How hot is too hot for your dog to walk outside? Read our tips to keep your pooch safe in Summer’s coming heat. It may not have heated up enough yet to cause your dog problems while outside. But hot summer weather is coming. Prepare to keep your furry pal safe in the heat with our tips.
Generally, anytime you are having problems staying comfortable, your dog will too. Remember they have a fur coat to contend with. It’s not just high heat you have to worry about. Anytime there is high humidity and the temperature is in the 80s or 90s it can be a problem for your pooch outside in the sun for extended times. This is especially true if your dog is exercising.
If the temperature is over 77 degrees, you should consider whether or not your dog is affected by the heat.
It’s not just the air temperature that can be a problem for Fido. Pavement temperature can be 40-60 degrees hotter than the air. Standing on hot pavement can cause burns to a dog’s foot pads in 60 seconds.
Smaller dogs can tolerate higher heat compared to larger breeds. All kinds of dogs can have trouble in the heat, But dogs of any size are at risk if they are obese or are a flat-faced breed. These breeds are known as brachycephalic breed which can have difficulty breathing in hot weather due to their short snouts. Bulldogs, Pugs and Boston Terriers are examples of this type breed.
Puppies and senior dogs bear close watching in the heat. Puppies have so much energy they can easily get overheated. With a smaller body mass, they can overheat quicker. They might not realize when to stop playing. Seniors, on the other hand, are extra sensitive to high heat. Their bodies are aging and can’t handle drastic temperature changes. Even a short walk on a hot day can put a senior at risk for heat stroke.
Symptoms of overheating to watch for:
Panting excessively
Drooling
Increased thirst
Lethargy
If your dog has these symptoms, bring him inside and set him by a fan to cool down.
Heat stroke signs to watch for:
-Vomiting
-Diarrhea
-A bright red tongue and gums
If your dog starts to stumble, collapse, or lose consciousness, call your vet immediately. If their temperature is too high a dog can have seizures.
Resources:
Thousand Hills Pet Resort and all its proceeds go to our affiliated non-profit New Life K9s.
A dedicated organization that provides service dogs to veterans and first responders living with PTSD at no cost to the recipient. In addition, the New Life K9s prison rehabilitation program educates and trains incarcerated men to become dog handlers and puppy raisers for potential service dogs entering the program. If you wish to learn more about our mission and ways to help visit www.newlifek9s.org/how-to-help/donate.html
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