Unlike humans who sweat to regulate our body temperature, dogs pant to cool down. But there’s only so much panting a hound can do when the summer heat kicks in. To lower the risk of heat stress, here are a few considerations.
Throw shade, and plenty of it
Make sure your dog can always access a shady spot with good air flow while you’re enjoying the golden weather. Tree shade is best but a strung up tarpaulin also works.
Dogs can get sunburnt too when they lie in the sun, particularly if they are short-coated or light in colour. Noses and exposed skin can burn easily so keep some dog-specific sunblock handy (the human stuff is not good for them!)
Aim to walk your dog during the coolest parts of the day – either early morning or late evening.
Ice, ice, baby
At home, keeping a few frozen treats handy will stave off boredom as well as providing a quick cool down. Pop some beef bones, chicken necks or offal in the freezer for them to chew on, or make a dog ice-block out of beef stock.
You could also crunch up some faves from the Wolf Pack, rehydrate and freeze them on a Lickimat or inside their favourite dog toy. This is an entertaining way to keep mouths busy and hydration levels high!
Access to plenty of clean, cold water is essential. You can load up their water bowls with ice cubes or even freeze a whole bowl ready for them.
Out and about
Exercise in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler.
Every summer, hundreds of concerns are reported about dogs in parked cars. While it might be 20°C outside, it could be 40°C in the car and it can take just six minutes for a dog to overheat. It’s best to leave the dog at home if you’re doing jobs around town.
If you must take the dog with you, take them out of the car if possible. If leaving the dog in the car unattended, the SPCA recommends parking in a shady spot with the windows lowered about 2cms.
A splash in the water is always refreshing but check the rules if you’re near popular swim spots.
Other ways to help
Groom dogs regularly to remove excess fur. A heavy coat traps heat and makes it harder for dogs to cool down. And don’t forget that a paddling pool or sprinkler can be as delightful for dogs as they are for humans on a hot day!
A cooling mat might be a good addition to the crate – they’re available at most pet stores.
After trips to the beach, aim to rinse your dog each time with fresh water. Embedded sand and salt in dog coats can cause skin irritation.
When travelling, watch out for excessive panting. Lower the windows frequently and keep an ice cream container and big bottle of water in the car for hydration stops. Stop for regular leg stretches on long trips.
Watch out for hot pavement and sand – paws are just as sensitive to hot surfaces as our feet.
Signs that your dog might be heat-stressed:
- Excessive panting or drooling
- Breathing difficulties
- Confusion
- Wobbliness on their feet
- Tremors or seizures
- Diarrhoea/vomiting
If you spot a number of these symptoms, it's best to touch base with a vet.
