Humans sweat when the temperature rises, and that sweat is a natural temperature reducer. The moisture cools the skin, protects the body from overheating. Pets, who wear a natural fur coat all the time and who can’t sweat like humans can, don’t have the same ability to cool down as humans.
Because of this, responsible pet owners need to know how to keep pets cool during the high spring and summer temperatures, or any time when the temperature outside could put a pet at risk of overheating.
Understanding How Animals Cool Down
Panting is the primary way most furry animals cool down, particularly dogs, but even cats will pant when they are overheated. According to Dr. Wimple at the Angel Veterinary Clinic in Texas, dogs also have an autonomic response to heat in which their blood vessels in the head, face, ears and extremities constrict, restricting blood flow to those areas and thus cooling the dog.
Unfortunately, panting is an inefficient mechanism for cooling down. The cooling process happens when air travels over the saliva on the dog’s tongue and cools the air before it enters the dog’s body. When the temperature outside is significantly warmer than the dog’s normal body temperature, this does very little to cool the dog.
Have Plenty of Shade for Dogs
Shade is one way to keep dogs away from the penetrating heat of the sun. If a dog has to stay outside, be sure there is plenty of shade at all times of the day. As the sun moves across the sky, shade will move depending on the direction of the sun, so while a yard might have plenty of shade in the morning or evenings, it’s possible there won’t be any shade during the midday when the sun is at its peak. Pet owners should ensure there is shade all day for the dog.
Have a Fresh Water Supply
Dogs will drink more water during the summer, since water is one means a dog uses to cool himself. Outside, especially in sunlight, a water bowl can get very hot very fast. Dogs can also turn over water bowls, thus leaving him or her without any water during the day. This can be a potentially deadly situation.
Water bowls that are resistant to being dumped over are a must. Additionally, water bowls with a hose attachment that replenishes the water, keeping a fresh supply that is cooler than standing water can help keep dogs cooler and healthier during high temperatures.
A kiddie pool for dogs can be a great means for a dog who loves water to cool himself. Simply leave the pool filled about halfway with water during the day, preferably in the shade, and the dog can hop in the pool to cool off at any time he chooses. The cool water will cover his coat and keep him feeling cooler even when he’s not in the pool
Dogs should not be allowed to swim unsupervised in large above or below ground pools, but a shallow wading pool or kiddie pool should be safe for most dogs to cool down during the heat of the day.
Reduce Fatty Foods for Summer
Most vets recommend switching to a lower fat food for dogs during the summer, to keep the pet lean and healthy. A thin dog will feel cooler than a dog insulated with layers of fat, so keeping a dog trim and lively will help keep him cool too.
Pet owners should consult with their veterinarian before changing a dog’s diet, and discuss with the vet what is best for an individual outside dog.
No Enclosed Spaces for Dogs
Enclosed spaces can include any vehicle, trailers or tents, carriers, cages, crates, etc. These items indoors will stay cool from the indoor environment, but outside, especially under the sun, these enclosed spaces can quickly become life-threateningly hot for a dog.
Dogs should have adequate space to move around, and any enclosure should be something along the lines of a fenced or gated area. Crates and vehicles have no adequate air flow and temperatures can quickly exceed 120-150 degrees in a matter of minutes when the sun is beating down on the outside.
It’s also a crime in most municipalities to leave a dog enclosed in a vehicle or dangerous enclosure.
Keeping Pets Cool Extends Their Life
Ensuring pets are cool and healthy during the soaring summer temperatures can help extend the length of a dog’s life. Following these simple guidelines can help keep a pet safe throughout the summer and throughout his life.
Michelle L Devon - ~~Michelle Devon has 15 years of writing and over a decade of editorial experience, working with hundreds of publications and ...
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