10 Ways to Protect Your Dog from Heat Stroke
Best ways to protect your dog from a heat stroke this summer
Summer is finally here! This means it’s time for tans, bikinis, ice cream, and barbecues! Fun all around right? Well, not quite. Heat is a defining part of summer-like snow is for winter. Sometimes you’ll just want to stay in and crank up the air conditioner. Chances are, you have some kind of system in place to keep cold. If you’re too hot, you will simply try to cool off. While you may be fine in the summer heat, there may be some members of your household that aren’t. Not having the ability to speak means that our beloved dogs cannot tell us exactly how they’re feeling. This may lead to some of us not knowing how they are doing.
So, how do our cherished puppies handle the heat? It turns out that they do not take it very well. Dogs are actually not able to sweat and sometimes panting is not enough to keep them cool. Dogtime reports that heat strokes start with heat exhaustion. Both are extremely dangerous for your puppy and should be avoided at all costs!
Signs of heat exhaustion include: diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, rapid panting and reddening skin inside the ears. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should cool down your dog immediately. Our pets are a part of our family and we want to make sure they have a great summer.That means we have to protect them from the intense summer heat.
Most dog owners are probably aware of the basics such as not leaving your dog in a car, not walking on hot pavements, hydrating with plenty of water and avoiding walks on certain times of the day. These are some great tricks but there are also some more obscure, innovative ways you may not be aware of.
How can you make absolutely sure your dog keeps cool? Keep reading.
1. Digging to keep cool
Dogs are known to dig holes for a variety of reasons. One of them is to lie in the cool dirt. Some pups find comfort on hot days by digging themselves a nice, cold hole. This is a natural way for them to beat the heat and stay healthy. Let your dog dig in a shady area. Do not forget to make sure that the area is okay to dig in beforehand. It is also okay if there is no place for your dog to dig in your area. We have plenty of other tips that are accessible and easy for everyone.
Letting your dog dig is a natural and effective way for them to keep cool. Although it is effective, it should not be the only way they escape the heat. Use this as a trick when you are outside and try not to stop them from digging if you can.
A helpful hack if you have a backyard is to build your dog a sandbox in a shaded area. Wet sand stays cold for days! This way your dog will have a nice cold area to dig in without digging holes everywhere in your yard.
If your dog is digging in summer, it is most likely because they are too hot. Take this as a sign and try to help them cool down. Read on to learn about some more nifty tips and tricks!
2. Stay hydrated
Hot summer days can make your dog extra thirsty. Make sure to always provide water for them. Drinking water can help them cool down and get hydrated. Adding ice to your dogs’ water bowl will make the water colder for longer. You should also change your dog’s water frequently to keep it fresh. Never forget to bring a cold bottle of water with you wherever you go.
A great trick is to keep the bottle in the freezer overnight. By doing this, you create a sort of ice pack. As the day progresses, the ice will melt and turn into cold water. This is extra helpful because you can use it as a cold compress if you notice your dog overheating. It is like a two in one ice pack and drinking water.
Whatever you do, don’t forget to bring some water. Your dog will surely thank you for it.
3. Spray bottles are your best friends
Face mists are pretty big in the skincare industry. Chances are you own some kind of mist for your face. Well, not only are mists great for our skin, but they can also be beneficial for our prized puppies.
Fill a spray bottle with some cold water and take it with you on the go. This way you can gently mist your pup whenever the weather is a bit too hot for your liking. Don’t own any spray bottles? Amazon has some great ones you can buy right now.
Your local drug store most likely carries some empty spray bottles too. This hack is amazing as it is better for the environment than using a hose or a water bottle. Spray bottles waste way less water! Some dogs also tend to be scared of hoses or water in general. A light, pleasant mist of cold water is sure to cool down any puppy!
4. Pupsicles
Nothing beats an ice-cold popsicle on a warm, sunny day. Ice cream is a beloved way for people to cool down on hot days.
Freezing some treats can also be a great way to cool down your hot puppy. You can also DIY a delicious popsicle with an ice tray. Add chicken broth, beef, or anything else your dog likes into the tray with some water. Let it freeze and serve it to your pup.
Pethealthnetwork reports that treats should never contain sweeteners like xylitol. Making your pupsicles with treats your dog usually eats such as beef is a great way to stay safe. Protect your dog and get yourself some ice cream too. Enjoy a cold treat on a hot day with your best pal. Going on a picnic? Make sure to bring some tasty pupsicles in a cooler! This hack is an innovative way to cool down any dog!
5. Wet blankets can protect your dog
A cool hack to keep your puppy cool is to use a chilled towel.
