Summer is a great time to get outside with your dog and explore. Camping, hiking, swimming and road trips all scream summertime. With a little planning and preparation, your furry companion can enjoy the best things summer has to offer right along with you.
In this post, we discuss common overheating dog signs, how to cool an overheating dog, when to take an overheating dog to the vet, and how to prevent a dog from overheating. We also provide ideas for safe activities for your dog that will help you both beat the heat of summer!
Overheating Dog Signs
A dog’s body temperature runs between 101°F (38.3°C) to 102.5°F (39.2°C). Plus, they cannot sweat to cool down. In fact, heat stroke can happen when temperatures are above 80°F (26.7°C) outside.
Taking this into consideration, it’s not uncommon for a dog to test the limits of their physical abilities and become overheated.
Your dog may be overheating if they experience the following sings or symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing
- Heavy drooling
- Shaking and/or muscle tremors
- Dizziness or lethargy
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea
- Bright red, gray, purple or bluish gums
How to Cool an Overheating Dog
If your dog is showing signs of overheating, remember to stay calm and prioritize cooling and slowing your dog down. Try taking the following steps:
- Get into AC or shade if not available
- Hold a damp washcloth to paws, chest, armpits, tummy
- Give small amounts of cool water to drink
- Get onto a hard floor inside (tile, wood, stone)
- Use a cooling pad or cooling vest (Avoid using ice or frozen cold packs because they can put the dog into shock.)
- Avoid crating an overheating dog (The crate can worsen the problem by acting as a sauna, especially if the dog is wet.)
When to Contact a Veterinarian
This is where knowing your dog and trusting your instincts comes into play. You should be able to determine whether or not your dog’s situation is improving as they begin to cool down.*
We recommend contacting a veterinarian if the following symptoms persist longer than [insert timeframe / range here] after you’ve attempted to cool them down:
- Vomiting or has diarrhea
- Muscle tremors
- Difficulty breathing
- Excessive drooling
- Bright red, gray, purple or bluish gums
- Dizziness or lethargy
When to Immediately Contact a Veterinarian
Some symptoms of overheating are more serious than others. Contact your vet or take your dog to an emergency vet if your dog is experiencing these symptoms:
- Vomiting blood or has diarrhea with blood
- Bright red, gray, purple or bluish gums after attempt to cool
- Lasting dizziness or lethargy
How to Prevent Your Dog from Overheating
Although it is dangerous for your dog to become overheated, it is fairly common and it is easily preventable.
Follow these tips to prevent your dog from overheating during the summer months:
Know When to Avoid the Heat
A great rule of thumb for your dog this summer: It’s too hot for them before it’s too hot for you.
Your body can adapt to hot temperatures much better than a dog’s. For this reason, temperatures above 90°F (32.3°C) should be limited to 10-15 min bathroom breaks only.
Avoid Leaving Your Dog Unattended
Remember, dogs can overheat faster than a human. For that reason, it’s best to avoid leaving your dog unattended (Similarly to the rules we follow when we care for a baby) in the following scenarios and/or situations:
- Outside: even with shade and water a dog can overheat
- In the car without it running air
- Indoors with no AC
- In their crate for long periods of time
Knowing Your Dog
Your dog’s age, breed and physical limitations all affect the way they react to the summer heat. Not all dogs are equal. Take these variables into consideration:
- Even if your dog “loves to lay in the sun”, it may be too hot for them to do so.
- Be especially careful with brachycephalic breeds (flat nose), senior dogs, overweight dogs and dogs with thick coats.
- Some dogs are at a higher risk for skin cancer and may need doggy sunscreen
- Do not give dogs with a double coat a “summer cut.” The undercoat helps keep them cool and protects from sunburns
Summer Activities for Your Dog
Now that we’ve gone over the things you shouldn’t do with your dog when the temperatures are high, let’s talk about the things you can do.
- Find a spot to swim or set up a kiddie pool
- Walking early or late in the day, sticking to shaded paths and avoiding black top
- Use dog booties if walking on asphalt sidewalks in full sun
- Go on a car ride and hit up a drive-thru
If it gets too hot for your dog outside, try the following indoor activities:
- nose games
- work on handling
- catch up on trimming nails
- Practice the place command
Key Takeaways
- It’s too hot for your dog before it’s too hot for you.
- If you see overheating dog signs: remain calm, get them out of the heat, and follow our cooling advice.
- Know your dog and trust your instincts.
If you remember to follow this simple advice, you will beat the heat and have a safe and fun summer with your dog!
*If you are unable to determine whether or not your dog’s symptoms are improving, contact your veterinarian. It’s always better to err on the side of caution if you believe your dog is experiencing overheating dog signs.
