So you have a dog. And now you’re wondering how to keep your dog cool in the summer. If you’re like us, you want your pet to be as comfortable and happy as possible. And who doesn’t want their pet to be happy?
There are many things that can affect a dog’s comfort level in the summer. Temperature, humidity, and wind all have a big impact on how hot (or cold) your dog feels when outdoors. Read on as the vet offers tips on how to keep Fido cool in the summer heat.
Heatstroke in Dogs
Heatstroke is a serious condition that can occur when dogs are exposed to high temperatures for long periods of time.
Although dogs are more prone to overheating than humans, they are also much harder to cool down. This is because they have a higher surface area to body weight ratio than humans and they don’t sweat easily.
Symptoms of heatstroke in dogs include:
- Excessive panting
- High body temperature (over 102 degrees F)
- Sudden collapse / coma
- Disorientation, confusion and lack of coordination
If you suspect your dog has heatstroke, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Tips to Keep Your Dog Cool in Hot Temperatures
So what can you do? Well, there are a few things we recommend:
- Make sure they always have plenty of water
- Always take care of a wound or medical condition first — your dog will thank you later!
- If you have an air conditioner or fan in your home, be sure to keep your puppy nearby while they sleep so they can cool off the heat.
- If you’re going to be spending time outdoors with your dog, make sure he’s in the shade whenever possible. This helps prevent sunburn and keeps their skin healthy and hydrated.
- If you go out at night and it’s still very hot outside, consider putting on a cooling jacket or vest for your dog so they don’t overheat while playing with friends or chasing squirrels!
- If the weather is hot (or even if it isn’t), consider buying a cooling jacket for your dog so they don’t overheat as quickly as other ways.
If you have any other questions or would like to schedule a checkup with Fido, please give us a call, your local veterinarian in Bloomington, CA, today!
