When temperatures climb, our dogs can start to suffer much faster than we do.
Unlike people, dogs barely sweat. Their main way of regulating body temperature is panting. But when the heat becomes too intense, that mechanism may no longer be enough.
A walk at the wrong time of day, scorching pavement or a few minutes left in a car can quickly turn dangerous.
Building the right habits keeps your dog comfortable and, in some situations, can save his life.
Why do dogs handle heat so poorly?
Dogs have very few sweat glands. They release heat mainly through panting and, to a lesser degree, through their paw pads.
When their body can no longer regulate its temperature properly, they risk heatstroke. This is a veterinary emergency that calls for fast treatment.
Some dogs are especially vulnerable, particularly short-nosed breeds such as:
- the French or English bulldog;
- the pug;
- the boxer;
- the Cavalier King Charles spaniel;
- the chow chow.
Puppies, senior dogs, overweight dogs and those with respiratory or heart conditions are also more fragile.
Adjusting walks during a heat wave
During a heat wave, your walking routine sometimes needs to be rethought from top to bottom.
Take the main walk very early in the morning, while the air and the ground are still cool. During the day, keep walks to what is strictly necessary and look for shade every time.
If temperatures are still high in the evening, it is better to wait a little longer than to keep a long walk going out of habit.
Dial back the intensity too. Running, extended ball games and demanding physical activity are best avoided once the heat settles in.
Your dog does not always know when to stop, especially when he is excited. He counts on you to set his limits.
Walks are not his only source of stimulation
Cutting back on outings for a few days does not mean depriving your dog of activity.
Mental stimulation can be just as tiring and just as rewarding as a long walk.
You can offer him:
- a snuffle mat;
- treat search games;
- a stuffable toy;
- a few training exercises;
- puzzle games;
- cardboard boxes to explore under supervision;
- a suitable chewing session.
These activities let him think, search and use his nose while staying somewhere cooler.
The point is not to replace walks for good, but to adapt his daily routine for a while in order to protect him.
Recognizing the signs of heatstroke
Heatstroke can progress very quickly.
Pay close attention if your dog shows:
- very heavy panting;
- excessive drooling;
- a very red, dark or purplish tongue;
- sudden exhaustion;
- trouble walking or standing;
- vomiting or diarrhea;
- trembling;
- loss of consciousness.
Do not wait for several symptoms to appear before you act.
A dog who is unusually weak, disoriented or short of breath after being exposed to heat needs care right away.
What to do immediately
If you think your dog is suffering from the heat, move him without delay to a cool, shaded or air-conditioned spot.
Wet his body gradually with cool water, never ice-cold water. Focus on the belly, the inner thighs and the paws.
You can also use a fan to help him cool down.
Offer him small amounts of cool water, without forcing him to drink.
Then contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary service right away, even if he seems to be improving. Some complications can appear after the initial cooling.
What not to do
With an overheating dog, a few instinctive reactions can make things worse.
Avoid:
- plunging him into an ice bath;
- applying ice directly to his body;
- forcing him to drink;
- letting him swallow large amounts of water or ice cubes quickly;
- waiting for him to get better on his own.
Cooling should be gradual and always backed by veterinary advice.
Check the temperature of the ground
We often think about the air temperature, but far less about the ground.
In full sun, asphalt, concrete and some other surfaces can become scorching and cause painful injuries to the paw pads.
Before heading out, place the back of your hand on the ground for a few seconds. If the heat is uncomfortable for you, it will be uncomfortable for your dog too.
Favor grassy paths, shaded areas and the coolest hours of the day.
After the walk, check his pads. Redness, unusual sensitivity or trouble walking can point to a burn.
Keeping fresh water available
Your dog should be able to drink freely throughout the day.
In summer, remember to refresh his water often so it stays clean and cool.
You can also:
- set out several bowls around the house;
- keep a water station outside, always in the shade;
- carry a travel bottle on outings;
- offer water regularly during car trips;
- keep a closer eye on senior or fragile dogs.
When you go away, always plan for more water than you think you will need.
Never leave your dog in a car
A car can turn into an oven in a matter of minutes.
A cracked window is not enough to keep the temperature acceptable. Even when the outside air feels bearable, the inside of the car can get extremely hot very quickly.
So never leave a dog alone in a vehicle in warm weather, not even for a quick errand.
When you travel, plan your stops ahead and make sure someone can stay with him if needed.
Creating a cooler space at home
At home, let your dog have access to the coolest room.
Close the shutters or the curtains when the sun comes in directly, air the house early in the morning and late in the evening, and use a fan or air conditioning in moderation.
You can also make a cooling mat or a lightly dampened towel available, without ever forcing him to settle on it.
Make sure he can choose his own spot freely and move somewhere else whenever he wants.
Enjoying summer at his pace
Summer can bring beautiful moments to share with your dog, as long as you adjust your habits.
Morning walks, breaks in the shade, quiet games at home and constant access to water protect his well-being without giving up the time you spend together.
Our dogs trust us to recognize their limits and make the right decisions on their behalf.
When it is hot out, the most loving thing you can do is sometimes simply to slow down.
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