Dogs are loyal companions. They love spending time with their owners, going on walks, and playing fetch. However, during hot weather, it is important to take precautions to keep them safe. Dogs can easily become overheated and suffer from heat stroke, which can be fatal. Now let’s dive into how to keep dogs safe in hot weather and what to watch for if your dog starts exhibiting signs of distress.
Gadgets you need
Water, water, and more water. Keeping your pup hydrated should always be on your mind if you’re having an outdoor adventure or even just lounging around in the sun in your own backyard. Dogs can heat up in a hurry, so keeping them hydrated is key.
A simple water dish is a fine start.
But if you’re planning a full day of sun-soaked fun, a sell-filling automatic water dish is definitely something you should consider. They’re relatively cheap and most definitely come in handy when your pup starts guzzling water.
If you’re on a hike or other excursion, keeping a dog water bottle with a built-in mini-bowl handy is an absolute must.
A kiddie pool is another great way to help your pup cool down. Just make sure the sides aren’t too tall for your little guy or gal to get in and out of on their own. They come in various sizes so take that into consideration when purchasing, and of course, never leave your pet unattended while they’re playing in the pool.
One handy tool you might not have considered is a pocketable water faucet converter that quickly turns any spigot into a tongue-triggered drinking spout for your dogs. It’s super handy, curbs water waste, and once your dog is trained on it, the faucet will quickly become its favorite watering spot.
I’m also a huge fan of cooled dog beds. I know, I know, the idea of a dog bed when talking about outdoor heat doesn’t sound quite right, but your pooch is eventually going to want to lay down somewhere, so stick this gel-cooled dog bed in a shady area and watch your pup cool down in style. It’s super durable and has a machine-washable cover, because any dog owner knows that their paws are basically dirt magnets.
If you don’t have room for a full-sized bed, a simple cooling pad will also help a great deal.
Know your dog
If you’re a dog owner you should already have a pretty good idea of what kind of climate your particular pooch can tolerate. That’s some pretty important dog-parent research, so dive into that with your vet at the next visit if you haven’t already. The rule of thumb is generally that dogs with short muzzles often need to cool off sooner than dogs with long, wolf-like muzzles. Pups with smushy faces are super cute, but they often struggle to breathe freely, especially when enduring intense heat.
This isn’t to say that long-nosed breeds don’t need breaks, of course. All dogs, regardless of breed, need to be monitored during outdoor activity when it’s warm, and as the temperature rises, you should always be on the lookout for red flags, such as a try nose, tremors, vomiting, bright red/gray/bluish gums, and intense panting. They may also drool excessively.
If your dog is simply panting a lot and repeatedly visits his or her water dish (which you should always have available), let them rest up in the shade or air-conditioned home or camper. If they’re exhibiting the more serious warning signs listed above, and are slow to respond to your touch or voice, you should contact your vet immediately.