Those summer days are fast approaching! You have your shorts out, got your sunscreen and bug repellent … but what about your dog? Does he need anything to keep him cool this summer?
We, as humans, are lucky when summer season hits – we have bug repellent to keep mosquitoes away, sunscreen to keep our skin from burning, and we sweat which prevents us from overheating (to a certain extent) in the hot weather. Dogs are not so lucky.
The Science Behind Your Dog’s Cooling System
Our canine friends don’t actually sweat, like humans do, to keep cool. They do sweat a little through the paw pads, but it is not enough to have any cooling effect on their bodies. Their main cooling system is panting – which in reality is not that effective. Let me explain.
Unlike humans, dogs have fur – this prevents their bodies from producing sweat glands like we do. Instead, they pant which is a very rapid, shallow breathing that enhances the water evaporation (i.e. heat loss) through the tongue, mouth and an extra-elastic set of lungs. Typically, dogs breathing rate ranges from 30 to 40 breaths a minute but while panting can reach up to 300 to 400 breaths per minute; and does not cost them any extra energy, do to the elasticity of their lungs and airway construction. However, this is not an ideal cooling method because the dog has to physically and mentally force itself to pant, whereas a human’s body automatically sweats (i.e. we do not have to tell ourselves that we need to sweat – but a dog has to tell itself to pant).
The other issue with dogs, is that they do not always know that their body temperature is getting over heated. Dogs are truly man’s best friend – they will follow and do anything as long as they are with you. This leads to problems though because not always will they go seek shade or water when needed. For instance (to think like a dog) which would you rather do – play with your ball or go sit in the shade? Most dogs will pick the ball, thus it is our responsibility as owners to make sure our dog is being taken care of and getting the right sun exposure, water, and rest they need.
What is Heatstroke? What are the signs?
Heatstroke is when the temperature-regulating mechanism can no longer function properly due to over exposure to heat. Essentially if you are exposed to too much heat, the body cannot balance the outside temperature with the functional or core temperature of your body – thus it shuts down. This is a serious condition as it can lead to a rapid pulse, fever, organ malfunction and possibly coma or death.
Just like humans, dogs can be affected by heatstroke, and as listed above, they cannot always tell when they are overheating. It is the dog owners responsibility to know the signs and understand when your dog is over heating and/or when they need to seek immediate attention by a veterinarian. Look for the following signs:
- Excessive and heavy panting
- Salivating
- Glassy-eyed expression
- Anxiety and restlessness
- Confusion
- Exhaustion / Fatigue
- Bright red or blue/purple gums
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea
- Collapse
NOTE: If your dog shows any of the above signs contact your veterinarian immediately. If he has collapsed or has started to seizure take them to the veterinarian (or an animal hospital) immediately. Heatstroke can lead to organ failure, coma and death thus it is important to seek medical help when your dog is distressed as quickly as possible.
Dogs That Are High Risk
Some dogs are going to be more sensitive to the heat than others, these include (but are not limited to):
- Overweight or obese dogs
- Dogs with “flat-faces” or short muzzles (such as the Bulldog, Pug, Pekingese, etc.)
- Elderly or senior dogs
- Typically for your dog to be considered a ‘senior’ they will be at least 7 years old if they are of small to medium sized, 6 years if they are considered a large breed and 5 years if they are considered a giant breed
These high risk dogs need to be watched more carefully and, in some circumstances, should only be placed in the heat for very short periods of time. Make sure you know the needs of your dog based on their health, age and breed. Consult with your veterinarian on the best measures on how to keep your dog cool and safe during the summer months.
Ways Too Keep Your Pooch Cool
- Always provide shade and plenty of water. If your dog has to be outside, make sure he always has a cool shade spot and plenty of accessible, clean water for him to drink. If you have a dog that stays outside and doesn’t come in the house, maybe consider leaving a space for him in a ventilated mud room, or ventilated garage, to keep him cool.
- NOTE: Most individuals set their air conditioning system to turn off while at work, which is good to save energy but not always good for your dog. Rule of thumb is to make sure your house is still set at a cool temperature (around 76 ºF) so your dog can be comfortable while inside during your work day.
- Exercise in the early mornings or late evenings. I know, it is such a lovely day and what better to do than take your dog on a lovely walk right? Think again. If your dog is not used to walking, or the heat, he can become fatigued faster than usual. Try walking him in the early mornings or late evenings when the temperature is cooler and it will be easier for him to regulate his body temperature. Not sure if it is too hot outside for a walk? A test that you can do is to touch the pavement with your hand, if it is too hot for your hand than it is too hot for your dog’s paws!
- Try a doggie pool! If your pooch loves to swim – why not let him swim in the pool or make a doggie pool for him? They have them available at Canadian Tire and PetSmart for under $15 with tax! It allows your dog to stay cool while having a bit of fun at the same time. However, if your dog is going swimming in the lake, ocean or your pool, make sure to rinse him afterwards to get rid of any chlorine or salt water.
- DO NOT COMPLETELY SHAVE YOUR DOG. Most dogs develop a summer coat (hence why they shed so much in y our house when it starts getting warm outside), thus there is little reason why you should completely shave your dog. If your dog’s breed still has a thick coat, maybe some trimming might make him cooler but a complete shave is not always necessary. It could also make for more skin exposure, which could lead to skin damage because of over exposure to the sun. Make sure you understand both your dog and the breed before taking him to the groomers!
- NOTE: If your dog does happen to get sunburnt, a cool bath with a gentle, soap-free product will help soothe their skin. There are also special oils and lotions available for dogs with this condition.
- DO NOT LEAVE YOUR DOG IN THE CAR. This one is important. Even on a mild day, the temperature of a car increases dramatically (as you can see below in the chart). As well, in many states and provinces it is illegal to leave your dog in the car at certain temperatures. Please avoid this measure at all cost as this increases the chances of your dog getting heatstroke immensely.
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