Summer Is Here! Avoiding Heatstroke in Dogs

Summer comes with incredible opportunities, ranging from flaunting abs on the beach to hunting in the woods. Outdoor activities are the real definition of summertime. Obviously, your dog will be taking part in a bunch of your fun activities, so you should make sure the hot weather doesn’t ruin anything.

Heatstroke is one of the summer’s most dreaded dangers. Too bad your dog isn’t spared from it either. Actually, it may be worse for your dog because its fur contributes to retaining more heat. A furry dog may be more vulnerable to heatstroke. But then as its owner, you can always keep your little pet safe. Summer should be fun, not a season to spend visiting the vet.

So, how do you avoid heatstroke in your dog? How do you make sure your dog enjoys the summer sun without getting sick? If you have a playful dog, you may have a little more work to do to make sure its temperature doesn’t rise above the ordinary. Check out the measures you can take to ensure your dog doesn’t hyperventilate and collapse from too high temperatures.

Keep Your Dog Hydrated

Staying hydrated contributes a great deal to your dog’s temperature regulation. It also keeps the internal organs in good condition and even boosts their performance.

A bowl of fresh cold water under a shade in the backyard can come in handy when things are about to go south.

Encourage your dog to sip the water frequently to make sure the temperature level stays in check.

Take Your Dog for a Swim

When temperatures prove too stubborn to bear, a swim may save your little canine from heatstroke. If you must leave your compound, go to the nearest dog park that has a swimming pool.

You will have figured a way to entertain your dog and save it too. Swimming helps cool all parts of the body almost instantly. You won’t have to wait minutes before your dog shows signs of improvement.

Avoid Exercising Your Dog

You already know that being overly active causes the body temperature to increase. Exercising your dog during hot hours is opening your own can of worms.

Note that you can help your dog exercise, but only during colder hours like dawn or dusk. Woe to you if your dog is the stubborn and active type because you may need divine intervention to keep it under control.

Let Your Dog Breathe

Dogs regulate their temperature through panting. The sweat glands in their ears, nose, and feet only play a minor role. So, a well-ventilated environment will give your dog a remarkable breathing space, hence regulating the temperature. Shade in the backyard will work just fine.

Sometimes, tips don’t just work, and you may need a real vet to send help. In such a case, don’t hesitate to raise a flag, and our veterinary staff will do what they do best. Visit us at Chaparral Veterinary Medical Center in Cave Creek, Arizona, or call us at 480-595-8600 to schedule an appointment.