Wouldn’t you know it, summer is upon us once again. It may have felt like months and months of continuous cold (unless you are one of the lucky few who live in the year-long temperate regions) and now you can wear a t-shirt comfortably outside or you can open the windows now. And if you have a dog, that means you can stay outside with them for a lot longer because you aren’t shivering in the cold temps. However, it is important to remember that dogs can and will overheat. I mean think about it, dogs have layers of fur or hair that keeps them warm in the cooler months. Now that it is summer, those layers become suffocating. This blog aims to educate you on the overheating of dogs, the warning signs, and actions you can take to make sure your furry baby stays safe and happy!
Almost any physical exercise can cause a dog’s temperature to increase. It is usually once the temperature reaches over 102 degrees Fahrenheit does a dog start to become overheated and action must occur to prevent heat exhaustion. When humans get hot, we sweat cooling our entire body. Dogs on the other hand, have few sweat glands. Panting is the way they cool down. The airways are essential for the cooling process to occur so having water handy to help moisten the airways is key. This evaporation that occurs on the dog’s tongue explains why on humid days, where there is less evaporation occurring, the dangers of overheating increases.
If you dog does start to overheat, it is important to notice the signs so immediate action can be taken. Frantic panting, bright-red membranes, extreme salivation, and labored breathing are warnings that your dog is overheating. If your dog’s temperature increases to over 106 degrees Fahrenheit, a metabolic meltdown may occur so quick action is incredibly important. Their mouth may become turn gray or purple due to a lack of oxygen. The saliva will thicken due to dehydration. If your dog reaches this point, it is important to take them to an emergency clinic even if you can cool them and they start to act normal; organs may be damaged and serious results may follow.
So how do you make sure your dog will not overheat? First is to make sure your dog has access to ample fresh water and shade. Make sure to not leave your dog in the care – windows cracked or not. Slowly transition your dog to the heat so they can become conditioned to it. Make sure the house is cooled on warm days so your dog can stay comfortable. It is also important to take into consideration the breed of your dog as some get overheated quicker than others. Consult with your vet to make sure you are doing everything you can to ensure your dog is safe this summer!
We hope you found this blog educational and please make sure you and your furry friend stay safe this summer!
Logan Martinez
COO of CanTastic and Trysk Solutions.