What temperature becomes uncomfortable for walking your canine companion?
As the mercury rises, it's essential to take extra precautions to ensure your dog stays comfortable and healthy. Here are some tips to help you keep your furry friend cool and safe during hot weather.
Cooling Down Your Dog
Providing a breeze, using an electric fan, and offering cool water can help cool a dog down further. Wetting a dog thoroughly with cool water can help cool them down and make them feel more comfortable. Cooling a dog with damp, cool towels (especially on the belly) can help reduce their body temperature. However, it's important to avoid using ice or water that is too cold, as it can lead to dangerous changes in blood pressure.
Recognising the Signs of Heatstroke
Heatstroke is a serious condition that can be life-threatening for dogs. Early signs that a dog is overheating or developing heatstroke include anxiousness or restlessness, heavy panting, increased heart rate, excessive drooling, dry mucous membranes, bright red gums and tongue, being hot to the touch, excessive thirst, lack of coordination, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, rapid heart rate, irregular pulse, pale mucous membranes, white or blue gums, collapse, and comatose state. If you notice any of these signs, move your dog out of the heat and into an air-conditioned area immediately.
Walking Your Dog in Hot Weather
Exercise is the most common cause of heatstroke in dogs. To prevent overheating, it's important to consider the temperature guidelines, breed and physical condition, surface temperature (paw safety), time of day, signs of overheating/dehydration, and additional precautions. Ideal walking temperatures for most dogs are between 12°C and 15°C (54°F - 59°F). Walking above 20°C (68°F) starts to become risky, especially for dogs vulnerable to heat. At 24°C to 27°C (75°F - 81°F), the risk is high for most dogs; walks should be limited or avoided. Above 28°C (82°F+), conditions are dangerous for all dogs, potentially life-threatening for vulnerable dogs.
Pavement, asphalt, and concrete can reach 30°F to 60°F hotter than air temperature. The 5-second rule is practical: place the back of your hand on the pavement; if you can’t hold it for 5 seconds, it's too hot for your dog's paws. For example, at 77°F air temperature, asphalt can reach 125°F, hot enough to burn paws in about 60 seconds. To protect their paws, walk your dog early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures and surface heat are lower.
Who's at Risk?
Older dogs, brachycephalic breeds (such as bulldogs, pugs, and boxers), overweight and obese dogs, young puppies under six months of age, geriatric dogs, and dogs with underlying health conditions such as heart disease are at a higher risk of overheating and heatstroke. Walking a dog in shady areas, early in the morning or evening, and on grass can help prevent overheating.
In summary, avoid walking your dog when air temperatures exceed about 20-24°C (68-75°F) for most dogs, lower for vulnerable breeds and health conditions, and never walk on hot surfaces failing the 5-second rule to protect their paws. Also, monitor your dog closely for signs of heat distress and adjust walk times accordingly.
Stay cool and safe, and enjoy the summer with your furry friend!
[1] ASPCA. (2021). Preventing Heat Stroke in Dogs. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-behavior/dog-behavior/preventing-heat-stroke-in-dogs
[2] VCA Hospitals. (2021). Heatstroke in Dogs. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/heatstroke-in-dogs
[3] PetMD. (2021). Heatstroke in Dogs: Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment. https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/cardiovascular/c_multi_heat_stroke
[4] WebMD. (2021). Dog Heat Stroke Symptoms and Treatment. https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/heat-stroke-dogs
[5] The Spruce Pets. (2021). How Hot is Too Hot for Dogs? https://www.thesprucepets.com/how-hot-is-too-hot-for-dogs-1238354
- To ensure optimal health and wellness for your pet, consider using pet toys that are designed to keep them entertained and mentally stimulated.
- Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial in maintaining the overall health and breeding quality of your dog or cat, while also addressing any potential mental health issues they may have.
- In addition to physical care, prioritize your pet's mental health by providing a positive and stress-free environment for them, especially during hot weather.
- As summer approaches, make sure to care for your pets not only by providing health-and-wellness essentials like water and shade but also by checking the weather forecast to avoid taking them out in potentially dangerous temperatures.
- Keep in mind that certain breeds, such as bulldogs, pugs, and boxers, may be more susceptible to heatstroke during hot weather due to their physical characteristics.
- Remember to prioritize your pet's health and safety, whether it's by ensuring they receive appropriate care, using cooling methods on hot days, or monitoring them for signs of heatstroke, so that they can enjoy a happy and healthy life with you.
