WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR DOG FROM HEAT STRESS IN SUMMER

It’s not just humans who struggle with the dog days of summer.

“Many animals are vulnerable to overheating, which can lead to severe heat stroke when their bodies can’t regulate their temperature anymore,” explains RSPCA senior scientific officer Sarah Zito.

“As pet guardians, it’s our responsibility to take precautions and help protect them from that.”

Overheating warning signs

Warning signs of heat stroke in dogs include restlessness, excessive panting, drooling, drowsiness, lethargy, and even vomiting.

If you notice any of these symptoms, Dr. Zito advises contacting a veterinarian right away.

“Conditions like this can escalate very quickly into a life-threatening situation,” she warns.

“Even if your pet seems to be recovering, or if you suspect they might have heat stroke, they should always be monitored by a vet.”

In the meantime, move the dog to a cool, shaded area and offer water if they’re able to drink normally—but don’t force it, as they might inhale the water instead of swallowing it.

“You can use cool water to help lower their body temperature, but avoid cold water or ice, as that could actually make things worse,” Dr. Zito advises.

“Never pour water on or near their head, as they might inhale it.”

If you’re feeling the need to cool down your space, chances are your dog needs it too, says Susan Hazel, associate professor at the School of Animal and Veterinary Science at the University of Adelaide.

Consider your pet’s vulnerability

The risk of overheating can vary based on your dog’s breed, health, and body type.

Flat-faced or brachycephalic breeds, such as pugs, English and French bulldogs, and Boston terriers, are especially prone to overheating, Dr. Zito explains.

Other risk factors include respiratory or heart issues, obesity, thick or double coats, and both very young and older dogs.

“If you have a pet that’s at higher risk, it’s a good idea to consult with your vet about preparing for summer so you can understand the specific risks for your dog,” Dr. Zito advises.

Modify exercise routines

The surest strategy against high temperatures is to take pets out early in the morning and late in the evening, Dr Zito advises.

“If it is extremely hot, and especially if it’s hot and humid, it’s better not to exercise your dog outside on those days during those conditions,” she says.

Hot sand, concrete, asphalt, and other surfaces that trap heat can be a problem when there’s no access to shade.

“Not only does this raise the risk of heat stress, but it can also cause serious burns to their little paws on those hot surfaces,” Dr. Zito warns.

If the weather isn’t suitable for outdoor exercise, she suggests giving your dog “extra enrichment and playtime” indoors, where it’s cooler.

To accessorise or not to accessorise?

While jackets are great for keeping dogs warm in winter, summer accessories aren’t as straightforward in their purpose, Dr. Hazel explains.

“When it comes to preventing heat stress in the summer, it’s more about avoiding situations where they can get dangerously hot,” she says.

Dog boots, for example, can protect your pup’s paws from scorching pavement, but they don’t address the broader risks of heat, Dr. Hazel points out.

“If the pavement is hot enough to burn their paws, it’s probably too hot to walk your dog at all—you should wait until it cools down,” she advises.

As for accessories like doggy sunglasses or hats, she says they offer little benefit, and most dogs just won’t tolerate wearing them.

What about the beach?

If your dog loves to swim and is comfortable in the water, a trip to a dog-friendly beach could help them cool off.

“Just be cautious of things like hot sand burning their paws,” Dr. Zito advises.

“If you can find a spot with shade—like treed areas, small inlets, or places where the water isn’t too heated by the sun and the sand is cooler—that would be a better option,” she adds.

For animals with breathing issues, swimming might pose a risk, so it’s always a good idea to check with your vet first, Dr. Zito says.

Temperature in cars

In summer the temperature inside a vehicle can surpass the outside very quickly.

“You should never leave your animal unattended in a car or vehicle, even in the shade, even when the windows are down. Those animals can still overheat and die really quickly,” Dr Zito says.

Cooling tips for dog owners

• Make sure they have access to shade and a well-ventilated space

• Provide multiple containers of clean fresh water that can’t be tipped over easily
• Give them water baths
• Try a pet-safe cooling mat
• Freeze water in old bottles or containers, wrap them in towels and leave them in spots around the home
• Frozen treats, such as frozen fruit or wet dog food blended with water and frozen into blocks

It’s crucial to give animals the option to choose whether they want to use cooling tools, Dr. Zito explains.

“Animals are pretty good at regulating their own temperature if they have access to different temperature zones,” she says. “When they get too cool, they’ll move to a spot where they feel more comfortable.”