Ways to Protect Your Dog from the Heat in Amesbury, MA

In many parts of the world summer days can get very hot. This is especially true for dogs when they are exercising in the heat or are sitting in the hot sun. Luckily, there are some ways that dog owners can protect their dogs from the heat in the summer.

The best thing that dog owners can do for their pets in the summer is to make sure they have access to shelter or a cool room in the summer. In addition to this, it is also very important to keep your dog hydrated to prevent dehydration as well.

In this article we will be explaining everything that dog owners should know about keeping their dog cool on hot days. We will also be explaining what signs of heat stroke and dehydration that you should look out for in your dogs during the summer months.

 

6 Ways To Protect Your Dog From The Heat In Summer

There are six great ways that dog owners can protect their dogs from the heat in summer. These things include giving your dog access to a cool room and shelter outdoors, allowing your dog to play in some cool water, and keeping your dog hydrated. In addition to this, it is also a good idea to keep a lookout for signs of early heat stroke and dehydration in your dog just to be safe. Here are the six ways to protect your dog from the heat in the summer.

 

Give Your Dog Access To A Cool Room

Possibly one of the best ways to protect your dog from the heat is to give them access to a cool room. This will allow your dog to cool off more easily after being outside. This cool room can be air conditioned or have a fan going. A cool, air conditioned car can serve the same purpose when you are on the go.

Give Your Dog Access To Shelter Outdoors

When outside it is also important that you provide your dog with some shelter from the sun. This is because a dog will overheat much more quickly when forced to sit in direct sunlight than they will in the shade. Some good examples of an outdoor shelter include things like dog houses, covered outdoor kennels, and even just a shaded patio or overhang.

 

Let Your Dog Play In A Sprinkler Or Kiddie Pool

Allowing your dog to play in cool water can also help to protect them from the heat. A great way to do this is to have a sprinkler or kiddie pool set up. It is important to note that this water should be cool and comfortable to the touch, and it definitely should not be ice cold.

 

Keep Your Dog Hydrated

Dehydration can be a very real danger to dogs in the summer. As a result, it is very important that you always give your dog access to clean drinking water, especially when it is hot outside.

Never Leave Your Dog In A Hot Car

The most common cause for heat stroke in dogs is being left in a hot car during warm or hot days. As a result, it is never a good idea to leave your dog in the car on a hot day, even if it is just for a few minutes.

 

Look Out For Signs Of Heat Stroke And Dehydration

It can also be helpful for dog owners to know the signs of heat stroke and dehydration in their dogs. This way they can catch these things early on and prevent a full blown problem. Here are the signs of heat stroke and dehydration in dogs and what you should do if you notice them.

 

Heat Stroke

The signs of heat stroke can range from very mild in the beginning to very severe in serious cases. Some signs of early heat stroke in dogs include:

• Excessive panting
• Excessive drooling
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Disorientation
• Lethargy
• Feeling very warm to the touch

If you notice any of these minor signs of heat stroke then it is best to take them indoors to a cool room immediately and call your vet. Catching heat stroke early is always best as the chances for complications are greatly reduced. The more serious signs of heat stroke are much more life threatening, and you should call an emergency vet immediately if your dog is exhibiting any of the following symptoms.

• Blood present in urine, diarrhea, or vomit
• Collapse
• Seizure
• Anomalies on the skin (rash or bruising)
• Labored breathing
• Loss of consciousness

Considering how life threatening heat stroke in dogs can be, it is always best to take the necessary measures to prevent it as a precaution.

 

Dehydration

Dehydration can also become a dangerous situation for dogs when severe. This is why it is so important to always have fresh, cool water on hand for your dog to drink, especially in hot weather. Some of the signs of dehydration in dogs include:

• Reduced appetite
• Lethargy
• reduced skin elasticity
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Excessive panting
• A dry nose
• Dry, sticky gums
• Dry and sunken looking eyes

If you notice some mild signs of dehydration in your dog, then giving them some water to drink is the best course of action. In severe cases, you may also need to call your vet and potentially take them in to be seen. This is especially true if your dog appears sick as a result of the dehydration.

 

Keep In Mind That Some Dogs Are More Susceptible To Heat Stroke Than Others

It is important to note that some dogs are at a greater risk of heat stroke and dehydration than others. Dogs that are vulnerable to these conditions mainly include those with very warm and thick coats and brachycephalic breeds. Brachycephalic breeds are at a greater risk even if they do not have thick fur because they cannot pant as effectively as dogs with a normal snout do. This is because panting is one of the main ways that a dog cools themselves down in hot weather.

If you have any questions regarding your dog’s health, you should always call (978) 388-3074 or book an appointment online to talk with your veterinarian at Merrimac Valley Animal Hospital to discuss it.