How to Beat the Heat and Cool Down Your Dog

Beating the Dog Days of Summer: Three Ways to Cool Down Your Canine Quickly

Scorching temperatures can spell trouble for man’s best friend. That’s why it’s important to know how to cool down a dog. Keeping your dog comfortable in hot weather isn’t just the kind thing to do; hot weather can quickly turn into a life-and-death situation for a dog. The tricky part is that a human can’t always judge when a dog is comfortable on a hot day just by going by how the temperature feels to them.

Dogs don’t sweat through their skin the way we do. They instead use a combination of panting and releasing heat through their noses and paw pads to regulate body temperature. What’s more, most breeds are covered in thick fur. If their self-cooling mechanisms can’t keep up with the heat, deadly heatstroke kicks in.

The vets at Peconic Bay Animal Hospital in Riverhead, New York share the dire warning that heatstroke can kill a dog in minutes. According to them, a dog is in serious danger when their body temperature climbs from a normal range of 100.2 degrees Fahrenheit to 102.8 degrees Fahrenheit to reach 104 degrees Fahrenheit. When a dog’s body temperature reaches between 106 and 109 degrees Fahrenheit, their vital organs can begin to shut down as risks for seizure, coma, and death grow every second.

Fortunately, you don’t have to be in the situation where you’re attempting to resuscitate your dog or rush them to an emergency vet. These tips for how to cool down a dog will help you safely enjoy hot days.

1. Keep Your Dog Hydrated

As you can imagine, panting to regulate body temperature requires lots of moisture and saliva. That’s why your dog’s water needs can double when they’re out in the heat. How much water should my dog drink? Under normal circumstances, a dog requires roughly 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight daily.

Always take a collapsible dog water bowl along when bringing your dog out for a walk, park visit, or road trip. This will provide them with a familiar place to drink. Offer fresh water every 15 to 20 minutes.

2. Purchase a Dog Cooling Vest

Dog cooling vests help your dog to get the benefit of “sweating” like a human. They work using an evaporation method that draws heat away from your dog’s body. To use a cooling vest, you simply soak and wring it before placing it on your dog. Unlike clothes that become heavy when wet, a dog cooling vest is made of a mesh layer that promotes circulation. Simply rewet the vest when it dries to give your dog lasting relief from the heat.

3. Offer Frozen Dog Treats

A frozen dog treat is a refreshing way to pep up your pup when that midday heat kicks in. If you want to make homemade frozen treats, purchase silicone molds to create custom treats using dog-friendly “human” foods. The American Kennel Club recommends making freezable purees by mixing banana, pumpkin, sweet potato, or melon with yogurt or coconut milk. If you’re looking for a zero-prep option, the AKC suggests frozen green beans, blueberries, banana, strawberries, or peaches as quick treats for cooling dogs down. Of course, you can also simply pick up some pre-made frozen dog popsicles at your local grocery store or pet food store.

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Cool Down a Dog

What are the signs of a dog overheating?

Excessive, relentless painting that’s accompanied by an overall change in your dog’s demeanor could be a sign your dog is overheated. Your dog is likely to appear restless or seek out shade when they feel distressed by the heat. You may also notice drooling or a glazed-over look in the eyes. American Humane Society shares that signs of heatstroke in dogs include lethargy, stumbling, seizure, vomiting, and a dark or bright-red tongue and gums.

What is the best way to quickly cool down my dog when it’s hot outside?

If you’re looking for how to cool a dog down fast, the first step is to remove them from direct sunlight. If you cannot get your dog indoors immediately, a shaded spot with access to a breeze is preferred. Ways to bring down a dog’s body temperature include wetting their coat with cool water, applying ice packs, placing a fan in front of your dog, and allowing your dog to rest on a cool floor.

What should I do if my dog won’t stop panting?

First, determine if your dog’s panting is actually abnormal. The vets at Advanced Care Medical Clinic in Arlington, Washington recommend counting your dog’s breath for a minute while they are in a resting state. A rate below 30 breaths per minute is considered normal. If breaths are above 35 per minute, your dog may be in distress. The fastest tip for how to cool down a panting dog is to provide fresh water. If your dog continues to pant excessively after being given an opportunity to get out of the heat and hydrate, get your vet involved.

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