Entering the Scorching Summer: The Danger of Heatstroke in Dogs
As the season shifts into the scorching summer months, high temperatures are sweeping across many regions. Daytime heat indices frequently soar to 40℃ or above, creating severe discomfort not only for humans but especially for our canine companions.
Dogs are particularly vulnerable to heat, as their ability to cool themselves is limited. Unlike humans who sweat to dissipate heat, dogs primarily pant and sweat minimally through their paw pads, which is often insufficient in extreme temperatures, especially when walking on hot surfaces like tarmac or concrete.
Heatstroke in dogs is an urgent life-threatening condition. Once a dog suffers from heatstroke, the survival rate falls below 50%, and the situation can become critical within just 15 minutes if not treated promptly.
Therefore, preventing heatstroke is crucial. Owners should avoid taking dogs out during the hottest parts of the day, provide plenty of shade and water, and never leave dogs unattended in poorly ventilated spaces such as cars. Recognizing early warning signs — like heavy panting, drooling, red gums, rapid heartbeat, and distressed behavior — can save lives.
If heatstroke is suspected, immediate first aid includes moving the dog to a cooler area, applying cool wet towels to the body, and offering small amounts of water frequently while seeking urgent veterinary care.
Protecting dogs during summer's peak heat requires vigilance and swift action to ensure their health and safety.
Pet owners must remember the following 5 key summer safety tips to ensure they can safely get through the summer with their dogs.
1. Important Tips for Keeping Your Dog Safe in Summer Heat
Dogs naturally have a higher body temperature than humans. Their normal body temperature ranges from about 38 to 39°C (100.4 to 102.2°F), which is naturally higher than ours. During hot and humid weather, or after physical exercise, their body temperature can rise rapidly.
If your dog's temperature rises approximately 2°C (3.6°F) above their usual range, it could be a sign of heatstroke. It is important for pet owners to develop the habit of regularly checking their dog's body temperature by feeling areas such as the back, belly, or hindquarters. By familiarizing yourself with how your dog's normal body temperature feels, you can quickly detect if something is wrong.
If you sense your dog is overheating, take immediate action to help cool them down and seek veterinary care if necessary. Protecting your dog from heat-related illnesses is especially crucial during the summer months.
2. Never Leave Your Dog Inside a Car
Under direct sunlight, the temperature inside a parked car can rise by more than 10°C within just 10 minutes. Even leaving your dog inside the car for a very short moment can lead to dangerous and potentially fatal accidents.
If you are planning to take your dog with you in the car, always make sure the interior has fully cooled down before letting your dog inside.
3. Choosing the Right Time for Summer Dog Walks
During summer, it is important not to walk your dog at midday. The intense midday sun can cause overheating and discomfort for your dog. Instead, aim for walks in the early morning or after the sunset when temperatures are cooler and safer for your pet.
In addition to timing, be aware that asphalt heats up significantly under the sun. Hot pavement can burn your dog's paws easily, so before going out, test the ground with your hand. If the surface feels too hot to touch, it is too hot for your dog to walk on.
For safer walks, choose shaded or grassy paths, or wait until the pavement cools down to protect your dog's paws from burns.
4. Keeping Your Dog Cool in Summer
When the temperature rises above 26°C (79°F), it's important to turn on the air conditioning to help your dog stay cool during the hot summer months. This is especially critical for puppies and senior dogs, whose ability to regulate body temperature is less stable and who need extra care from their owners.
However, be mindful not to direct the air conditioner's airflow straight onto your dog, as this can cause physical discomfort or strain. To improve air circulation, you can use a fan alongside the air conditioner. Additionally, using cooling accessories can further assist in lowering your dog's body temperature. Some effective options include cooling shirts, cooling neck rings, and cooling mats.
Combining air conditioning with these cooling essentials ensures your dog stays comfortable and safe throughout the summer heat.
5. Proper Hydration for Dogs: Don't Neglect It
As the weather gets hotter, dogs lose water faster. It is essential to ensure they stay properly hydrated. A general guideline is that a dog should drink about 5% of their body weight in water each day. For example, a 3-kilogram dog needs approximately 150 ml of water daily, while a 10-kilogram dog requires about 500 ml.
However, water intake varies from dog to dog depending on factors such as activity level and individual constitution. Pet owners are advised to observe their dog's daily water consumption and urine output closely. If you notice that your dog is drinking less water, has very yellow urine, or appears lethargic, it is important to pay extra attention and consider consulting a veterinarian.
Happy and Safe Summer for Our Dogs
With just a little more observation and prevention, we can ensure that our dogs continue to enjoy happy walks and joyful meals even during the scorching summer days. By paying closer attention to their needs and taking simple precautions, we help create lasting, happy summer memories for our beloved pets.
