Although summer this year is slow to arrive, we still are getting ad hoc scorching temperatures. We all love a summer’s day but sometimes it’s too hot for your pup to enjoy. As humans its much easier to regulate our temperature; we can eat an ice lolly or put on a pair of shorts, however for dogs, it’s not as easy.
As a dog owner, it is very important to protect your dogs this summer. Let’s look at how they regulate their temperatures and how we can help them.
How do dog regulate their temperature?
Unlike humans, dogs have very few sweat glands, which are on their paw pads and noses. So naturally some heat is released through those avenues.
However, by far the most effective way dogs cool themselves down is through panting. When a dog pants, moisture evaporates from their lungs, airways and tongue, which helps them to cool their blood and consequently their entire body.
How do you know if your dog is too hot?
- Excessive panting. If your dog is panting heavily and rapidly, even when not exercising, this could mean they are too hot.
- Drooling. Increased drooling that is thicker than usual can be a clear indicator that your dog is overheating.
- Unusual lethargy. If your dog is too tired to move or sluggish, they may be too hot.
- Vomiting or diarrhoea. These are symptoms that occur when dogs are struggling to cope with the heat.
If you spot any of these signs it’s crucial to act fast. Move them to a cool area, offer them small amounts of cold water. Use cool water to try to lower their body temperature. If the symptoms continue, seek veterinary care immediately.
What to do to prevent overheating?
Here are some summer hacks you can use to prevent your dog from overheating.
- Invest in some cool mats. During the summer months these are sold in most supermarkets and pet shops across the UK.
- Set up some fans (at dog height!). A cooling breeze is essential on a hot day for a dog.
- Keep their water topped up. This may be an obvious one but make sure you are checking their water more regularly during the heat as it evaporates faster and they are likely to be drinking more than usual.
- Give your dog a cool (not cold) shower. This may give them the ‘zoomies’ or make them grumpy (if they don’t like showers) but it is 100% worth it to keep them cool!
What not to do in the heat?
While we are in the season of extreme temperatures, there are also some things to avoid to keep your dog cool.
- Don’t walk your dog during the day. A good tip for testing whether it is too hot to walk is placing your hand on the pavement. If it is too hot to keep your hand there, it is too hot for your dog to be walking on it. Their pads can burn and blister in the heat, so it is extremely important to be wary of this!
- Don’t leave your dog in a parked car. Even if you are in the shade and the windows are cracked, the temperatures in a car can rise very quickly and become even oven-like in some cases.
- Don’t overexercise them. Try to limit playtime in the hottest parts of the day, overexertion can lead to overheating, even when a dog is inside.
- Don’t ignore the signs of overheating. Heatstroke and overheating in dogs can be extremely serious. If in doubt, seek veterinary care.
So, what can I do to keep my dog entertained in the heat?
Just because its hot, doesn’t mean all playtime needs to stop. There are activities that can keep your dog stimulated and not bored in the heat.
- Frozen treats. You can create homemade frozen treats for your dogs like ice lollies or if you’re feeling adventurous you could delve into creating DIY dog-friendly ice cream!
- Water games. If your dog enjoys playing in water, a kid’s pool in the garden could be a great way for them to cool off while having fun! Always supervise your dog while they are in the pool to ensure their safety.
- Night/morning walks. Plan your walks when it’s cooler outside so they are still able to enjoy a walk.
Summer can be a challenging for dog parents, but with the right knowledge and precautions, you can ensure your pup stays safe and comfortable. Understanding how your dog regulates their temperature, the signs of overheating and how to prevent it can make a big difference. By following these simple steps and being attentive to your dog’s needs, you can enjoy a stress-free and fun summer together.
And don’t forget to pop by your local Howden branch, especially if you’re out with your four-legged friends this summer. Our hydration stations are available for a pitstop in the heat. While you’re there, why not say hello to our insurance experts and ask about all the fun summer activities and competitions we’re running?