Keeping Cool

tottontailsandtrails
Jun 16, 2022
3 min read

As we are experiencing hotter weather this week across the UK, I thought it would be best to have a post on how to keep your dog’s cool over the summer.

What is heat stroke?

Heat stroke is a severe condition that can happen during the hotter months. It is when a dog becomes too hot and cannot lower their temperature. If left untreated, it can cause seizures and organ failure.

What can cause heat stroke?

One of the main causes is overheating during exercise however in some cases the dog just sitting outside in the sun can cause heat stroke too. As seen by adverts and local social media groups, never leave a dog trapped in a hot car, this can trigger heatstroke as well.

Can it affect certain dogs?

This illness can develop in any dog, but the list below is those who are most vulnerable

· Dogs who are overweight

· Puppies

· Elderly dogs

· Giant breeds (Mastiff / Great Dane)

· Dogs with heart or lung disease

· Thick coated dogs

· Flat faced breeds (pugs / bulldog breeds)

The brachycephalic (flat faced) breeds are more susceptible as dogs’ noses play a vital part in keeping them cool. The nose releases excess body heat into the air they breathe out. With a reduced space these breeds have inside their nose, they struggle to release the heat. Therefore, always be aware of the signs of heatstroke even on cool days and especially during exercise with these dogs.

Signs of heat stroke

How to prevent heatstroke….

· Make sure your dog always has access to shade and water. If you are out and about with your dog, then remember to take a travel water bottle and bowl with you. Plus choose a location that has some guaranteed shady spots.

· Avoid walking your dog at the hottest times of the day. Cool morning and evening walks are much more suitable times for their daily exercise, plus both you and the dog will enjoy it more. It is advisable for the vulnerable dogs listed above to not exercise at all when experiencing warmer weather.

· Check the surface you walk your dog on. If you can place your hand on the surface comfortably for 7 seconds, then it is safe for your dog. Be aware that artificial grass, tarmac, and sand can get particularly hot.

· Use a harness instead of a collar.

Collars can put pressure on the dogs’ neck and make it difficult for the dog to breathe and cool down. This would be beneficial for flat faced breeds. If safe to do so, take off your dog’s collar when at home in warmer weather.

· Consider a summer haircut. Think about whether giving your dog a shorter clip ready for warmer weather would be beneficial, especially if they have a thick and heavy coat.

· Keeping your dog at a healthy weight. Maintaining a healthy weight day to day automatically helps your dog keep cool. You are ensuring they can get fresh and oxygenated blood to their vital systems easily, reducing the risk of organ failure if they show signs of heatstroke.

· Avoid car travel when it is hot. As previous mentioned dogs can struggle in hot cars, if travel is necessary then make sure your dog has access to water and air flowing around them. I’m sure you’ll have the air conditioning on for your benefit as well. Never leave your dog in a hot car.

First Aid

In the unfortunate event of your dog developing heat stroke, act fast in cooling them down by:

· Keeping them calm and still

· Taking them indoors or into a shady area

· Give them a drink of cold water **Not ice or icy water as this can cause shock**

· Make sure they have plenty of air flowing around them. Grab a fan if you’ve got one.

· Place them on top of a wet towel

· Use cool water to slowly wet the top of their head, paws, ears, and fur

**Again not ice or icy water as this can cause shock**

· Contact your vet if symptoms persist

· If advised to take your dog to see the vet, continue to cool them on the way.

Always monitor your dog’s behaviour over the next 24-48 hours if they have shown signs of heatstroke. Especially in they refuse their food, seem confused, vomit, or have diarrhoea. Contact a vet for further advice.

Did you know?