Protecting your dog from the heat in summer is essential for its well-being and health. High temperatures can lead to serious problems for our four-legged companions.
During a heatwave, dogs are exposed to several serious risks such as heatstroke, paw burns, aggravated respiratory problems, skin infections related to humidity, digestive disorders, indirect poisoning from stagnant water, or cardiovascular collapse.
Here are some tips to keep your dog safe during a very hot summer period.
Hydration is crucial during hot days. Make sure your dog always has access to fresh and clean water.
In outdoor areas, use suitable bowls that keep water cool for longer. These bowls should be placed in the freezer for a few hours and contain a gel or a cooling liquid integrated into their structure. Their cooling duration is 3-8 hours on average.
Dogs, like humans, are sensitive to direct sunlight, especially in summer. They should not be left without adequate protection in an exposed environment. Direct UV rays quickly increase the body temperature of dogs, especially for breeds with dark, short, or very thick coats.
If your dog spends time outdoors, set up shaded areas so it can protect itself from direct sunlight. Use umbrellas (easy to install), canopies (more durable and spacious), or trees (natural shade) to provide this shelter.
Ensure the shade covers a sufficient area to allow the dog to move freely.
The hottest hours of the day are generally between 12 pm and 4 pm, when solar radiation is at its peak and temperatures reach their highest. Exposure to such temperatures can quickly cause overheating in dogs, especially those with thick coats, dark pigmentation, or predispositions like brachycephalic breeds (bulldogs, pugs).
During the hottest hours, reduce intense physical exercises (running, fetch games, or prolonged training). Prefer walks early in the morning (between 5 am and 8 am) or late in the evening (often after 7 pm) when temperatures are lower. Favor gentle activities, such as moving in shaded areas or quiet indoor games.
Sidewalks and other surfaces (concrete, asphalt, pavement, sand) can become extremely hot under the sun, risking burning your dog's paws. Paws are made of thickened skin and fatty tissues, adapted for walking on various terrains. However, they are not immune to burns, especially with prolonged contact with hot surfaces. Test the temperature with your hand before letting your dog walk on it.
During a heatwave or even on sunny days, surface temperatures can reach extreme levels. For example, when the air temperature is 30 °C, asphalt can reach 55 to 60 °C, which is enough to cause burns in a few seconds.
Symptoms include excessive panting, lethargy, excessive drooling, and vomiting.
During excessive panting, the dog breathes rapidly and loudly, often with its tongue hanging out. Rapid and intense panting indicates a desperate attempt to regulate body temperature.
During lethargy, the dog seems tired, weak, and less responsive than usual. Excessive heat depletes its energy and can lead to a decrease in blood circulation to the muscles.
During excessive drooling, thick or foamy saliva may drip from its mouth. Thermal stress disrupts the salivary glands, increasing saliva production in response to the effort to pant.
During vomiting, the dog may expel food, bile, or fluids. Heat affects the digestive system, causing nausea or a vomiting reflex due to electrolyte imbalance or a sudden rise in body temperature.
If you observe these signs, cool your dog immediately.Cooling mats, frozen toys, or baths can help your dog cool down. Cooling mats are accessories designed to help your dog regulate its body temperature. They often contain a self-cooling gel or liquid that stays cool without needing to be frozen.
Toys specially designed to be filled with water, broth, or treats, then frozen, provide both mental stimulation and cooling. Ensure the toy material is durable, especially if your dog likes to chew. Clean the toys regularly to avoid bacterial buildup.
Make sure these solutions are suitable for your dog's size and needs.
Even with the windows slightly open, the temperature in a car can rise quickly and become deadly for your dog in just a few minutes.
Many owners think that slightly opening the windows is enough to ventilate the inside of a vehicle and maintain an acceptable temperature for their dog. Slightly opening the windows does not provide effective ventilation in a closed space like a car.
The greenhouse effect amplifies the heating inside the car, where solar heat enters but does not escape effectively. The temperature inside continues to rise, even with slightly open windows. Infrared rays are trapped inside the car, causing the temperature to increase exponentially.
Examples: At an outside temperature of 25 °C, the inside of a car can reach 35-40 °C in just 10 minutes. At 35 °C outside, the inside can exceed 50 °C in 15 to 20 minutes.
Opt for lighter and easier-to-digest meals in summer. When it's hot, dogs' metabolism slows down, making heavy meals harder to digest. This can cause lethargy, bloating, or digestive discomfort.
In summer, dogs generally expend less energy because they are less active. High-calorie meals can lead to unnecessary weight gain.
If you have specific concerns or if your dog has pre-existing health issues, consult a veterinarian for personalized advice. Each dog has different nutritional needs based on its breed, age, weight, activity level, and health status.