Get a dampened towel and stick in in the freezer for a while. Once you notice your dog getting too heated, just give them the blanket. Make sure it is not too cold though.
Suddenly throwing a freezing towel on your dog may not be the best for them. It can be too shocking. Instead, gradually give them the blanket or wait a bit so it isn’t icy.
You can also stick a pillow into the freezer for a bit. Take it out and let your dog sit or lie down on it. Do not wait until the pillow is frozen though. A cold pillow is enough to keep your pup chilled for some time. Lastly, dampening a sheet by running it through your washer’s spin cycle or just by dipping it into cold water can also be a great alternative to using the freezer. This is called the Egyptian method and can come in handy if your freezer is already filled to the brim with ice cream. If there is a breeze you can also hang the sheet in front of an open window.
If used correctly, these hacks can be a great way to help your beloved dog through the scorching summer heat. You may even want to try these out for yourself!
6. Go for a swim!
Unlike cats, most dogs are usually not opposed to taking a little swim. Swimming in some cool water is a great way for your puppy to cool off.
Don’t have a pool? No lake or ocean in your area? You can always invest in an inflatable kids pool or let them run through some sprinklers. A good old bath can also be great for your furry friend.
Getting your dog into some refreshing water is an amazing way for your water-loving puppies to cool down. Some dogs do not love water though. If your dog is having difficulties you can encourage them by getting them a vest. If they generally dislike water you can stick to misting them. Try not to force them to swim.
Another way to keep your dog cool if swimming is not their thing is by staying indoors and keeping cool. Close all windows and curtains. Turn on your AC or fan or both. A hack to make a fan cool better is to place a bowl of ice in front of it. As the ice melts, the fan blows cooler air.
7. Cold toys
Freezing treats and blankets is not the only way to protect your dog from heat, it’s an easy solution that doesn’t cost you extra. What do dogs like to utilize more than anything? Their favourite toys! Take some of your pup’s favourite play-things and pop them into the freezer. You can bring them on the go in coolers along with some pupsicles. There are also bags that function as coolers if you do not want to carry a whole cooler everywhere you go.
Freezing your dog’s toys is another great way to keep them cool by making use of your freezer. If you do not have access to a freezer for any reason, you can always soak the toy in ice-cold water and wring it.
Freezing your dog’s toys is a great way for them to cool down. Sensitive body parts like paws and the mouth area will be especially chilled.
8. Sun protection
The sun is shining and it is scolding hot. This means that you are bound to end up on some scolding hot pavements.
You may not even know about the scorching heat under your feet because of your thick, comfortable shoes. Want to give your puppy the same amount of comfort you have? Get them some dog shoes. Do not take any chances! Get your furry friends some shiny new shoes!
Furthermore, check with your vet if your dog needs sunscreen. For some dogs, fur is not enough to avoid a nasty burn. Some areas might be exposed to the harmful rays of the sun.
Consulting your vet on delicate matters such as skin protection is always a good idea. Visiting a vet and asking them all of your questions goes a long way. This way you know what is best for your particular dog.
9. Avoid crowded places
Any summer parades going on in your area? Maybe a concert or Canada day celebration? If so, then bringing your furry friend with you is not the best idea. Even at socially distanced events, the heat will rise up fast! as dogs will overheat faster in places packed with people. The excitement of all the people around them will also make them stressed. This again, will lead their body temperature to rise.
This hack is useful for the future when activities resume. Large events full of people are most probably not going to happen this summer due to the coronavirus. You will probably not come across this problem for now, but it is still important to keep this in mind for the future.
10. Know your dog (the most important tip of all to learn ways to protect your dog from heatstroke!)
Some characteristics can actually make your dog more prone to heatstroke. It is important to keep these in mind when caring for your dog in the summer heat.
Dogs with darker coloured fur, obesity, pre-existing medical conditions, flat-faced dog breeds (such as bulldogs and pugs), and older dogs, are more susceptible to overheating.
Always keep your dogs’ unique characteristics in mind when caring for them! Every dog is different and thus, has different needs. A further tip is to let your dog test the weather by going out for a bit. It is safe to assume that it is too hot to walk if your dog is hesitant to leave the house or comes back inside.
Wait until it gets darker and the weather cools down and try again. Swimming can also be a great alternative to walking. Listen to your dog. After all, they know best how hot they are and can tell if the heat is too much for them to handle.
All in all, the summer months can be extremely uncomfortable for dogs if they are not properly cared for. Save your furry family friend from heatstroke and heat exhaustion by taking some essential safety precautions.
Keeping your dog healthy should always be a top priority. Healthy dogs make happy dogs!
How do you keep your furry friend cool in the summer? Do not hesitate to share your tips with us!
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