Dog Cooling Off in the Pool
As the sun climbs higher in the sky and the temperature rises, it’s important to think about your dog’s safety under a hot sun. Dogs can suffer from heatstroke, just like people. According to an article on About.com regarding dog hyperthermia, or heat stroke, common signs of heat stroke include:
- Increased rectal temperature (over 104° requires action, over 106° is a dire emergency)
- Vigorous panting
- Dark red gums
- Tacky or dry mucus membranes (specifically the gums)
- Lying down and unwilling (or unable) to get up
- Collapse and/or loss of consciousness
- Thick saliva
- Dizziness or disorientation
What To Do If You Think Your Dog Has Heat Stroke
Take immediate action!
- First, move your dog out of the heat and away from the sun right away.
- Begin cooling your dog by placing cool, wet rags or washcloths on the body – especially the foot pads and around the head.
- DO NOT use ice or very cold water! Extreme cold can cause the blood vessels to constrict, preventing the body’s core from cooling and actually causing the internal temperature to further rise. In addition, over-cooling can cause hypothermia, introducing a host of new problems. When the body temperature reaches 103°, stop cooling.
- Offer your dog cool water, but do not force water into your dog’s mouth.
- Call or visit your vet right away – even if your dog seems better. Internal damage might not be obvious to the naked eye, so an exam is necessary (and further testing may be recommended).
The video below talks about some of the common situations where a dog can suffer from heat stroke and how to help him quickly.
Hot Weather Products to Keep Your Dog Cool
Cooling Coat and Mat
One of my dogs is very sensitive to heat, so I’ve made it a point to find products to offer on The Camping Dog Supplies site that help keep dogs cool in hot weather. If you will be spending time in the heat with your dog, you may want to consider getting a cooling jacket – either one that keeps your dog cool by evaporation (great for short-haired dog), or one that comes with inserts that are first frozen and slowly cool down over a period of hours (works for better for long-haired dogs). For something more portable, you can also get cooling dog mats or cooling bandannas to put around their necks.
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