With temperatures climbing and summer nearing, it’s crucial to consider the risks of heatstroke for our furry friends.
Explore our essential tips and precautions to keep your dog safe during warmer weather. From spotting heatstroke symptoms to applying effective cooling methods, we’ll highlight the importance of prevention.
Join us in learning how to keep your canine companion cool, hydrated, and content throughout the summer season.
What to feed dogs in hot weather?
In warm weather, it’s important to adjust your dog’s diet to help them stay hydrated and nourished.
Consider dog food with increased moisture content, such as wet food or adding water to dry kibble. This will help increase their fluid intake.
Incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables like watermelon, cucumber, and carrots can provide extra hydration and essential nutrients.
Avoid heavy, fatty meals that can be difficult to digest in the heat and be mindful of portion sizes to prevent overeating.
Why is my dog not eating in summer?
Your dog’s appetite may be reduced in summer due to several factors. High temperatures can increase their metabolic rate, making them feel less hungry.
Dogs rely on panting to regulate their body temperature, which can lead to dehydration and decreased thirst for food.
Heat can also cause discomfort and lethargy, making dogs less inclined to eat.
It’s important to monitor your dog’s eating habits during hot weather, ensuring they stay hydrated and receive the right nutrients
Keeping cool on your summer strolls
Walking your dog in the summer requires extra precautions to ensure their safety and comfort in the heat.
If your dog shows signs of discomfort or fatigue, be prepared to cut the walk short and return home to a cool, comfortable environment. Below, we’ve listed some essential tips to consider.
Find the right timing
Opt for early morning or late evening dog walks when temperatures are cooler. Avoid midday walks when the sun is strongest, and temperatures are at their peak.
Before heading out, test the pavement with your hand. If it’s too hot for your palm, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
If walking is needed, choose to walk on grass or dirt paths to minimise the risk of burns from the hot pavement.
Shorten your route
Modify the duration and intensity of your walks based on the weather and your dog’s tolerance to heat. Shorten the length of walks and take frequent breaks in shaded areas to prevent overheating.
Choose a route with shaded areas such as tree-lined paths, so your dog can rest and cool off from the sun’s rays when needed.
Consider swapping a walk for some low-impact exercise, like indoor play, so your dog can keep active without the risk of overheating and being out in the sun.
You can also explore the option of hydrotherapy sessions to provide your dog with fun and beneficial exercise opportunities!
Pack your pet accessories
Provide your pup with plenty of opportunities to drink cool, fresh water to prevent dehydration.
We recommend setting off on your summer outings well equipped, with portable water bottles and collapsible bowls for convenient on-the-go hydration.
What to do if your dog gets too hot?
If your dog gets too hot, it’s crucial to take immediate action to help them cool down and prevent heatstroke.
Here are some steps to cool your dog down effectively:
- Seek shade immediately to escape the heat and sun exposure.
- Provide cool, fresh water to drink.
- Lay down a cooling mat designed for pets to help lower their body temperature.
- Soak the dog to the skin all over, you could also submerge the whole body if safe to do so, being careful to keep the head above water. Water must be cooler than the animal to be effective.
- Place ice packs wrapped in a towel near your dog or offer frozen treats, such as ice cubes to help cool them from the inside out.
- Allow your dog to rest and avoid any strenuous activity until they’ve fully recovered and cooled down.
When to seek veterinary attention?
If your dog shows signs of heatstroke, such as excessive panting, lethargy, or weakness, or if their body temperature remains elevated despite cooling efforts, seek immediate veterinary attention.
A vet will administer intravenous fluids which will help cool the body down. They can also provide active cooling measures and monitor your pets body temperature to ensure it doesn’t get too low.
Heatstroke can be life-threatening if left untreated, so the quicker you get your pet to a practice, the better.
Heatstroke in dogs
Heatstroke is characterised by an elevated body temperature (higher than 37.5°C to 39.2°C) due to an inability to effectively dissipate heat.
Dogs are more prone to heatstroke due to their limited sweating ability and temperature regulation compared to humans.
When a dog’s body temperature rises above normal, its thermoregulatory mechanisms, such as panting and vasodilation (expansion of blood vessels), become overwhelmed, leading to heat retention and cellular damage.
If not promptly treated, heatstroke can result in organ failure, brain damage, and death.
Causes of heatstroke in dogs
Exposure to hot weather, especially during heatwaves and high humidity, can rapidly elevate a dog’s body temperature.
Strenuous physical activity, especially in hot weather, can increase a dog’s core body temperature, leading to heat build-up and heatstroke.
Leaving a dog in a parked car, even for a short time, can quickly lead to heatstroke as the temperature inside a car can rise to lethal levels within minutes, even with the windows cracked open.
Dogs most at risk of heatstroke
If you have a dog with pre-existing health issues, they may find it more challenging to regulate their body temperature.
Young puppies are also at risk because they have an immature thermoregulatory system and higher metabolic rates, hindering the ability to control their temperature.
Breeds with short noses and flat faces such as Frenchie’s, Pugs and Bulldogs, have anatomical limitations that can impede airflow and heat dissipation.
If you have a brachycephalic breed, their airflow can be improved through surgery to widen nostrils or shorten their soft palate. At Aldgate, we perform an exercise tolerance test prior to recommending surgery to assess if the procedure would be advantageous.
For more information, contact a member of our team who will be able to assist with your queries relating to brachycephalic breeds.
Excess body fat in overweight dogs acts as insulation, hindering their ability to release heat. If you’re concerned about your dog’s weight and summer sun exposure, consult our Registered Veterinary Nurses about our weight clinics. This service includes weight loss programmes and continuous support on your pet’s journey back to a healthy weight.
Understanding the signs your dog is suffering with heatstroke
Heatstroke is a serious condition and recognising the signs and symptoms is crucial for prompt intervention and treatment.
Here’s what you should watch out for:
- Excessive panting – trying to regulate their body temperature.
- Drooling and salivating – using evaporation to cool down.
- Fast heart rate – circulating blood flow to reduce temperature.
- Bright red gums and tongue – heightened blood circulation and oxygen saturation.
- Weakness and lethargy – their body is struggling to cope in the heat.
- Vomiting and diarrhoea – removing toxins from the body.
- Loss of consciousness – heat exhaustion and/or organ failure.
- Breathing difficulties– struggling to oxygenate tissues and expel heat.
- Seizures or tremors – their brain and nervous system has been affected.
If you think your dog is suffering from heatstroke, it’s crucial to act quickly to cool them down and seek veterinary care immediately.
Prompt treatment is essential to prevent complications and save your dog’s life. Never underestimate the seriousness of heatstroke and take proactive preventative measures.
As the summer sun beats down, it’s crucial to prioritise your furry friend’s well-being. By providing ample shade, and plenty of fresh water, and avoiding strenuous activities during peak times, you can help your dog stay cool and safe.
Remember, taking preventive measures to avoid heatstroke is essential for enjoying the sunny season with your canine companion.