Dog Overheating: Keep Your Dog Cool and Safe This Summer

The summer heat is brutal for both people and their pets. But unlike humans, dogs can't sweat to cool off.

As the temperatures rise, your dog's risk of overheating increases. This dangerous condition can quickly turn a fun summer day into a life-threatening emergency. If you suspect your dog is overheating, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Thankfully, taking appropriate precautions can help keep dogs safe and prevent overheating. Keep reading to learn how to beat the heat and keep your dog cool this summer.

The Dangers of Overheating

Heatstroke is a serious condition that can lead to death in dogs. When a dog’s core body temperature rises, blood is diverted away from key organs, such as the brain, kidneys, GI tract, and liver.

While this helps cool the dog, organ failure sets in when the organs don't receive enough nutrients from the blood. Within minutes of a dog’s body temperature reaching 110 degrees Fahrenheit, death occurs.

Never Leave Your Dog in the Car

Leaving your dog in the car is one of the most common causes of overheating. On an 85-degree day, the temperature inside a car can reach 102 degrees within 10 minutes—and that’s parked in the shade with the windows cracked. Leaving dogs in cars with the windows closed leads to even faster temperature spikes.

Even short periods in an unattended car during a hot summer day can lead to overheating. Take your dog out of the car at every stop when your furry friend joins you on summer errands.

Exercise Your Dog During the Cooler Parts of the Day

Try to exercise your dog in the early morning and late evening, avoiding the hottest times of the day. If your schedule doesn't permit exercise during cooler periods, consider alternate exercises in the water to prevent your dog's body temperature from rising dangerously high.

Swimming, playing with sprinklers, and a basic hose down are cool summer activities to keep your dog active on hot days.

Provide Plenty of Shade

If you let your dog outside in the yard, ensure he has a nice shady spot and easy access to fresh, cool water. Be aware that shady areas move as the sun moves during the day. Consider providing access to a doggie pool to cool off outside.

Don't leave your dog outside alone for long periods in hot weather. Too much stimulation from nearby neighbors, dogs, and traffic can also excite your dog and lead to overexertion. Monitor your pup to make sure he's calm and cool.

Keep Your House Cool

Opening your home’s windows can be counterproductive on hot and humid days. Keep the hot air out and the air conditioning on while your dog is home, even if you aren't. If you don't have air conditioning, set up fans to promote airflow.

Consider investing in a cooling bed or a thin pet mat as an alternative to hot dog beds to help your dog stay as comfortable as possible. Back on Track's Dog Bed Liner can be used anywhere to give dogs a comfortable resting place without trapping heat.

Use Cooling Materials

Cooling technical materials can help dogs stay cool in hot weather without the inconvenience of a soaking wet dog. Back on Track's Cool on Track products feature a technical material that cools effectively through evaporation.

The Cool on Track Dog Coat can help cool your dog off wherever he goes. It is also beneficial for cooling dogs off after exercise. The Cool on Track Dog Bandana cools around the neck, where many blood vessels can help cool the rest of the body.

Be Aware of At-Risk Breeds

Certain dogs are more susceptible to overheating. Breeds with short noses, such as pugs and bulldogs, cannot cool themselves as effectively by panting. Older, overweight dogs can get heatstroke more easily than their younger, healthier counterparts.

Cooling an Overheated Dog

If you suspect your dog is overheated or has heat stroke despite your best efforts, act fast to initiate the cool-down process.

Immediately put your dog in a cool bath or soak him down with a garden hose. Avoid ice water, as it can cause other serious issues.
Offer your dog some water, but don’t force him to drink.
Use an electric fan to move cooler air over your dog. Fan your dog if you don't have an electric fan.

Most importantly, call your veterinarian. If they want to see your dog, put him into the car without drying him off. Run your car air conditioning with the windows down for the drive. The evaporation will help lower the dog’s body temperature.

Learn More from Back on Track

Use your best judgment when it comes to your dog and the heat. By taking the necessary precautions in hot weather, you and your dog can share a happy and healthy summer.