Blog Post: Keeping Your Canine Cool

Did you know that dogs cannot cool themselves by sweating like humans? The primary way your dog cools off is by panting. But when temperatures reach into the 90s and above, panting may not be enough. At Camp Bow Wow, we take summer safety seriously. That’s why we offer climate controlled indoor play and rest areas as well as constant supervision, fresh water, shade and cooling pools for our canine campers when their playing outdoors in the summer heat. Here are a few suggestions for how you can keep your dog cool at home:

Water

It’s essential that your dog have access to fresh, cool water at all times, especially during hot weather. If you have more than one dog, be sure to provide multiple water dishes as often dogs won’t drink from a bowl that another dog has used.  Keep the water dishes in shady location and change the water frequently. If your dog stays outdoors during the day, you might want to install a self-water system that hooks up to your outdoor faucet. These systems provide water as needed by your pooch, who can easily learn the motion or specific action required to trigger fresh water.

Shade

Most dogs like to sit in the sun for brief periods throughout the day, but extended sun exposure can cause sunburn (yes, dogs do sunburn) and lead to heat exhaustion. Canine sunscreen products are available, although often not very practical. That’s why it’s always best to have shade in your dog’s outdoor area.  Trees provide shade depending on the time of day, but umbrellas, canopies or even an insulated dog house is the best choice. Placing these types of shelter in a shaded area will increase protection from hot summer sun. 

Pools

You don’t have to have an Olympic-sized pool to cool your dog, as most pooches prefer to stand or sit, rather than swim. A kid’s plastic wading pool or even a stock tank from your local feed store can provide plenty of cool relief for your four-legged friend. Just be sure that your dog is supervised at all times around the pool. (Not all dogs are natural swimmers and smaller breeds may have difficulty getting out of the water) Keep the pool in a shady spot and be sure to change the water frequently both for your pooch’s safety and to avoid the creation of a mosquito breeding ground. You may also try a lawn sprinkler, but most pups we know prefer a pool.

Play and Exercise in Moderation

As you know, your dog is a devoted companion and as such may not stop on their own when running/walking or actively playing with you. And by the time your dog does stop, it may be due to heat stroke. This is especially true if your pooch is old, out of shape or unaccustomed to heat and/or strenuous exercise. Heatstroke happens fast, especially in short-nosed breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs and Pekingese, so it’s important to avoid overexertion and know what to do in the event of heatstroke.

Exercise should be a part of your pup’s regular routine, but if it isn’t, build up exercise time slowly.  Also, take those walks in the early morning or late evening when it’s cooler. Midday heat and intense sun can be a killer, literally. Also, be sure to offer small amounts of fresh, cool water frequently throughout the exercise period. On exceptionally warm days, try wetting your dog’s coat thoroughly with a hose (or letting them wade/swim in a pool). As the water evaporates it also works to cool your pooch. If you have a double-coated breed, like a Retriever, be sure all layers of your dog’s coat are wet to ensure maximum cooling. If your dog begins panting excessively, and extends it tongue further than normal, it’s time for a break. And be aware that hot pavement, even concrete, can burn the pads of your dog’s paws.

Heatstroke

Signs of canine heatstroke include lying down and unable to get up, excessive panting, dark red gums, tacky or dry mucus membranes (especially the gums), tacky saliva, dizziness or disorientation, or collapse or loss of consciousness. 

If your pooch demonstrates these behaviors, you must move quickly to reduce its body temperature. Try spraying your dog down with cool water, or immersing its entire body in cool – not cold – water. Cool wet towels can also be applied to your dog’s body and applying isopropyl alcohol to foot pads, groin, and under the forelegs can also help cool your dog quickly. DO NOT USE ICE or very cold water as this will constrict blood flow and decrease heat dissipation. A gradual reduction is safer. Allow your dog to drink cool water but don’t force your dog to drink.

Get your dog examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible to ensure that no long lasting damage has taken place. Sometimes hospitalized or a special diet may be required, depending on the severity of the heatstroke.

Remember dogs cool themselves primarily by panting and cool water, plenty of shade and moderate exercise are the best ways to prevent overheating. Camp Bow Wow’s Doggy Daycare, offering climate controlled indoor play and rest areas and supervised outdoor play is always a good option, too.