Hot Dogs on Hot Days
Dog Breeds Best Suited for Hot Weather Climates
With record hot temperatures being registered everywhere it is important to keep your dogs inside, and when left outdoors make sure they have plenty of shade & available water to help them keep cool. Here are some tips to consider.
#1 Exercise your dog early in the morning or late at night.
#2 Consider “Doggie Boots” if you are walking your dog on Hot Pavements.
Heat rises from the ground, especially on surfaces like cement and asphalt, and dogs absorb and release heat through their feet. Just like boots prevent the dog from absorbing the cold in the winter, they also isolate heat.
#3 Watch for signs of dehydration.
Dogs can’t sweat. They cool off by panting, so an overheated dog will drool excessively. It will become lethargic, its eyes will be bloodshot, and it may appear a little pale. If you lift its skin, it will take longer than usual for the skin to fall back into place.
#4 Make sure your dog has plenty of water available at all times [and keep it in the shade).
#5 Find innovative ways to cool your dog.
Don’t have air conditioning? No problem! Find a spot in the shade and set up a kiddie pool. Lay down a wet towel for your dog to lie on. Or simply set up a fan in front of a pan of ice. At the Dog Psychology Center, we have sprinklers that spray the dogs with a gentle mist of water.
#6 Dogs cool from the bottom up.
Make sure to spray the paws and stomach, not just the top of the dog, when spraying it with water. A wet towel does more good on the bottom of your dog than when laid on the top of its coat.
#7 Allow your dog dig if they want to.
Your dog may resort to finding his own way to avoid the heat. Dog in nature dig their dens not out of frustration but to find food, hide, give birth–or keep cool! If it’s possible, locate a shady area where it’s okay for your dog to dig.
#8 Allow Your Dog To Discover for Themselves how Hot is it Outside.
Dogs don’t have the Weather Channel, so they don’t know why they are being denied a long walk for the day. Allow your dog to step outside and feel for itself that it is too hot, too wet, or too cold to go on a long walk. Your the dog will understand that it has to shorten its walk, or simply come back inside where it’s safe.
#9 Never leave your dog in a parked car.
The car retains more heat than an open area, even if it is in the shade. Plus, a dog may get overexcited in the car due to passersby or panic from claustrophobia, making dehydration more likely. On longer trips, make sure you have water for the dog and keep the AC running.
#10 And lastly……..Use hot weather as an excuse to go swimming together, if your dog likes water.
Here is a List of Dog Breeds That Can Best Tolerate Hot Weather Conditions
