Hot weather safety for dogs

Most of us look forward to the thought of a long hot summer, with plenty of beach trips and BBQs. But not everyone handles the heat well, some of our dogs included. While we should always practice safety over the summer months with any of our canine companions, some need greater care than others. Let’s explore this further.

First of all….. how do dogs keep cool?

You may have noticed when your dog becomes hot, they start to pant more. This is because they are releasing heat from their tongue and airways through evaporation. If environmental temperatures and humidity become too high, this mechanism starts to become less efficient, however.

Dogs can lose further body heat through radiation, with blood vessels in their skin dilating when they get hot (like ours do). This allows heat from the blood to escape more easily into the environment. Just how much heat can be lost in this way varies depending on the surrounding environmental temperature, plus other factors like coat type may also influence things.

Dogs will also display a variety of behavioural changes to keep cool. These include seeking shade, drinking more, lying on cool surfaces and minimising exercise/activity.

Unlike us, dogs can only sweat through their paw pads and nose, which limits the effectiveness of this particular cooling method which is why they rely on the ways listed above to bring their body temperature down.

Are there some dogs that are more susceptible to heat than others?

The short answer to this is yes! There are definitely some dogs that are less able to cope with increasing temperatures than others. Here are some of the groups that will need extra care during the summer –

Brachycephalic breeds

Brachycephalic (flat-faced) dogs like Pugs, English and French Bulldogs, Shih Tzus and Boxers do not cope well in warm weather. They have a compromised airway system which means that panting and its associated heat loss is less effective. These dogs usually have overlong soft palates, narrowed nostrils, a narrowed trachea, and issues with the cartilage in the back of their throats. This means that these can dogs struggle with even modest temperature changes. Precautions need to be taken sooner than for longer-nosed dogs.

Dogs with thick coats

The insulating properties of thick coats can stop heat from being so easily lost from the skin. Many of these thick or double-coated dogs are bred for cooler climates and struggle in warm weather. Examples include Siberian Huskies and Chow Chows. While it is true a thick coat may reflect radiation from the sun better than some other coat types, the thought of exercising or being out in the heat of the day in a thick coat is something that most of us would not contemplate! So, as well as walking when it is cooler, some owners also consider clipping their dog’s fur during the summer months.

Overweight dogs

Dogs that are carrying excess weight are more likely to overheat in warm weather than dogs at a healthy weight. Their bodies are under additional pressure from the extra pounds. This excess weight acts as a further insulating layer meaning that they struggle to bring their core temperature down.

Giant dog breeds

Many large and giant breeds can struggle in hot weather. Their larger size can be difficult to cool down through panting and other normal mechanisms. Breeds include Bernese Mountain Dogs and Saint Bernards.

Elderly or very young dogs, and those with health conditions

Dogs with health issues such as heart or respiratory disease (e.g. laryngeal paralysis or tracheal collapse) will struggle in hot weather, as will very old or young dogs.

… and hairless dogs need a mention.

At the opposite end of the spectrum to thick-coated dogs are hairless dogs like the Chinese Crested or Mexican Hairless dog. While not a risk factor for overheating, their exposed skin will be much more likely to become sunburnt than a dog with a normal fur coat. It is therefore important to limit your dog’s exposure to UV rays from 10 am – 3 pm and consider using a pet-safe sunblock on these dogs. Not only can sunburn be painful, but it can also cause long-term damage to the skin leading to cancer like squamous cell carcinomas. White or pale-coloured dogs are also more susceptible to the sun’s rays, especially around their noses, undersides and ear tips.

What are the signs of overheating in dogs?

A dog that has an elevated temperature and is unable to bring it back down to normal is experiencing ‘heat stroke’. Normal body temperature is 38-39oC but dogs with heatstroke can be over 40oC. At this level, seizures, collapse, organ damage and death can occur.

Heat stroke is most likely to occur in dogs that are very active and continue playing or exercising in hot weather, but being shut in a car, conservatory or any room without adequate ventilation could also cause this condition.

Affected dogs may show the following symptoms –

  • Panting
  • Drooling
  • Bright red or pale gums
  • Shaking
  • Vomiting (which could become bloody)
  • Diarrhoea (which could become bloody)
  • Confusion
  • Collapse
  • Seizures

If you suspect your dog is suffering from heatstroke move them to a cooler area immediately, poor cold water gently over them (don’t place a damp towel on them as this could accidentally trap body heat) and contact us immediately on …………

Taking these measures to help cool your dog before transporting them to the practice could improve their chances of survival.

Ways to keep your dog safe in the Summer

There are some simple things you can do to help your pet beat the heat this summer –

  • Only walk in the cooler parts of the day (mornings and evenings)
  • On particularly hot days you may need to skip walks altogether – your dog won’t die from missing a walk or two, but they could from overheating
  • Make sure your dog always has access to clean, fresh water
  • Keep your dog at a healthy weight
  • Provide plenty of shade, with trees, parasols and gazebos in the garden
  • Offer your dog opportunities to get wet with a paddling pool or large washing-up bowl in the garden
  • Cooling mats, ice packs or damp towels can be nice for warm dogs to lie on in the summer months
  • Use pet-safe sunblock in hairless dogs or those with white ear tips/pink noses.
  • Provide cool snacks like frozen fruit (e.g. melon, apple and strawberries), or frozen portions of wet food (or soaked kibbles) in puzzle feeders
  • Keep on top of grooming. Removing dead, loose fur or trimming very heavy coats can help your pet feel cooler
  • Never, ever leave your dog in a parked vehicle. Even on moderately warm days the heat and humidity rise quickly, leaving your dog’s normal cooling mechanisms unable to cope

Final thoughts

Some dogs cope less well in warm weather than others. Particular care needs to be taken with brachycephalic breeds, giant breeds, those with thick coats and overweight pets. Even moderately warm days can be a struggle for these sorts of dogs. Heatstroke can be fatal so always remember to take sensible measures and keep your pet safe this summer. If you are concerned about your pet, then call us straight away on 01753 858877