Summer heat: keeping your dog safe on the hottest days

Dogs handle heat far worse than we do. They barely sweat, so they shed excess heat by panting, and that system hits its limits quickly once the temperature climbs towards 30 degrees. The good news is that a few simple summer habits will get your dog through even a heatwave safely.

Walk at dawn and after sunset

In a heatwave, the long walk belongs to the early morning or the hours after sunset. During the day a short, shady toilet round is enough, and ball games or running should wait for cooler days altogether. A dog in play mode will not stop on their own, even long after they have overheated.

Asphalt is a hazard of its own: in full sun it climbs above 50 degrees even when the air is only 25. The five-second test helps here. Press the back of your hand onto the asphalt, and if you cannot hold it there for five seconds, it will burn your dog's paws too. Switch to grass and dirt paths instead.

The car is not a waiting room

The inside of a parked car heats past 40 degrees within twenty minutes even at 25 degrees outside, and a window left slightly open changes almost nothing. In summer, a dog never stays alone in the car, not even for a few minutes. If your errands will not let you bring them along everywhere, they are better off at home in the cool.

Cooling ideas for home

The basics are a shady resting spot and fresh water at all times. Beyond that, a few things make a real difference to your dog's summer:

• A cooling mat: dogs lie down on it by themselves when they feel warm.
• Several water bowls around the house and garden, refilled daily.
• A damp towel for wiping down the belly and paws.
• A small paddling pool in the garden, if your dog is a water lover.

Do not have double-coated breeds (such as huskies or German shepherds) shaved bald: the coat insulates against heat as well. Regular brushing helps instead, because it clears out the dead undercoat.

Who needs extra care

Flat-nosed breeds like French bulldogs and pugs cool themselves less effectively through panting, so heat becomes dangerous for them much faster. The same goes for older dogs, overweight dogs and very thick-coated ones. With them, an even slower pace and even shorter walks are the safe summer choice.

When to suspect overheating

Heavy, rapid panting, thick drool and a wobbly, unsteady walk are warning signs. Move your dog into the shade right away, offer water and call your vet. Do not wait for it to pass on its own if you suspect overheating, and for any health question, your vet is always the right person to ask.

Curious about cooling mats and other summer gear? Write to us and we will happily help you choose.