In order to avoid heat stroke in dogs, here are some suggestions from a veterinarian on how to properly cool them down.
Trying to figure out how to calm down your dog quickly? Many pet owners are not aware of how rapidly and frequently heat stroke in dogs occurs, a potentially lethal condition with a mortality rate of roughly 50%..
Animals with signs of severe heat exhaustion walk into our veterinary office all the time, and their owners don't even know what's wrong. Sometimes concerned pet owners phone the office for guidance on how to swiftly cool down a dog that has collapsed on a hike or has been left in a car. Leaving your dog in the car unsupervised is never, ever a good idea. This is the advice I'd give my own veterinarian customers to properly cool down a hot dog, but your veterinarian will always know what's best for your dog based on their particular medical history. During the sweltering summer months, dogs are particularly vulnerable to overheating. Even though certain canines have coats that are better suited to severe temperatures than others, most dogs are simply not meant to survive in the sun. Heavy fur coats keep them cosy even in the hottest weather. In contrast to people, dogs don't have sweat glands; instead, they predominantly release heat through their paw pads, which is difficult to do when the ground is hot. The moisture in the air that dogs breathe provides an evaporative cooling effect that helps them stay cool.
When a Dog Overheats, What to Do
A dog's age, breed, medical history, and location all play a role in determining the best way to cool it down.
- Take Them Out Of The Heat
The first thing you should do if you suspect your dog is overheating is remove them from direct sunlight as soon as possible. As soon as you can, get them inside where they will have access to water and a cool place to rest. To keep them cool, try the other suggestions in this article, such as putting towels over them or soaking their outerwear. Carry your dog back to your car, turn on the air conditioning, and begin to cool them off. If you can, give them a foldable water bowl to drink from.
- In search of an interesting surface
Take your dog to a place where they can lay down on a cool surface. They can regulate their own body temperature more effectively while they are resting their body heat on cool surfaces. Many dogs, in fact, dig holes on hot days to unearth the cold dirt buried beneath the surface so that they can cool down and relax. Outdoors, find a patch of grass under a canopy of trees or a concrete slab that isn't in direct sunlight. However, anything out of direct sunlight is preferable to nothing if you're trying to cool down a dog in your own home.
- Make Sure There's Enough Water!
Preventing your dog from overheating is made easier when you keep him well-hydrated. Place water bowls around your house so your dog has easy access to cool, fresh water at all times. If your dog isn't a huge fan of drinking water, having a dish outside and inside is a good idea. If you can, install a few throughout your home in places where your dog spends a lot of time, such as your office, kitchen, or living room.
- Make a Gentle Wind
Start the fan and/or air conditioning as soon as possible after bringing your dog inside. Fans or a moderate wind can assist lower the temperature of your dog if you don't have access to either.
- Dry Towels Off
Cooling your dog down quickly is as simple as hanging wet towels across their body. The American Kennel Club suggests that you avoid using an ice-cold compress on your dog during a hot-weather trip, as this can cause your dog's blood vessels to contract and generate additional internal heat.
- Allow them to Swim
Allowing your dog to stand or lie in a shallow, padded pool (a.k.a. a "kiddy pool") to regulate their body temperature is a smart idea (and have some fun splashing around). Please remember that even if the kiddie pool is only half-full, you should never leave your dog alone in the water. Swimming with your dog can be a great way for both of you to get some exercise and remain cool during the sweltering summer months.
- Soak Their Coats
To bring their body temperature down, you can either hose your dog off or gently pour water over their coat in a bathtub. Avoid the risk of shock by using lukewarm or cool water instead of hot water.
- Spritz Paws with Alcohol
Dogs, unlike humans, cool down by releasing heat through the pads of their paws. Use a small amount of rubbing alcohol on your dog's paw pads to swiftly calm him down. This may help to dissipate some of the heat. Your dog's paws should be left open and exposed to cool air to allow them to release heat as efficiently as possible.
Tips for Preventing Canine Heat Stroke
If it's hot outside, make sure your dog has plenty of access to cool water and shade to avoid heat stroke. Dogs can stay cool during a heatwave with these additional tips:
- Purchase a Cooling Mat or Pad
During the hottest months of the year, your dog can really benefit from a cooling mat or pad. Cooling mats are made to keep their frigid temperature so that your dog can rest comfortably. It is easier for dogs to regulate their body temperature if they have a cool spot to rest. Make your own cooling mat if you don't have one by supplying a damp towel to place on your dog. You'll want to keep the mat cool by spraying it with cold water frequently.
- Frosted Doggy Toys
If your dog is always chewing on its toy, frozen dog toys are a terrific option. The market is flooded with toys that are specifically designed to be kept in the freezer. This is great for teething puppies, but it can also keep your dog cool in the summer heat. It's easy to keep your dog cool with frozen dog toys that just need to be wet, put in a plastic bag, and put in the freezer.
- Iced Dog Treats
It is possible to buy frozen dog treats to help your pet beat the heat during the sweltering summer months. Simple to create and even beneficial for our dogs, there are several DIY frozen dog treat recipes to choose from.
- Misting Systems for the Outdoors
Providing your dog with access to shade and cool water is essential if they spend a lot of time outside. Keep your dog cool and comfy with an outdoor mister. However, not everyone can benefit from them. If you don't have access to outside misters, you can use a spray bottle filled with cool water to mist your dog on a frequent basis to keep them cool. Observe their groyne, inside of mouth, and soles of their feet in particular. Keep an eye out for the symptoms of heat stroke at all times. Our dogs are more susceptible to heat stroke than we think. Dogs can suffer from heatstroke if they show any of the following symptoms:
Uncontrollable thirst
Anxiety about breathing
The heart is beating quickly.
Vomiting
Diarrhea or incoordination
Fever
Lethargy
Seizures, collapse, and unconsciousness are among the more serious signs of heat stroke, according to the Humane Society.
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