How do dogs cool themselves?
Have you ever wondered how your dog feels during the summer, especially if you have one of those dogs with a thick double coat? You see them panting, and you know they do not sweat the way we do. Dogs have sweat glands in their paw pads, but veterinarians generally agree that this does not do much to cool the whole body.
Most of their cooling happens through panting. When dogs pant, they move warm air out and take air back in, helping the body release heat. But when the weather is very hot and humid, that process becomes less effective. The air around them is already warm, and it is harder for the body to cool down.
If you live somewhere that gets very hot during the summer, it is worth having a few tools to help your dog stay cooler throughout the season.
Dos and Don’ts for Dogs During Summer
Let’s start with the don’ts, because some summer mistakes can become dangerous very quickly:
- Never leave your dog in the car during the summer, even with the windows cracked open or the car parked in the shade. The temperature inside a car can rise quickly, and dogs can die from heatstroke in a short amount of time.
- Do not use a muzzle that keeps your dog’s mouth closed. Dogs need to pant to cool themselves, and a tight muzzle can interfere with that.
- Do not overexercise your dog in extreme heat. A long walk, a run, or a game of fetch may not be worth the risk when the temperature is high. On very hot days, your dog is better off resting indoors with air conditioning than trying to keep up with a normal exercise routine outside.
- Do not leave your dog under the sun for long periods of time. If your dog is outside during the summer, there should always be shade and fresh water nearby.
- Do not shave your dog’s coat in the summer, especially if your dog has a double coat. It may seem like the intuitive thing to do, but the undercoat has a purpose. It helps protect the skin and plays a role in how your dog’s body handles heat.
- Do not walk your dog on hot pavement without protection. Asphalt, concrete, and sidewalks absorb heat from the sun and can burn your dog’s paw pads. A simple way to check is the seven-second test: place your palm on the pavement and hold it there for seven seconds. If it feels too hot for your hand, it is too hot for your dog’s paws.
IloveLeia carries paw protection options like the Waterproof Non Slip Dog Boots, which are designed to protect dogs’ paws from rough surfaces, including hot pavement. For dogs who need a more fitted boot, Healers Urban Walkers are sold in pairs, making them a good option when the front and back paws need different sizes.
Now let’s talk about things to do to help your dog stay cool during the summer:
- Keep fresh water available throughout the day, and do not forget about the water bowl outside. When you leave the house with your dog, bring water with you, even if you are only going for a short walk or a quick car ride.
- Give your dog access to shade, but pay attention to airflow too. Shade helps, but a covered area can still feel hot if the air is not moving. If your dog is resting on a porch, patio, balcony, or in a crate, make sure the space is shaded and well ventilated.
- Give your pup a cooler place to rest with a dog cooling blanket or cooling bed. These products are designed to help dissipate body heat while your dog is lying down, unlike traditional bedding made with heavier fabrics that can trap warmth.
The PupChill Cooling Waterproof Blanket helps protect the furniture underneath from drool, wet paws, and accidents while giving your dog a cool-to-the-touch place to rest. Its cooling side is designed to absorb and dissipate body heat, while the waterproof liner helps keep moisture from reaching the couch, bed, or car seat underneath.
If you are looking for an orthopedic memory foam bed this summer, the PupChill Cooling 4 Bolster Dog Bed is an excellent choice for comfort and helping your dog stay cool. Its top layer is made with cooling fabric, while the gel foam underneath helps absorb and spread out body heat as your dog rests.
More Ideas to Keep your Dog Cool
Here are a few other simple things you can do to keep your dog nice and cool this summer:
- Add a few ice cubes to your dog’s water bowl, especially if your dog enjoys chewing ice.
- Make frozen treats with dog-safe ingredients like plain yogurt, peanut butter, banana, blueberries, or watermelon.
- Use a fan to keep air moving indoors, especially in rooms that get warm during the day.
- Set up a foldable dog pool outside if your dog enjoys water.
Hot weather asks more of your dog’s body, so the goal is to reduce the heat your dog has to deal with before it becomes too much. On the hottest days, it helps to remember a simple rule: if it feels too hot for us, it is too hot for them too.
