Helping our Dogs through the Summer Heat
I don’t know about you, but I am READY for summer! I’m excited to spend more time outside in nature with my dogs now that winter is over. We tend to go for more walks, hikes, trips to the lake, and we’re excited to get back to doing some camping this year!
Around this time every year, our team starts talking about the risks of the summer heat. We’re adjusting our plans on a daily basis around the weather, to make sure the dogs' in our care stay safe while we’re having fun together.
I wanted to take this opportunity to share some insights into things we watch out for when it comes to having fun with dogs in the warm weather, and how to help dogs cool down safely when we start to see signs of overheating.
As the dog days of summer approach, here are some things we keep in mind — and that you can too — to help your dog safely enjoy the warm weather ahead.
The major risks to our dogs during the warm weather months are…
🥵 Over heating
🥵 Heat stroke
🥵 Burning paw pads on concrete or asphalt
This can sound scary, but we’ve got your back! Keep reading for some tips and what to watch out for.
Give special attention to our flat faced friends on warm days!
If you have a flat faced, brachycephalic, dog, this is something you’re already concerned about. You know your dogs over heat quickly and it’s super important that anyone caring for them understands this about them.
Breeds of dogs to keep an eye on:
English, French, and American Bulldogs • Boston Terriers • Pugs
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel • Llasa Apso •Pekingese
Cane Corso •Brussels Griffon • Japanese Chin • Chow chow • Bullmastiff • Bordeaux Mastiff • Shih Tzu
Senior dogs and pets with special needs or chronic illness are also at a higher risk for heat exhaustion.
Our team at Auntie M Pet Care cares for all different types of dogs and we’re always watching for signs of heat exhaustion. Here’s our annual reminder on how we, and how you can, help limit the risk of heat stress and heat related injuries:
Do’s:
✅ Feel the pavement with your hand or food before walking your dog on it to ensure it is a safe temperature to walk on
✅ Seek shady areas and water sources
✅ Limit outdoor exercise to cooler times of the day.
✅ Do short indoor play sessions in the AC as an alternative to outdoor activities
✅ Offer fresh, cool water in small, frequent amounts
✅ Keep an eye out for signs of heat stress
Don’ts:
❌ Don’t leave your dog in the car unattended if the temperature is above 70 degrees Fahrenheit
❌ Don’t take your dog out during the hottest times of day, typically 2-5pm
❌ Don’t walk your dog on pavement if it’s too hot for you to walk on it barefoot
❌ Don’t forget to make plans with your dog’s risk to heat in mind
Here are some beginning signs of heat stress:
Excessive panting, more and louder than usual
Paddle tongue - very long and wide at the end
Redness of eyes and ears
Tiredness and coordination starting to wane
What to do when you see signs of heat exhaustion:
💜 Encouraging your dog to calm down and make them stop playing and moving when they start to get worked up
💜 Don’t allow water right away, let them get small laps between pauses after about 1 minute of calming down. Do not give ice.
💜 Apply cool, damp cloths to armpits and belly
You will see them slowly stop looking frantic, eyes will loose redness, and panting will slow. That’s when you know they are cooling down. Do not put in crate or on their bed until they are cooled off because their bedding helps them hold heat.
🥵 If you don’t see improvement after doing these things, or if their symptoms worsen, please call your veterinarian.
If you own a brachycephalic, senior, or a dog who is easily excitable, we hope these tips will help you and your dog have a safe, stress free summer!
AND a note for our clients:
If you ever have concerns about the weather and your dog’s scheduled services, just reach out! We’re happy to adjust plans based on your preferences and your dog’s needs. Safety is our top priority — we want every tail wag to be a happy one🥰