubes in their water, and refill it often
  • Make them frozen dog treats (like these!)
  • Keep them inside during the hottest parts of the day, and never walk your dog on hot pavement
  • Set up a sprinkler for them to play with outside
  • Get a self cooling pet pad or elevated pet bed

 

Know the Signs of Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is a real danger in the summertime, and it can be easily overlooked. The signs of a heat stroke include:

  • Very rapid panting and breathing
  • Slowed movements or fatigue
  • Muscle tremors
  • Thick saliva, and increased drooling
  • Staggering
  • A temperature of 103°F or above (normal is 101.5°F)

If you notice your dog is showing signs of a heat stroke, get them into an air conditioned area as soon as possible and contact your veterinarian in case your dog needs IV fluids.

First aid for heat stroke involves cooling off your dog, which can be done by wrapping your dog in cold, wet towels or using ice packs wrapped in towels. You can also use a fan, but keep in mind that you do not want to cool them too rapidly if they are having a heat stroke, because it could send them into shock. Provide cool water and check your dog’s temperature often. You can stop the cooling treatment when your dogs temperature dips below 103°F.

 

Know the Signs of Dehydration

Like a heat stroke, signs of dehydration are easy to miss. Keep an eye out for the following symptoms in the summertime, and if you suspect your dog is dehydrated, get them to a veterinarian as soon as possible. If you think your dog is not drinking enough water, offer them frozen treats or add ice, low sodium chicken broth, or fruit to their water to encourage drinking. Signs of dehydration include:

  • Lethargy or slow movements
  • An unusually dry mouth
  • Their eyes may appear “sunken in”
  • Their skin does not snap back quickly when gently pinched together at the top of the neck

 

Put the Clippers Down (Probably)

If you have a dog with a double coat, you may be tempted to give them a buzz cut in the summertime to keep them cool. But what you may not know is that their coat can actually keep them ​cooler​ by insulating them and protecting them from the sun. Their outer coat also doesn’t shed or molt like their undercoat, and it may take years to get back to their normal appearance.

If you think your dog may benefit from a cut, it is best to consult a professional groomer. They may be able to speed up the molting process, helping your dog cool off.

From heat exhaustion to heatstroke, there are many risks associated with your dog experiencing high summer temperatures. By taking measures to keep your dog cool, you and your dog can enjoy the sunshine all summer long. 


Abi Pennavaria is a dog mom, avid vet volunteer, and co-author of Saved By The Bark blog. She enjoys sharing tips and tricks for dog owners of all breeds.

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Hiking the red rocks with Kilo was so much fun! He Hiking the red rocks with Kilo was so much fun! He is soooo athletic and was ready to bounce up onto every rock we saw. He kept a close eye on all the other hikers to make sure they weren't there to steal his super-yumma treats! 😆😋​​​​​​​​​ 
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Greg is really putting my fear of falling to the test lately. He keeps leading me to these incredible places with steep, steep falls but great, great views (which he knows I can’t resist). 😱 He even somehow convinced me to climb across a nearly sheer rock face through the use of foot holes and hand holds. Thankfully, there was also a rope to hold onto but, my goodness, my heart was pounding and my entire body was screaming on the inside. I did it, though, and that’s what matters!
Who loves camping? Do you prefer hiking out to the Who loves camping? Do you prefer hiking out to the backcountry with a tent or bringing all the comforts of home along with you in a trailer? What's your favorite campfire activity? Ghost stories, s'mores, music, or something else?​​​​​​​​​ 
Thanks to our awesome trip sponsor, @petplaysf, Oakley is all set for an adventure out in the wild (or, you know, just an afternoon snoozing in the shade).
I've always been a homebody. I like my house. I li I've always been a homebody. I like my house. I like my stuff. I like the comfort of it all... but once we picked up our Airstream last year, my whole world changed. The open road quickly became my home; change became my comfort zone. After six months of travel, I kept asking Greg, "do we have to go home?" I honestly didn't want to go back to my house or to sticks-and-bricks living. I was sad. I loved living small. I loved experiencing this incredible country while trailering my home behind me. We had to go home, though. But now, six months later, we are back on the road again and I truly couldn't be happier! This year's adventure is taking us through Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana — some of my favorite-favorite-favorite places on this earth! Follow along on our blog (westwaypets.com/blog) or right here on our social media!
Before we left San Diego, we did a shoot with Boba Before we left San Diego, we did a shoot with Boba — the most adorable little pom — and his mom! Boba is the goodest boy and knew all the looks that would get him 11,386 Good Dog treats! I mean, really, would *YOU* be able to resist that smile??? 😁​​​​​​​​​
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It's world cocktail day! I've never been much of a It's world cocktail day! I've never been much of a drinker but as the temperatures are getting warmer, I find myself craving my favorite summertime cocktails! Lavender lemonade with fresh mint (made with Silo lavender vodka we found in Vermont) and Arnold Palmers (made with Mossy Ledge Sweet Tea cordial we found in Maine) are my two go-to staples! What are your favorites? (Alcoholic or non-alcoholic options both welcome!)
I have been photographing beautiful Presley for ma I have been photographing beautiful Presley for many, many years but this was her first outdoor session with me! I spotted these little flowers and just knew I had to photograph her in them. She's the sweetest girl and I absolutely adore her! ❤️
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