Summer heat is just around the corner, and if you’re a new pet parent, you might be wondering how you can keep your dog safe and cool in hot weather. Knowing how to recognize and prevent heatstroke in dogs is essential knowledge for any dog parent. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to learn more about our summer safety tips for dogs.
Signs of Heatstroke in Dogs
Knowing what heatstroke in dogs looks like is crucial for pet parents, especially those in hot summer climates like Texas. Warning signs of heatstroke can look like:
Excessive panting and labored breathing.
Drooling, especially if the saliva is thicker than usual.
Vomiting or diarrhea.
Weakness, general lethargy, or trouble standing.
Confusion, disorientation, or lack of awareness of their surroundings.
Increased heart rate.
Bright red or pale gums.
Dark urine or lack of urination.
In extreme cases, collapse, seizures, and loss of consciousness are possible.
If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, it’s crucial to cool your dog off with cool (not cold) water on their neck, stomach, and thighs and seek veterinary assistance as soon as possible.
5 Summer Safety Tips for Dogs
Keeping your dog cool and safe in the summer is as simple as following these summer safety tips for dogs:
Shade: Stick to shaded areas when spending time outdoors with your pup, or bring a tent so they can stay cool.
Water: Always provide plenty of fresh, clean drinking water for your dog, whether you’re at home or on an outing.
Helpful tip: Bring a collapsible water bowl when you’re taking your dog for an outing, so that you can provide hydration on the go!
Walks: Avoid walks during peak heat hours; go out in early morning and late evening instead! When taking your dog for a walk, protect your dog’s paws by walking on grass instead of hot pavement.
Remember, if the pavement is too hot for your hands, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws!
Dog-safe sunscreen: Use a sunscreen formulated specifically for dogs on any exposed areas of their body, such as their belly, ears, and nose.
Supervised swimming: Supervised swimming is a great way to keep your dog cool and provide them with exciting enrichment time! Always keep a close eye on your dog when they’re swimming to ensure their safety, and make sure they stay hydrated.