7 Ways to Keep Your Canine Cool in Extremely Hot Weather

7 Ways to Keep Your Canine Cool in Extremely Hot Weather

Although you never see your dog sweating profusely, it doesn’t mean that they don’t feel hot and perspire when temperatures reach scorching levels. Like humans, canines sweat, but differently.

Dogs have two sweat glands: the merocrine glands and apocrine glands.

The merocrine glands are located on the dogs’ paw pads. Sweat comes out from these glands to help them cool down.

On the other hand, the apocrine glands are found throughout a dog’s body and also make them sweat. However, the perspiration released doesn’t cool a canine down; they function as pheromones that help pups identify each other.

When your dog leaves behind a trail of wet footprints as he walks across a smooth, dry surface and he hasn’t trodden on water, it’s a sign that he is sweating and would appreciate something to help him cool down.

Having the right dog products and knowing the things you can do to aid your pup in staying cool during hot weather ‌can help him stay comfy, happy, and healthy whether you’re indoors or outdoors.

Helping Your Dog Maintain the Right Temperature When It’s Hot

Below are some of the best tips that can help you keep your pet cool, comfortable, and healthy during scorching weather‌:

1. Avoid going outdoors during the hottest parts of the day.

If you’re used to going out for walks with your dog any time of the day, you’ll have to rethink this habit during summer and hot days of the year.

Bringing out your dog during the hottest times of the day can cause your dog to have a heat stroke.

Take your dog for your daily walks early in the morning or as the sun sets to avoid the heat.

If you can only go out during the middle of the day, make sure the sky is overcast and humidity is low.

Also, always check if the pavement is hot before taking your pet out. The extreme heat can hurt and even injure your dog’s paws.

To know if the surface is too hot, pour water on it. If it steams up immediately, it is unsafe for your pet to walk on. Avoid bringing him out yet.

2. Ensure your dog always has access to clean, cold water.

Whether you’re taking your pet for a walk in a park or simply relaxing in the yard, make sure he can drink clean, cool water anytime he wants to or every 20 minutes or so.

Buy a few portable water bowls you can place outdoors and refill them frequently to ensure your pet drinks clean, cold water.

Put the bowls in areas where your dog can easily reach them, preferably in a spot with reliable shade.

Aside from bowls, consider getting your pet an interactive toy that allows him to suck on ice balls and stay cool.

For instance, the All For Paws Chill Out Ice Track & Thirst Cruncher Frozen Balls comes with moulds you can use to fill with water and freeze. Once frozen and de-moulded, put the ice balls on the track and let your pet have fun licking it around.

For long walks, runs, hikes, or drives, bring a portable dog water bottle and fill it with enough water to give your pet frequent drinks while you’re out.

3. Let your dog play in or with water.

Plan some outdoor summer activities that involve some water play with your pet. This means taking him to a lake, pool, or beach.

However, always keep an eye on your pup, particularly when you go to the beach because of the tides. Also, wash the salt and sand off your dog’s fur after swimming to prevent these substances from drying and irritating their skin.

Another option is to get a portable dog swimming pool. Your pet will love this personal splash zone since it will help him stay cool even when he’s outdoors.

Check with your provider of Dubai pet supplies if they have portable outdoor swimming pools suitable for your dog’s size.

Whether you let your pup play in saltwater or freshwater, always dry him off with a towel, even if you haven’t rinsed him off yet.

4. Invest in a few pet cooling essentials.

Aside from water bowls, bottles, interactive toys, and pools, there are other cooling gear that can help your dog maintain a healthy body temperature even when it is hot outside.

