Tips to Keep Your Dog Cool During Hotter Weather
The end of spring is not too far away meaning hot summer weather is just around the corner. The temperatures in Australia can get sky high so it is important to consider how your furry friend will respond to the heat. This article explores some valuable tips and tricks to keep your dog cool and save them from overheating in the warm summer months.
Dog Behaviour
Whether it’s a cold day or a hot day, the temperature can have an effect on your dog’s behaviour. However, there are some dogs which are more sensitive to high temperatures than others and are extremely susceptible to overheating in the hot weather. Examples of such dogs include Brachycephalic dogs i.e. pugs, English bulldogs, puppies, older dogs, and asthmatic or dogs with allergies.
Learning their body language will allow you to tell if they are uncomfortable and too hot. So here are the signs that your dog is too hot:
- Your dog is breathing heavily and panting continuously long after exercising
- Having seizures, abnormal behaviour
- Your dog seems weak or on the verge of collapsing
- An increased pulse
- Developing dark red or purple tongue or gums
- Excessive drooling
- Glazed eyes
- Bloody diarrhoea or vomiting
Keeping Your Dog Cool
The good news is that there are many easy ways to keep your dog cool and avoid heatstroke. It is recommended to take these measures before you notice changes in your dog’s behaviour. So here are some tips to keep them cool:
Stay indoors on hot days
Avoid going out on hot days when the sun is in full swing by reserving walks and outdoor playtime for early morning or late evening when it is cooler. This can help your dog get the physical activity it needs without running the risk of overheating.
Give them chilled water and treats
Ensure a healthy supply of fresh drinking water for your dog so they always stay hydrated. You can aid this process by buying an automatic waterer as well. Another way to keep your dog hydrated and fresh is by giving them some tasty chilled treats. You can even incorporate water into playtime with a fun dog pool if your dog loves swimming.
Don’t shave their coat
Don’t shave your dog’s coat as it insulates them in the winter months but also keeps them cooler during the summer. Shaving their coat could cause sunburn and overheating due to direct contact with their skin.
Give them a cool shaded area
Your dog needs a cool shaded area to cool down when they feel hot. Usually, dogs find cool and comfortable spaces such as your kitchen or bathroom tiles. You can help them out by purchasing cool pads or cooling mats to make them more comfortable.
Protect them from the sun
Just like humans, dogs are vulnerable to sunburn as well and need some protection if they are to venture out into the sun. This is especially true for dogs with thinner coats. For protection, you can use special UV-blocking clothes and sunscreen for dogs with a lighter coat.
You don’t have to limit your dog’s playtime activities on hot days but by taking some extra care, you can really protect your furry friend from harm. So, make sure you are looking out for your canine friends during the upcoming summer months.
