6 Methods to Keep Your Dog Cool in Summer

Dogs cool themselves mostly by panting, and they have very few sweat glands in their paws. That is much less efficient than human sweating, so a snug day that feels fine to you can push a dog toward heat exhaustion surprisingly speedy. Flat-faced breeds, seniors, puppies, overweight dogs and thick-coated dogs are especially at risk.

The six methods below are effortless to apply and can make summer far safer and more comfortable for your dog. You will also learn the warning signs of heatstroke, which is a true emergency.

1. Walk at the coolest times of day

Move walks to early morning or after sunset, when the sun is low and pavement has had time to cool. Before heading out, press the back of your hand on the pavement for seven seconds. If it is too hot for you to hold comfortably, it is too hot for paws and can cause burns.

Tip: Choose grass, dirt trails or shaded paths over asphalt, and shorten the outing when it is humid, since humidity makes panting less effective.

2. Provide constant shade and fresh water

At home, make sure your dog can always reach shade and a large bowl of clean water. Refresh it often and add a few ice cubes if you like. When you are out, carry a collapsible bowl and a water bottle, and offer little drinks every 15 to 20 minutes.

• Use a tarp or umbrella if your yard lacks tree cover.
• Place several bowls around the house and yard.
• Keep indoor rooms ventilated with a fan or air conditioning.

3. Never leave your dog in a parked car

On a day that is only 80F outside, the inside of a car can climb past 100F in just ten minutes, even with windows cracked. Dogs can suffer serious harm or die in that time. If you cannot bring your dog inside with you, leave your dog at home.

4. Use cooling gear and cool treats

A cooling mat, a damp towel or a shallow kiddie pool gives a dog somewhere to lie and lower body temperature. Fill a pool with just a few inches of cool, not icy, water. Frozen treats help too: freeze plain, unsalted broth or mashed banana in an ice cube tray, or stuff a rubber toy with plain yogurt and freeze it.

Check that anything you freeze contains no xylitol, onions, grapes or chocolate. Wetting your dog's belly, paws and ears with cool water also helps, but avoid ice-cold water, which can constrict blood vessels and slow heat loss.

5. Adjust exercise and grooming

Swap long fetch sessions for short, gentle play indoors or in the water, and give your dog plenty of rest. Brush regularly to remove loose undercoat, which helps air circulate. Avoid shaving double-coated breeds such as huskies or golden retrievers, because the coat actually insulates against heat and protects against sunburn. Ask a groomer or vet before changing a coat.

Apply dog-safe sunscreen to exposed skin, like the nose and ears, for light-colored or short-haired dogs.

6. Learn the warning signs of heatstroke

Know what to look for so you can act quickly. Signs include heavy, frantic panting, thick drool, bright red or pale gums, vomiting, wobbly walking, weakness or collapse.

• Move your dog to shade or air conditioning right away.
• Pour cool, not ice-cold, water over the body and offer little sips.
• Place a fan on your dog and head to the nearest vet immediately, even if your dog seems to recover.

Heatstroke can cause internal damage that is not visible, so a veterinary exam is essential.

Which dogs need extra care

Some dogs overheat much faster than others. Flat-faced breeds like bulldogs and pugs cannot pant efficiently, so even a short walk in snug weather can be risky. Dogs with heart or lung conditions, overweight dogs, puppies and seniors also struggle. If your dog fits one of these groups, keep outings very short on snug days and ask your veterinarian what temperature limits make sense for your pet.

Common pitfalls to avoid

• Running with your dog in snug weather. Dogs often keep going past safe limits.
• Walking on hot sand, which can burn paws just like asphalt.
• Giving cold ice baths, which can cause shock.
• Assuming a dark-colored or flat-faced dog can handle the same walk as a lighter dog with a longer muzzle.

With a little planning, your dog can enjoy the season safely. When in doubt, shorten the walk, add water and call your vet if something seems off.