Summer never seems to come early enough here in Wisconsin, does it?
So when it finally does come, you're ready and raring to make the most of it, right!
And of course, whatever you're ready to do, your dog is also ready to do too.
But at the same time, you have to remember that your dog's natural system for cooling down works much differently than yours. Understanding this helps your protect your dog against heat-related illnesses.
Ideally, your dog keeps their body temperature between 99.5 - 102.5 degrees F. This range includes many factors such as size, breed, weight, age, and general condition of their health.
You have to also remember that dogs' bodies are not efficient processors of heat at all. Dogs in general are just not built for it. So, what feels hot to you, may feel really hot to your dog!
With all that in mind, here's some tips on exactly how to help your furry loved one handle the heat:
1. Compare Environmental Differences
To start, make sure you're mindful of your normal environment versus your dog's current environment. In other words, how does your home feel compared to the outdoor weather?
If there's a huge difference in the amount of heat, make sure you take the transition extra slowly. Your dog will likely be all excited to go out, regardless of weather conditions.
But don't let that be your deciding factor in how to handle the outdoors. Make sure you take it easy and play nice and slow when you feel a huge difference in heat.
2. Watch Your Dog Closely for Signs of Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke
As your dog's body warms up, they will begin to show signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Keep a look out for these common signs of both conditions:
Excessive panting
Difficutly breathing
Dehydration
Excessive drooling
Fever
Brightly colored gums
Lack of urine
Rapid pulse
Muscle tremors
Lethargy
Weakness
Vomiting Diarrhea
Dizziness
...And this isn't even a complete list of all the possible symptoms!
Basically, understand that if your dog is acting at all abnormally while outside during hot weather, don't ignore their behavior.
Take them inside where it's cooler. Put them in front of a fan. And let your dog drink small amounts of cool (not ice cold water because that could cause shock) water.
3. Prevention is Always the Best Strategy
How hot is "too hot?"
Like we said before, that depends on your dog's size, breed, weight, age, and general health.
But that doesn't pin down how to judge the heat for your dog, does it?
So, you need a more exact rule to follow. Here it is:
Avoid strenuous outdoor activity when the temperature plus humidity is greater than 140.
So, if it's 80 degrees outside with 65% humidity, that's a total of 145. Since that exceeds 140, you should avoid strenuous outdoor activity.
You can still go for a very short walk to help your dog relieve themselves. But that's it.
Avoid your regular length walk or any vigorous play for the day and wait for better weather.
4. Additional Heat Exhaustion Prevention Tips
In addition to the above rule, make sure you also follow these tips to keep your dog safe from the heat:
Never ever leave your dog inside a parked car
Make sure your dog doesn't stay outside too long
Walk your dog in the morning or evening to avoid the hottest hours of the day
Keep your house cool when you're not at home
Always keep your dog's water bowl full
Keep an even closer watch on your dog if they have problems such as heart disease, obesity, older age, or breathing difficulties
It's not easy to keep your dog cool when the weather outside isn't cooperating. But if you follow these tips, you, and your dog, will be protected when the hot weather comes.