Tips To Keep Your Dog Cool in a Heatwave
21/03/23
Here in Australia we experience heat waves quite often, and as the rest of the world comes into the warmer months keeping your dog cool is crucial! As temperatures continue to rise, it’s essential to take extra care of your furry friends, particularly during a heatwave. Dogs, in particular, are susceptible to heatstroke and dehydration, and as pet owners, we must take necessary precautions to keep them cool and comfortable. In this blog, we will outline some tips on what to do in a heatwave or a hot summer's day with your dog.
1. Keep your dog hydrated
The first and most crucial tip to remember is to keep your dog hydrated. Ensure that your dog has plenty of fresh, clean water to drink. You can also add some ice cubes to their water bowl to help cool them down. You should also carry a portable water bottle and bowl with you when taking your dog on walks, hikes, or any outdoor activity. Your dog should be having 1-2 ml per kg of body weight every hour, but this may increase during hot weather periods. Keep track of how much they are drinking, and keep water accessible at all times.
2. Avoid walking during the hottest parts of the day
Dogs love going for walks, but it's crucial to avoid walking them during the hottest parts of the day. Early morning or late evenings are the best times to take your dog for a walk as the temperature is cooler. The pavement or asphalt can also become too hot and burn your dog's paws, so it's best to test the ground with your hand before taking them on a walk.
To do this, put the back of your hand to the ground and leave it for 5-10 seconds. If it burns you, it’s too hot for your pet, go once it’s cooled down!
For your dog’s paws the heat is very drying in general, try picking up a paw balm to keep them hydrated through the hot weather periods to avoid cracking! Try our Paw Balm!
3. Provide shade and a cool place to rest
Ensure that your dog has access to shade and a cool place to rest, particularly during the hottest parts of the day. If you're out and about, try to find shady areas or take an umbrella to provide your dog with some shade. If your dog is an indoor pet, ensure that they have access to a well-ventilated room or area with a fan or air conditioning.
4. NEVER leave your dog in a hot car
Leaving your dog in a hot car, even for a few minutes, can be deadly. The temperature inside a car can rise very quickly, even with the windows open, and can cause heatstroke or even death.
Same goes for travelling in the middle of the day if you have a ute, or any vehicle where your dog sits outside the car, or in a hot, metal tray. The kind of heat that metal contracts from the sun can be deadly for a dog, it can burn their paws and cause dehydration or heatstroke.
If you're going somewhere with your dog, ensure that you can take them inside or leave them at home where they are safe and cool.
5. Give your dog a cool bath or use a cooling mat
Giving your dog a cool bath or using a cooling mat can help bring down their body temperature. Avoid using cold water as this can cause shock, and use lukewarm water instead. You can also use a damp towel to wipe your dog down or place the cooling mat in their favourite spot to help them cool down.
A great one if you have our Hot Spot Gel is to put that in the fridge and rub on their bellies to help cool and avoid heat rashes.
6. Adjust their diet
During a heatwave, your dog's appetite may change. They may not be as hungry as usual, or they may want to eat more frequently. You can adjust their diet by feeding them smaller meals more frequently throughout the day. You can also add some wet food or mix their dry food with some water to help keep them hydrated.
7. Make frozen treats
In the summer months it’s great to make your dog yummy frozen treats to cool them down! Try recipes like yoghurt bark, frozen coconut oil, frozen bone broth etc. Check out our socials to see our pet recipes!
8. Watch out for heatstroke
Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition that can occur when your dog's body temperature rises above its normal range. Signs of heatstroke include excessive panting, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and collapse. If you suspect that your dog has heatstroke, take them to a veterinarian immediately.
Our dogs are a part of the family, and you want to make them as comfortable as possible in summer or an extreme heatwave. You must ensure that they have access to shade, plenty of fresh water, and a cool place to rest. Avoid walking them during the hottest parts of the day, and never leave them in a hot car. Keep an eye out for signs of heatstroke and seek veterinary attention immediately if you suspect that your dog has it. With these tips, you can help keep your furry friend safe and comfortable during the summer months.
Summer Essentials:
Natural Paw Balm
Natural Nose Balm
Hot Spot Gel
Visit our socials for more info!
@petdrs
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