Because of their fur coats, dogs tend to be more sensitive to the heat than humans are. In addition, some dogs, including seniors, ones with chronic illnesses, or giant breeds, for example, tend to be even more vulnerable.
As a responsible dog owner, it’s important to get ready for the summer and prepare for the heat! Heat stroke in dogs is very common during this season, yet, it is so easily avoidable! So if you haven’t purchased the following heat-fighting gadgets yet, now’s your moment!
1. Ice cream for dogs
While feeding your dog ice cream won’t hydrate them properly, it will help them to cool down. Plus, it’s tasty and is sure to make your pup happy! You should never feed your dog human ice cream which is filled with sugar, but you can make them dog-friendly homemade recipes or even purchase ready-made ice cream for dogs such as Smoofl. These ice cream treats are super fast to make and are a big hit for dogs who are fond of snacking!
2. Paddling pool
Not all dogs are fond of swimming, but if your dog likes water, then this is a fantastic idea! Fill your paddling pool with cool water from the hose and throw in some toys to encourage your dog to get in. You can even dip your toes in the pool to cool yourself down too!
3. Cooling mats for dogs
Cooling mats are specially designed to absorb your pet’s heat when they lie down on it, hence lowering their body temperature and cooling them down. Most cooling pads are gel based, so they don’t require any water or electricity to function. You could place a cooling pad anywhere your dog (or cat) likes to hang out, including in their crate, or in the car if you have a journey to make. You can find the best dog cooling mats in most UK pet stores.
4. Car fans for dogs
While most cars now have air conditioning, this may not be sufficient to keep your dog cool if they are riding in the back seat or even in the boot. You can purchase car fans for dogs online or even in a pet store. By installing these in your vehicle, you can enhance air circulation and help to cool down your dog. This in no way means that you can leave your dog alone in the car on a hot day. This is extremely dangerous and can be fatal to your pet.
5. Dog coats for hot weather
Cooling coats for dogs should be soaked in water before use. Then, the evaporation of water from the coat will also help to rid your dog of any excess body heat, leaving them feeling cool even in high temperatures. They are usually lightweight and can be worn by your pet for several hours, depending on the brand.
Do dogs sweat?
Dogs do sweat, but in a very different way to humans. They have sweat glands called merocrine glands, which are located in their paws. Hence, they are able to sweat through their paw pads. However, their other sweat glands, called apocrine glands, which are located throughout their bodies, don’t cool them down. Dogs mainly lower their body temperatures by panting.
What temperature is too hot for dogs?
As a general rule, most dogs will be ok if they are outside in temperatures under 20°C. However, anything above this is likely to make your dog feel uncomfortable and can put them at risk of heat stroke, particularly if your dog is a brachycephalic breed, a double-coated breed, a giant breed, a senior, or even suffering from a chronic illness.
When is it too hot to walk your dog?
In temperatures above 20°C, it is recommended to keep your dog indoors and entertain them with puzzles and other brain-stimulating activities until the temperatures drop and it is safe to take them for a walk. If you have a garden, make sure your dog has access to shade and plenty of drinking water.
How can I keep a dog cool inside the house without AC?
If you’re in an apartment and the weather outside is just too hot to handle, you can use some of the aforementioned products such as a cooling mat, a cooling coat and a fan! It is also recommended that you keep your windows and blinds shut to keep the heat out until the evening, when temperatures usually drop. If you live in a house, stay on the lowest floor possible where it’ll be cooler than upstairs! As per usual, make sure your pet has lots of water available throughout the day.
What can I do to cool a dog down fast?
If your dog is showing signs of heatstroke, then you should immediately move them to a cooler part of the house, near a fan, and on a damp towel. You can wet their fur and skin with tepid water and call your vet for further instructions.
As long as you keep a close eye on your beloved pet and provide them with everything they’ll need to stay cool, you’ll make it through this heatwave! Best of luck!
