Preventing your dog from suffering heat exhaustion is incredibly important. The good news is that it’s easy to do, and there are several ways to keep your canine companion cool and hydrated.
It’s also important to recognize the signs of heat exhaustion, so you can intervene before your dog suffers life-threatening problems. Here’s what to know.
1. Always Provide Fresh Water
Ensuring that your dog has constant access to fresh, cool water is super important when it comes to heat exhaustion. This shouldn’t just be for hot days; your dog should ALWAYS have constant access to fresh water. Still, dehydration can quickly set in during the hotter days, making it more important than ever for your dog to stay hydrated.
Have a clean bowl of water available at home, and when going on walks or hikes, carry a portable water bowl that is big enough to keep your dog hydrated throughout the adventure. If it’s too hot outdoors (or you have a dog prone to heat exhaustion, like a Chow Chow), you may consider staying indoors altogether.
On hot days, make sure your dog drinks regularly. Some dogs get so caught up in the thrill of being outdoors, they forget to hydrate themselves. If your dog isn’t always good at hydrating, get a small inflatable pool, and fill it up with ice! This not only creates a fun game, but it also prevents heatstroke. Preventing heat exhaustion really can be as simple as keeping your dog hydrated.
2. Use a Cooling Pad
Cooling pads are a great way to help your dog regulate its body temperature, especially during warm weather. These products are usually filled with a gel or water, and they’re designed to absorb excess body heat and provide a cool surface for your dog to lie on.
Cooling pads are portable and can be used indoors, outdoors, and even in the car, making them awesome for road trips and other outdoor activities. Some other benefits include:
- They are simple to clean and easy to store when not in use.
- These devices can significantly reduce your dog’s body temperature or prevent it from rising excessively.
- There are different-sized cooling pads for different sized dogs. Measure your dog from head to tail to ensure you get the right size. A small pad for a big dog, like a Great Dane, might not work effectively.
- Cooling pads are generally affordable and available at most retail stores.
Having a cooling pad on hand will ensure your dog has a reliable way to stay cool during hot weather, reducing the risk of heat exhaustion.
3. Provide Plenty of Shade
If your dog is outside, make sure they have plenty of access to a shaded area when it gets too hot. Even something simple, like an umbrella, can create a nice, cool retreat out of the sun. It also prevents your dog from getting sunburnt, which particularly affects hairless dogs, like the Chinese Crested and Mexican Hairless Dog.
Making sure your dog has access to shaded areas during outdoor activities is a very simple yet hugely effective way to keep them comfortable and safe.
4. Stay Inside
This may sound easy enough, but realistically, if you don’t have to leave the house on a hot day, don’t. Hot days are a huge risk for heat exhaustion in dogs, and a nice walk isn’t worth the risk of your dog becoming ill. However, if you absolutely must take your dog outside, make sure you do it the right way.
Plan outdoor activities during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening. During the hours between 10 am and 4 pm, temperatures are at their highest. So, the risk of heat exhaustion during these periods is significantly higher.
Scheduling walks, playtime, and other activities during the cooler times of the day can greatly help lower the risk of your dog overheating. If you have a high-energy dog, you may consider investing in puzzle toys and other interactive games to prevent boredom when it’s not safe to go outdoors.
5. Groom Your Dog Regularly
Regular grooming can help prevent heat exhaustion, especially in dogs with thick coats or long fur. A well-groomed coat allows for much better air circulation and cooling. However, whatever you do, don’t shave your dog. Not only could this lead to skin irritation, but it interferes with how a dog’s body naturally releases heat.
Regular brushing will also remove excess fur to reduce matting, which can trap heat. Keeping on top of grooming can also help you monitor your dog’s skin, allowing you to spot symptoms of common health conditions early.
6. Keep Your Indoor Areas Cool
Depending on where you live, your house could get extremely hot during the summer, especially if you don’t have central air conditioning. So, it’s vital that you keep the residence well-ventilated to keep your dog comfortable. This may include opening windows, installing a window unit, or getting a box fan. Make sure that you monitor the indoor temp and make any adjustments as needed throughout the day.
During the hottest parts of the day, close curtains and blinds to block out direct sunlight and reduce indoor temperatures. Even a small measure could make a big difference in protecting your dog from heat exhaustion!
