How Dogs Cope with Summer Heat
When summer arrives, have you noticed that your dog's appetite tends to diminish and they seem listless throughout the day? It's quite common for dogs to lose energy and eat less during hot weather.
Actually, dogs have their own little tricks to regulate body temperature. For example, they often pant rapidly or lie down on cool tile floors to help dissipate heat. However, not all dog breeds can easily endure such hot conditions.
Heatstroke Risks in Dogs: Key Characteristics to Watch For
When the weather becomes hot and humid, dogs are prone to heatstroke (heat exhaustion) because they cannot dissipate heat effectively. Some dogs with certain traits are at particularly high risk of overheating:
- Flat faces and short airways: breeds like Pugs, Bulldogs, and Shih Tzus struggle with breathing and cooling.
- Thick coats: breeds such as Huskies, Akitas, and Chow Chows have dense fur that traps heat.
- Overweight, older, or easily excitable dogs: these factors increase vulnerability to heat stress.
Dogs naturally have a body temperature roughly two degrees Celsius higher than humans. Unlike people, who cool down through sweat glands over their skin, dogs have sweat glands only in their paw pads and noses. Their primary cooling method is rapid panting, which evaporates saliva to release heat, but this is a limited process.
Because of these physiological differences, dogs can quickly become overheated in hot and humid conditions, especially those with the traits listed above. Owners of such dogs should be vigilant and take precautions during warm weather to prevent heatstroke, which can be life-threatening.
How Dangerous is Heatstroke in Dogs?
Early Symptoms
Heatstroke in dogs begins with initial signs such as slow reaction, rapid heartbeat, general weakness, vomiting, and thick drooling.
Severe Symptoms
In severe cases, dogs may experience shock, coma, and seizures. These conditions can lead to organ damage and heart failure.
Fatal Risk
If the heatstroke condition persists for more than two hours, the mortality rate can reach up to 90%.
Prevention Is Better Than Cure: How to Protect Your Dog from Heatstroke
Heatstroke prevention is more important than treatment! Check if you are doing the following:
- Environment: Keep your home well-ventilated and pay attention to temperature changes. For example, feeling hot and stuffy during the day but using air conditioning at night can also cause chronic heatstroke in dogs.
- Cooling: Prepare cooling mats or gently pat your dog's body with cool water. Also, trim the hair on your dog's paws in a timely manner—but never shave their entire coat bald, as they still need their fur to protect their sensitive skin.
- Daily Routine: Avoid taking your dog out for walks during the hottest hours of the day, and always make sure they have access to plenty of fresh water.
Protect Your Pets from Heatstroke This Summer
Although dogs look adorable when they exhale, seemingly "laughing" with a "haha" expression, the truth is that our furry friends are actually more sensitive to heat than we humans are. Rapid panting and various abnormal behaviors can be warning signs of a serious problem.
During the peak of summer, incidents of pets suffering from heatstroke are becoming all too common. The pet editors at WangMiao have even encountered real cases at last year's pet expo where dogs tragically overheated while attending the event and later passed away despite medical intervention.
Pet parents must never take this issue lightly or be complacent. Being vigilant and acting promptly can save the lives of our beloved companions when temperatures soar.
