It's normal to want to get out and soak up the sun during hot weather.It's important to know that dogs don't respond to heat the same way we do and may have trouble cooling down after being exposed to temperatures above 80F.This article will teach you how to keep your dog safe and comfortable during the summer months.
Step 1: If your dog is panting excessively, drooling or has sticky saliva, you should notice.
If you don't act, your dog could die of heatstroke.If you notice that your dog is acting strange, begin cooling her down immediately.It's worth calling your vet if you think she is just hot and not experiencing overheating yet.Death can be caused by more severe overheating.
Step 2: Check the elasticity of your dog's skin to see if he is dehydrated.
Pull the skin on the back of the dog's neck.The skin should go back to it's normal position if your dog is hydrated.Your dog may be dehydrated if the skin sticks up or stays wrinkled.The more severe the dehydration, the longer it takes the skin to return to normal.If your dog gets treated with IV fluid, you should take him to the vet.
Step 3: Check your dog's mouth for signs of dehydration.
Check the color of your dog's teeth.This may be a sign of heatstroke if it is red instead of pink.It is normal to feel the gums with your fingers to make sure they are moist and slippery.Your dog may be dehydrated if it feels dry or sticky.If you suspect your dog is dehydrated, give her access to water immediately and if she won't drink, just take her to the vet.Dehydration can cause death and organ failure.
Step 4: You should watch your dog's movements.
She could be overheated if she shows signs of fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and listlessness.Take her to the vet if she collapses or has a seizure.They can treat her immediately if they call ahead.One of the earliest signs of overheating is fatigue.If your dog starts laying down or strays into the shade, don't drag her along on a walk or ignore her.Take her somewhere cool and give her some water.
Step 5: She needs to check her temperature.
If your dog's temperature is over 104F (40C), then he is overheated and you need to call your vet to have him checked out.His rectal temperature should be checked every five minutes.All cooling measures should be stopped when his body temperature reaches 103F (39.4C).Keep him covered so he doesn't lose more heat.
Step 6: Do you know if your dog needs medical attention?
Dogs can die from dehydration and overheating.Check for signs of severe overheating or dehydration when you watch your dog's behavior.If you're not sure, you can call your dog's vet or emergency pet hospital.They may want you to bring her in for treatment.
Step 7: Provide your dog with plenty of fresh, cool water.
bacteria can grow in a bowl if you don't wash it and provide fresh water.Don't try to force water into your dog's mouth, as he will likely choke on it, even if he refuses to drink.If your dog won't drink, try to wet his tongue.Water can be squeezed from a cloth and onto his tongue.If you think your dog is overheated, don't give him ice or water.This can shock his system.
Step 8: Take your dog out of the heat.
As soon as possible, get him indoors.Carry your dog back to your house if you are outside.Allow him to stand in the water and cool off a little if there is a pond or stream nearby.Try to get your dog into a shady spot.If you can get your dog someplace with air conditioning or fans, you will be able to blow on him.If he is removed from the heat, evaluate his symptoms and call your vet.He might need to be brought in for emergency treatment.
Step 9: Cool towels can be used to lower your dog's temperature.
If you want to cool your dog down, drape wet towels over her neck, under her forelimbs, and between her hind legs.The towels should be warm.You need to bring her temperature down slowly.It could be as dangerous as overheating if you lower her temperature too quickly.If you don't have towels, you can pour room temperature water on her.She had ear flaps and paw pads.Most of a dog's sweat glands are in her paws, and cooling them down may help lower her temperature.You can try rubbing her foot pads and groin with alcohol.As alcohol evaporates, it removes the heat from your dog's body.
Step 10: Keep your dog out of harms way.
During hot days, your dog should be in the A/C or in front of a fan, as much as possible.If he spends a lot of time outside, make sure he has a shady area where he can shade himself from the sun and get some fresh water to drink.Even if it's not that hot, the car is a good environment for a dog on a warm day.The temperature in a parked car can go up to 140F.It's not suitable for your dog to be in a garage on a warm day.A shaded, wooded area with a pond or shallow running water is an acceptable place to walk your dog when it's hot.You should watch for signs of fatigue and overheating if he has plenty of water.If your dog is outside, give him a water dip.Allow him to cool the pads of his feet by sitting, standing, or sometimes laying in the water by filling a tub with some cool water.
Step 11: Don't overwork your dog.
If your dog is older or has a short muzzle, too much activity on a hot day can cause it to heat up.Don't walk on hot days or take your dog on a long run.If you go out, look out for shady spots and lying down.She wants you to get out of here because it's too hot.Field dogs that love to run, hunt, and play sometimes don't know their limits.They may push themselves until their lives are in danger.It's your responsibility to watch for signs of overheating or to save the hunt for a cooler day.Dogs with short muzzles are not as efficient at cooling themselves because they can't pant as well as other dogs.A dog can cool himself by panting.On a hot day, even normal activity can be too much for some breeds.
Step 12: You can walk your dog in the cool parts of the day.
The best times to walk your dog are in the morning and afternoon.The hot asphalt, concrete, or sand can burn the sensitive pads of your dog's feet and cause them to blisters.It's too hot for you and your dog to walk barefoot.If you take your dog out before or after the sun goes down, you can fit in some exercise so he won't become bored or destructive during the day.Try to keep your dog out of the heat by moving him between the sidewalk and the grass.
Step 13: There are some cool accessories for your dog.
A cooling vest or collar can help keep your dog cool.Some use cooling packs that are built into the side, others just need to be soaked in water to cause the heat to evaporate off your dog's core.It is a good idea to look for one that is lightweight.If your dog gets too warm, you may want to get him an elevated bed or a cooling mat.These are usually very portable and rely on different cooling methods, from gel mats to water cooling to inserts, you have tons of options to fit your space and lifestyle.
Step 14: Don't shave your dog's hair, but give it a trim.
Your dog's fur provides insulation and helps regulate her temperature, even if you think she is suffering in her fur coat.It keeps her warm in winter and cool in the summer.If your dog has long hair, it's a good idea to give her a summer cut.Keeping her fur clean and brushed will allow for better air circulation.Your dog's coat protects her from the harmful rays of the sun.
Step 15: Provide your dog with frozen treats if it is drinking water.
It's important to keep your dog well hydrated.His method of cooling himself will be useless if he is dehydrated and has a dry tongue.If you are out with a field dog on a hot day, make sure he is drinking water at least once an hour.It is okay to give your dog ice or a frozen treat if he is not overheated.You can make him ice cream or ice pops.Feeding an overheated dog ice or frozen food can be very dangerous and can cause him to go into shock.