How to Keep Pets Cool in the Summer

If inner body temperatures start to climb in animals, the body will become unable to release the added heat and a series of physical changes will occur leading to heat stroke. In a car, for instance, a heat hazard can occur in ten minutes or less. Even parked in the shade with the windows cracked, temperatures can skyrocket to 120 degrees Fahrenheit within minutes.

To keep your pet safe in hot weather keep an air conditioner on in the car or air flowing through the windows when driving. Keep your dog with you, if you are traveling, and make sure where they step is cool or warm to the touch.

Heat stroke leads to dehydration and thickening of the blood because chemicals are released causing a break down in the body cells. This takes its toll on the heart and body tissues, such as the liver, the brain and
intestines, which are usually the first organs to be affected. Cooling down body temperature quickly is mandatory.

Keeping pets safe in hot weather requires an understanding of three stages for potential heat stroke.

The early stage includes physical and behavioral changes to include:

- excessive panting or panting which suddenly stops then starts again
- excessive drooling
- foaming at the mouth
- dry gums
- deep breathing
- agitation
- whining
- barking
- anxiety

Heat Exhaustion or Advanced Stage includes:

- vomiting
- diarrhea
- weakness
- confusion
- trouble walking
- lack of coordination
- pale or grey gums
- trembling

Your dog's body is showing massive discomfort at this point. Now you need to wet a wash cloth or soak sponges in cold water and apply to groin, stomach, head, neck and under thigh. Drizzle water in your dog's mouth and wet the tongue. Ice works really well applied to the inside of the outer ear and in the mouth. If you have a thermometer take his temperature. Normal temperature should be between 100 F and 102 F. Danger zone is 105 F. It is far better to not let your dog overheat in the first place.

Final stage is Heat Stroke, a breakdown in the body's thermo-regulatory system. It requires immediate emergency medical attention.

- collapse
- seizures
- coma
- death

What will the veterinarian do?

Most likely your dog will get a cool water enema, IV fluids and the veterinarian will take blood samples. It is critical when the dog's temperature is elevated that they are monitored for shock. Issues that can occur are kidney failure, heart abnormalities, respiratory stress and more. Your dog may need oxygen or other treatments to stabilize them after getting heat stroke.

Dogs are more susceptible to heat stroke than humans. The build-up of heat in a human's body transfers to the skin where we sweat. The air evaporates the sweat and cooling takes place. Under normal conditions a dog's body is efficient in removing heat and maintaining a normal inner core temperature between 100F to 102F.

A build up of heat transfers to dog's skin and they sweat. They cool themselves through panting and the pads of their feet. This system is effective as long as there is water to perspire and the air is cool and dry. Raise the temperature and humidity, take in less fluids and core body temperature can rise to dangerous levels of 104F to 106F, which is critical for a dog.

Stop exercising, get your animal out of the heat and give them plenty of fluids. Heat exhaustion means the body is depleted of fluids and electrolytes. Rub body with a cool, wet or ice-wrapped towel. Keep dog out of the heat for the rest of the day, preferably the next two to three days.

Keep pets cool in hot weather with cold water, which is your best source of fluid replacement and absorption. Exercise early or later in the day. Don't take a chance on a serious and avoidable health risk.

What else can you do to keep your dog cool and safe in hot weather?

Shave long haired dogs to cool them but no more than one-inch from the skin in order to avoid sunburn. If shaving isn't an option, soak pet with cold water before exercising or going outdoors especially in regions getting up to 100 degrees and beyond.

Carrying a spray bottle of water and ice in a thermos will allow you to periodically cool your pet and in very hot weather you should plan to do this every 15 minutes or more. If you exercise your dog on a hot day, do it in the early morning and if you hike, bike or jog with your pet take liter bottles of water with you and stop often to rest and have a cool drink. In a 45-minute walk your pet could drink one to two liters of water or more. In the Midwest, Eastern and Southern states avoid exercise in high humidity, and keep your pet off hot cement or sand.

If you are traveling and find yourself in a heat wave, stop at a local pet store or department store and pick up items to keep pets cool. Items such as toys you fill with water and freeze are a great way to keep your pet occupied and cool, even in the vehicle while traveling.

There are other products on the market like crate fans, cooling beds and mats, as well as inexpensive options you can get for the home such as a baby pool filled with cool water. Toss in toys for play, or turn on a sprinkler providing a cool grassy area to lie in during heat filled summer days. Other ideas would be to freeze food in a kong and keep ice cubes in the water dish. The purpose is simple, keep your dog cool, and yet many people don't give Fido a second thought when it comes to being out in the summer heat.

Be safe, not sorry, and leave your pet at home where it is cool to avoid overheating, dehydration and sunburn on excessively hot days.