Mary Allen
Overheating in dogs in the summer can be dangerous and can quickly lead to heat stroke. It is important for all dog owners to be aware of the most common causes of a dog overheating in the summer and what scenarios can cause dogs to get dangerously hot. This article describes the most common causes of a dog overheating in the summer. Read on to find out more.
Walking the dog when it’s too hot
Most dog owners know not to walk the dog during the hottest part of the day, which for most people means the middle of the day when the sun is at its highest.
However, in the height of summer, the hottest days can mean your dog needs to be walked very early in the morning or very late at night to make sure it isn’t too hot; some days the temperature is too high for a safe walk for some dogs for the vast majority of the 24 hours.
You should strive to walk your dog at the times when possible to ensure he gets his walk, but if you have a choice of going for a walk when it’s too hot or no walk at all, do it better to skip a walk.
Overexertion while playing
It’s not just a planned walk outside the home that can cause your dog to overheat. Even simply playing and working out in the garden can do this, and just as quickly. This is a common problem when you let your children supervise and play with your dog as they may not know when the dog is getting too hot or minimize the exertion on your dog.
Dogs, too, often continue to play when asked to do so, even if they are far too hot. Another point to be aware of is if you have two or more dogs because even if no people are involved, play between the dogs can cause one or both of them to overheat.
Lack of access to water
You should always give your dog free access to water, all year round and not just in the summer. However, keep in mind that your dog will need to drink more in the summer and the water will evaporate more quickly, so he will have to refill his bowl more often.
It’s wise to set several water bowls in different spots, maybe use larger bowls, and get in the habit of refilling every four hours or so. Also, make sure that whenever your dog is in the yard or any part of the house he can always reach (and know where to find) a bowl.
Being trapped in a hot place
Dogs must never be left in the car in summer; they can overheat within minutes, which can quickly lead to heat stroke, which can be fatal. However, this isn’t the only place a caged dog can overheat; getting into a shed, greenhouse, or even just a room in the house that gets hot from the sun can also cause overheating.
Cooling jackets
Cooling coats and vests are designed to be soaked in water or filled with cold packs to lower your dog’s core body temperature. Used correctly, they can be very useful and make all the difference to your dog’s comfort and safety during the summer. However, they should not be left on the dog unattended and should be checked at least once an hour. Over time, they will heat up and if not replenished, will result in the dog overheating rather than keeping them cooler.
Lack of shade
Shade is important for keeping your dog cool and he will naturally seek shade when needed as long as he has access to it. However, if there is no shade in your yard or your dog is cooped up in a part of the house that gets full sun, he cannot do this. It’s important to provide shade when there isn’t one and allow your dog the opportunity to seek cooler spots if necessary.
Stress
Stress and anxiety have a number of physical effects on the dog’s body, including causing rapid, shallow breathing. This can quickly lead to overheating. Therefore, always consider the well-being and happiness of your dog, not only in summer!
Physical characteristics
Dogs that are getting on in years, as well as flat-faced breeds like the English bulldog, are more likely to wither in the summer heat. Older dogs may be less able to regulate their own body temperature and therefore more prone to overheating. The narrow and short nostrils of flat-faced dogs can make breathing a challenge even in normal weather, so these dogs need extra care and attention in hot weather.
Overheating in dogs
The number one cause of heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses in dogs is leaving a dog in a car with poor air circulation. Since dogs lose heat by panting, insufficient ventilation is enough to cause them to overheat.
What to do if the dog is overheated?
Immediately move the dog to a cool, shady spot.
Begin cooling the dog down immediately. Be careful with this.
If the dog is conscious, give it lukewarm water to drink.
Take the animal to a veterinarian as soon as possible!
How does heat stroke affect a dog?
If the dog does not manage to cool down, heat stroke occurs with rapid, shallow breathing. tachycardia. crimson mucous membranes.
How dangerous is heat for dogs?
Overheating in dogs is not something to be taken lightly. As the weather warms up, you should be aware of how the heat is affecting your dog. Heat exhaustion in dogs can have serious and even fatal consequences such as heat stroke and cardiac arrest.
When is it too hot for dogs?
It’s important that your dog isn’t constantly exposed to the sweltering heat of the garden. The normal temperature of dogs is between 38 and 39 degrees. From a body temperature of 40°, your dog has a high fever and from 41 degrees there is a risk of life-threatening, permanent damage.
What temperatures can puppies tolerate?
In general, cold temperatures should not become a problem for most dogs until they drop below 10°C. From a temperature of 7° C, most people start to feel uncomfortable.
Do puppies have a higher body temperature?
A puppy’s body temperature is naturally slightly higher than that of an adult dog. It is between 38 and 39 degrees, even 39.5 degrees would be okay for a puppy.