Tips For Keeping Your Hot Dog Cool This Summer

Dogs, just like people, can develop serious and even life-threatening conditions if they become overheated. Keeping your dog cool is super important. Hot summer days, high humidity, lack of proper hydration, and being active in the heat of the day can all lead to dogs of any size, breed, or type developing potentially fatal heat stroke. We have some products to keep dogs cool that we can recommend.

Some dogs are more prone to heat-related health issues than others. For example, brachycephalic dogs, or those with short muzzles, are some of the most sensitive when it comes to heat stroke. These include purebred or mixed breed dogs such as Pugs, Boxers, Pekingese, Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apso, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. 

However, any breed of dog can fall victim to heat stroke if owners are not careful. There are a few tips and strategies that can be helpful in keeping your dog cool in the heat from both heat stroke and heat-related dangers. 

• Don’t leave dogs in cars – a car does not protect dogs from the heat of the sun. A car rapidly heats up in even a few minutes, resulting in life-threatening conditions for your dog. In 85-degree weather, the internal temperature in a vehicle can climb over 100 degrees in about 8 minutes. At 100 degrees outside, the interior of the car is over 140 degrees in less than 15 minutes. Even cracking the windows open does not provide enough cool air to save a pet. The shade of a tree or a building does not provide significant cooling either, so leaving the pets behind is a good idea for summer errands. 
• Sidewalk heat – asphalt or concrete is also a problem for dogs. At about 80 degrees air temperature, the temperature of the asphalt is over 125 degrees, which will cause burns in less than one minute. With outside air temperatures of 88 degrees, asphalt temperatures are over 140 degrees and can cause significant burns. At DogiZone, we sell a great selection of paw protectors that help prevent damage to your pet’s feet when on a walk. A good test is to take off your shoes and socks and stand on the pavement or asphalt with your bare feet for a minute. If you cannot stand the temperature, your dog can’t either. 
• Hydration – bringing a bottle of water and a portable doggy dish is essential for walks, playtime, or time at the dog park in the summer. We have different sizes and options in portable, collapsible water dishes for all sizes of dogs. 

Finally, be sure to monitor your dog if you are outside and temperatures are high. If you notice any signs of excessive panting, confusion, tremors, or difficulty in breathing, immediately get your dog into a cool location until their body temperature regulates. Try to walk and exercise the dog in the early morning and late evening when temperatures are lower.  While outside, cooling products like mats, bandanas, collars, and towels are great options to keep your dog from overheating.

For assistance with finding the right summer coolers for your dog, talk to the team at DogiZone. We would be happy to help out. Just stop by our DogiMarket and let one of our Product Advisors help you choose the best option for your pet.