How to Keep Your Dog Safe in Hot Weather
A mini-guide by Bree Lundberg
Adjust Activities
Limit exercise and time outdoors. Skip the dog park and other high-intensity activities.
Avoid the hottest times of the day by taking shorter walks in the early morning or after sunset.
Walk in shaded grassy areas; roads and sidewalks heat up in the sun and can burn paw pads.
Never leave your dog alone in a parked car! Cars overheat within minutes to unsafe levels (even on mild days with windows open).
Stay Cool
Always provide plenty of fresh water and make sure your dog stays hydrated.
Use air-conditioning if possible. Don’t rely on fans; they aren’t as effective for dogs because they don't sweat the same way we do.
Provide cold treats. Many stores sell dog-safe ice cream brands or you can make your own frozen pupcicles.
Use cooling body wraps or cooling mats, available online or at many pet stores.
Give your dog a cool bath or setup an outdoor kiddie pool for a supervised soak.
Beware of Humidity and Air Quality
High humidity and poor air quality can make Summer more dangerous even when the heat isn’t extreme. Dogs pant to reduce body heat by evaporating moisture from their respiratory tract and high humidity makes this more difficult.Poor air quality can also contribute to breathing difficulties and exacerbate heart and lung issues so keep an eye on your local AQI (Air Quality Index). Air purifiers with HEPA filters can improve indoor air quality.
Signs of Heatstroke
Signs of heatstroke include: excessive panting, excessive drooling, rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, vomiting, lethargy and weakness, lack of coordination, seizures, and collapse.Pay close attention to your dog’s body language as some dogs can overheat more quickly (especially puppies, senior dogs, and breeds with short muzzles).
How to Treat Heatstroke
Immediately move your dog to a well ventilated air-conditioned area. Spray or sponge cool (not cold) water over them to reduce their body temperature slowly. Let them drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes. Take your dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible! Untreated heatstroke can result in long-term complications or death.
Resources
Safety Info:
Monitor Air Quality:
Frozen Treat Recipes:
HEPA Air Purifiers:
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Artwork Copyright © Bree Lundberg
Information here is intended solely as general guidance and is not professional health advice. Please contact your veterinarian for specific help and information.