Stay safe, be cool

As it’s getting to be summertime, you’re going to need tips on how to keep your dog cool to keep them safe.

Did you know that a dog’s breath is 102 degrees with 100 percent humidity? They cool themselves by panting. But during the summer, it can be harder for them to get cool without some help from their owners. Keeping your dog in the heat, even in a dog house or shady area, can lead to heat stroke. Stay aware of the rising temperatures to prevent your pet from feeling the heat.

How Hot is Too Hot?

Because animals don’t process or react to heat in the same way as us, it can be difficult for owners to measure how hot is too hot for their pets. When walking on any surface, place your hand on it for 30 seconds first. If it hurts your hand, it will hurt their paws. Their paws can burn, blister, crack and even bleed if exposed to overly hot surfaces. And never leave your pet in the car, even with the windows rolled down. On an 85-degree day, the temperature in the car can reach over 102 degrees in just 10 minutes, according to the Humane Society. That is hot enough to do organ damage or cause death. Once a dog’s internal temperature reaches 109, heatstroke sets in. Take action at the first signs, including:

Photo by Consumerist Dot Com via Flickr

• Excessive panting
• Red lips and gums
• Increased heart rate
• Excessive thirst
• Staggering or Limping

Ways to Beat the Heat

• Make your own frozen treats. Nothing cools you, or your pet, down better on a hot day than relaxing with something cold. Making them yourself is an inexpensive way treat your pet. Try a strawberry banana frozen delight from doggy dessert chef.
• Take the dive together. If you have a pool, there is no reason why you shouldn’t take them in with you. Just be sure that they are good swimmers and there is a safe way for them to get out. Supplemental pool supplies like a pet pool ramp can ensure they have a safe way in and out of the pool.

Photo by Beachfront Solutions via Flickr

• Lounge in the shade with some wet towels or a cooling mat. A dog’s blood circulates closest to the skin at the head, neck, and under-belly. Providing cold or frozen mats, water bottles or towels for them to lay on cools them faster, according to the RSPCA.
• Provide a well-ventilated area. Because they sweat through their tongue and paws, smaller areas, such as a dog house, can become humid very quickly. On excessively humid days, it is difficult for them to cool off. Giving them a well-ventilated, shady spot and providing fans to circulate the air, can help keep them cool.

Photo by abardwell via Flickr

• Have water fun in all forms. Many water toys are available, such as the Hydro Ball, Bone, or Saucer that squirt your dog for some cooling fun. But simply filling a bowl with water or chicken stock, throwing in your pet’s favorite toys, and freezing it can give your pet plenty of frozen fun time too.

So, now that you no longer need to ask how to keep your dog cool this summer, give these tips a try! You dog will thank you.

Be sure to leave a comment below.

Bio: Val Heart – Expert animal communicator, speaker, bestselling author & master healer, Val is often called The Real Dr Doolittle™ and Animal Communicator to the Stars. Founder of The HEART System™ for solving problems with pets. Get your Free Ebook Hidden Secrets to Animal Communication HERE

© Copyright, Val Heart & Friends LLC. All Rights Reserved

This article was previously published March 11, 2014, and was updated June 3, 2014.

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