How to Keep Your Dog From Overheating
Only mad dogs and Englishmen are said to go out in the midday sun, but even crazy (or sad, or joyful) dogs should probably stay inside when temperatures get too high. Heat exhaustion and heatstroke can wreak havoc on your canine friend, but there are a few things you can do to keep your dog cool and safe this summer.
It’s warm week and we’re on fire! The heat and humidity hit our heads, and all we can think about is getting into the pool and staying there until September. But since we got work to do, damn it, here’s the summer content you crave so much, from the finest icy cocktails to not toasting in the summer sun, we’ve got your (sweaty) back on your toes.
I spoke on the phone with Dr. Darrell Phillips of Jackson, Mississippi’s emergency and animal referral center, who is, to say the least, my father, and he was kind enough to share some tricky advice.
As with any medical emergency, prevention is a better tool than treatment. Dogs are simply not as well equipped as humans to cope with the sweltering temperatures, and taking them out for a midday run can be disastrous. “Just because you can jog in the heat doesn’t mean your dog can,” explained Dr. Phillips. “He’s wearing a fur coat and can’t sweat like you. The only way [for your dog] to cool down is to breathe heavily and the window is limited. ” This can be especially problematic for larger rocks that take longer to cool down. “Keep in mind that your dog starts at a higher temperature than you, so he will have to walk a shorter distance before he overheats. “If you get hot, then the dog is even hotter.”
Walking your dog at dusk or dawn (or as close as possible) can help limit their exposure to the sun, which will keep them cool, and in the case of lighter colored dogs, prevent sunburn. Always keep plenty of water on hand for your pets – Dr. Phillips recommends using ice water if it’s very hot outside, and if they need to go outside, make sure they have a shade to go to. You can also buy a cooling mat for your puppy; If you need it faster than Amazon can deliver it to you, place a cool, damp towel on a trash bag or other piece of plastic.
If you plan to walk your puppy in the summer sun at all, you need to be vigilant for signs of heat stress. “Heavy breathing, anxious looks, salivation, and discoloration of the gums may indicate heat exhaustion or a stroke,” explained Dr. Phillips, adding, “as soon as they reach 104 ℉, you need to do something.” Taking your pet to the vet is very important, but even more important to cool it down as quickly as possible. “Wipe their paws with a cool, damp cloth – moistened with water, not rubbing alcohol, which can dry out the pads – or dip their feet in water if you can and spray cool water on their neck, making sure you toss. refrigerate when they reach 103 ℉ “and then take them to the vet as soon as possible.