As the days get warmer and we spend more time outside, it’s important to be mindful of our furry friends. Dogs can overheat quickly due to their thick coats and inability to sweat through their skin. Dogs actually sweat through their paw pads and use panting to regulate their body temperatures. While it’s easy to recognize when we’re getting overheated or experiencing symptoms of heat exhaustion, it’s not always easy to recognize the signs when your dog needs to cool off.

How to Know When It’s Too Hot Outside

A good rule of thumb for knowing when it’s too hot outside? If it’s too hot for you to want to go outside, it’s too hot for your dog. Other ways include:

• Pavement test – You can tell whether it’s too hot to take your dog for a walk by placing the back of your hand on the pavement (or sand) for 7 seconds. If the temperature of the surface is too painful, then avoid taking your dog for a walk.
• Spotting overheating symptoms – If your dog is experiencing excessive panting, rapid breathing, disorientation, drooling, and vomiting, then cool down your dog by providing shade, providing extra water, and applying cool water to their coat.
• Check the temperature – Did you know temperatures over 85° are generally considered unsafe for dogs? During this time, use extreme caution when being outside with your dog.

Tips to Keep Your Dog Safe During Summer Heat

• Choose indoor activities – Stock up on enriching activities, or spend some time creating your own, to keep your dog entertained inside on hot days.
• Go for a swim – Take your dog to lakes, oceans, and other bodies of water where your dog can cool off. If you don’t live close to water, consider setting up a sprinkler in your yard.
• Find shade – If you do spend time outside, make sure there’s a shaded spot for your dog to stay out of the heat.
• Provide extra water – Make sure your dog has access to plenty of water and frozen treats to cool down. You can set up a fan nearby to create a cooling environment.
• Invest in dog booties – Boots can protect your dog’s paws from the heat (and the cold). Prevent blisters, burns, and discomfort for your furry friend by making sure their paws are safe from hot surfaces.
• Don’t leave your dog in your car – It’s extremely dangerous to leave your dog in a hot car, even if you’re just running a quick errand that you think will only take a few minutes. Do not risk the life of your pet because you think this is a convenient option—leave your dog at home where heat is not a concern.

There are plenty of ways to enjoy the beautiful weather with your furry friend. By being mindful of the weather, you can ensure your dog remains healthy and hydrated all summer long. And don’t forget, choose The Canine Culture for dog daycare or boarding to keep your dog safe in the heat! We have a large, shaded lawn for our furry friends, and high airflow throughout our kennels. Our swamp coolers ensure that fresh air is flowing through the kennels all day long. If you’re interested in these services, or need to secure a safe and loving place for your dog to stay during an upcoming vacation, make sure to submit a boarding reservation request. We’ll provide a tail-wagging time!