These include:

• Cooling bandana
  A specially designed lightweight bandana can keep your dog cool for hours. Simply wet this item, wring the excess water out, put it in the fridge for the recommended number of minutes, and fasten it around your pet’s neck.
• Cooling vest
  Like the cooling bandana, this gear can also help your pet stay cool. A cooling vest reflects sun rays and imitates natural sweat’s cooling effects on the body.
• Cooling mat
  A cooling mat helps lower your canine’s body temperature, helping him avoid getting a heat stroke. Whether you let your pet lie down on the mat indoors or outdoors, you can ensure he’ll stay cool and comfy.
• Sprinkler fun mat
  This product is an excellent alternative to portable dog pools. After connecting the sprinkler mat to a garden hose, the mat will spray jets of water to the dog as he runs over it. It is safe for your dog since the mat is made of non-slip and durable material.
• Pet water fountain
  If you want a feature that looks great in your yard that also gives your dog quick access to drinking water, get a garden water fountain. This equipment allows you to teach your pup a new trick since he has to use the rubber pad-covered paw activated lever to be able to drink.
• Pet crate fan
  A portable fan designed to fit in crates can help cool down your pet when he needs to stay in his crate. However, make sure it is safe to use near your dog, particularly when you plan to leave him alone.

Since you and your dog need to spend time outdoors, don’t forget to get a portable sun shade, patio umbrella, and pop-up canopy. These items can create some much-needed shade in your lawn.

If your yard is small, consider getting a shaded pet cot. It is big enough to give your dog shade but won’t take up too much space on your lawn.

These cots are elevated or off the ground, which helps with proper air circulation and cooling your pet as he lies on one outdoors.

5. Avoid leaving your dog in a parked car or his dog house.

Never leave your pup in a parked car with the air conditioner turned off, even if the windows are partially open. Temperatures inside vehicles can rise to life-threatening levels even on milder days, which can be dangerous for your pet.

Whether you’re taking your dog on a road trip or a grocery run, never leave your pet unattended inside your car, even for just a few minutes.

Additionally, avoid letting your pet stay inside his dog house during the day.

This is because typical dog houses don’t allow for airflow, making them dangerous in the scorching heat.

If you want your canine to stay outdoors, set up the portable shade equipment you have on hand or let him stay in a shaded area.

6. Brush your dog’s coat regularly.

Dirty, tangled fur can trap heat. As such, you need to brush your pet regularly to keep his coat clean and knot-free.

Brushing your dog daily allows you to remove tangles, dirt, and excess fur ‌that can prevent air from reaching your pet’s skin.

Without the knots, your pet’s body can receive air unimpeded and cool down more easily.

Make it a habit to brush or comb your dog’s fur daily. Ensure you use the right comb or brush; opt for a wide-tooth comb or slicker brush if your canine has a double coat.

If your dog has a single coat, use a pin brush or comb.

7. Look out for signs your dog is suffering from heat exhaustion.

When temperatures are extremely high, your pup is more prone to overheating or suffering from heat exhaustion.

Overheating or canine heat exhaustion occurs when the dog’s body temperature becomes elevated above normal levels, which is 39 degrees Celsius or higher.

If your dog’s body temperature continues to rise and reaches 41.1 degrees Celsius or higher, he is likely to suffer a heat stroke. This condition can cause his organs to start shutting down, including his heart.

Knowing the signs of overheating in a dog can help you prevent his condition from getting worse.

These signs include:

• Excessive panting
• Disorientation (falling, walking shakily and in circles, tripping, head tilting to one side, etc.)
• Being less responsive to commands
• Bright red or blue gums caused by lack of oxygen

When your dog is already suffering from severe heat exhaustion or heat stroke, he may collapse, have convulsions, experience a rapid heart rate, and start vomiting and drooling excessively.

At the first sign of overheating, take immediate steps to cool down your dog, such as:

• Using a rectal thermometer to check your pet’s temperature regularly.
• Bringing your dog to a cooler area, particularly in a place with an air conditioner.
• Cooling down your pup in a pool or by placing wet towels on his armpits, between his hind legs, and neck.
• Giving your dog a small drink of cool water if he is conscious and willing; otherwise, wet his tongue with water only.

Make sure you also bring your pet immediately to a vet so that he can get medical treatment.

During hot weather‌, keep in mind that a cool dog is a happy and healthy dog.

As such, follow these tips to help your pet maintain a comfy body temperature when the weather becomes hotter.

Visit our Dog page to browse through our range of canine cooling products and accessories.