How to keep your doggies cool

This summer, we’ve seen record breaking temperatures everywhere. I know I’ve definitely been concerned about how to keep my dogs and myself cool in these extreme temperatures. Here’s a list of tips to keep your dog cool, healthy and happy this summer!

• Lots of water – key to staying cool is hydration! You could also consider placing ice cubes in water dishes to keep water cool.
• Take frequent breaks, limit outdoor time during the hottest parts of the day (11am to 4pm) 
• Use elevated bed can help with air circulation and keeping body temperatures cool
• Fan – a fan can help push away heat as it comes off your dogs body to cool down.
• Give frozen treats!
• Damp towels or cooling pads for your dog to lay on. (If you want to live that bougie life, a cool vest maybe a great investment for you 
• Provide shade outdoors.
• Go swimming, use a kiddie pool or a water hose to keep your dogs cool. Safety tip: if your hose has been laying out in the sun shut off, make sure to allow the potentially hot water to drain out of the hose before you hose down your dog or yourself or you may burn your dog or yourself!
• Check pavement prior to letting your dogs walk on it! Your pup’s paws can be burnt by the hot pavement. Save the paws 
• Never leave your dog in the car! Having just the windows cracked or even the AC running may not be enough and can make your dog too hot and lead to bad outcomes.

Even while doing all these things, it’s still important to know the signs of heat and exhaustion:

• Watch for signs of heat exhaustion
  • Excessive panting
  • A bright red tongue, gums, inside of ears
  • Slowing down or stopping on walks or runs
  • Drooling/salivating/slobbering 
  • Signs of general discomfort 
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Wide, stressed eyes
  • Anxiety
  • Seeking shade and water sources

Breed considerations for heat exhaustion: dogs with thick fur coat such as huskies, Saint Bernards, chow chow, and dogs with short noses: pugs, bull dogs, Boston terriers, etc are at a higher risk of developing heat exhaustion! Ask your vet for recommendations to keep your pupper safe this summer.

If you notice signs of heat exhaustion, you should be on high alert for a heat stroke. Heat strokes should be considered a medical emergency!

• Signs of heat stroke
  • Gums or tongue that is now pale
  • Lethargy (extreme tiredness)
  • Loss of consciousness (think passing out)
  • Vomiting,
  • Diarrhea (may be black)
  • Dark or red urine
  • Seizures
  • Uncontrolled or uncoordinated movements(stumbling, dizziness, “drunk walking”)
  • Collapse

If you observe any of these signs of heat stroke, please get your dog to a vet immediately! This is a medical emergency and can lead to permanent disability or even death!

Summer is the best time to get you and your doggos outside and exercise! As always, you have to consider the weather and environment as well as your dogs specific breed . These tips will help you to have a healthy and happy summer !