Summer started with an extreme heat wave that greatly impacted our daily routines with our pets. Our dogs don’t have sweat glands so their ability to cool themselves is limited to the pads of their feet and through their mouths (ie. panting).
Some tips to keep everyone safe and happy this summer:
Walk in the early morning and late evening
The early morning (before 7am) and evening (after 9pm) are significantly cooler without the hot sun beating down on the pavement and their fur. If you need to walk during the day, stick to shaded areas, such as the Hamilton Conservation Area. When heat advisories are in effect, keep walks to a minimum (5-10 minute bathroom breaks).
Test the pavement
Concrete and soil/grass are much cooler than asphalt so consider that when deciding where to walk. If you cannot hold the back of your hand to the asphalt or concrete for 5-6 seconds, your dog won’t be able to tolerate it either.
Use cooling coats/vests
One of my favourite items to beat the heat is a cooling coat. There are many different options, but I have found the most effective ones use a PVA material which absorbs a ton of water and stays cool. You simply soak them as needed and they stay wet for 1-2 hours in extreme heat. I’m currently using Back on Track’s Cool on Track coat. These coats can lower your dog’s skin temperature by 6+ degrees, allowing them to enjoy more of the great outdoors and improving recovery time after activity.
Henry taking a water break while wearing his Cool on Track cooling coat.
Use fans and/or shade cloths if you are outside for extended periods
Camping, road trips, and outdoor sports can be fun for the whole family as long as you’re prepared. Battery powered fans are a great way to help keep your pup cool if they are spending extended periods of time outside. Mylar shade cloths (ie. Aluminet) are also effective at reducing the temperature by 5-8 degrees. These can be hung from your vehicle or draped over a tent to block the sun.
Henry’s dog show set-up. A Ryobi battery-powered fan and frequent water breaks keep him cool in 30+ degree weather.
Make sure your pets stay hydrated
A key factor in avoiding heat exhaustion is adequate hydration. Your dog may not be proactive in staying hydrated so it’s important for us to ensure they not only have access to clean water, but that they are drinking as well. If you have a dog who doesn’t like to drink water, try giving them bone broth, adding in some goat milk, or sprinkling some freeze-dried treats into their water.
A simple way to check your pet’s hydration is to tent the skin up on the back of their neck. When you let go, it should immediately return to normal. If it returns slowly, your pet may be dehydrated.
Groom your dog/cat
Ensure your dog or cat is well brushed with all dead coat removed. Note that double coated dogs should generally not be shaved down as their coat helps to naturally regulate their temperature. Special considerations can be made for elderly animals that struggle with routine grooming practices.
Work the mind to tire out your dog
Tiring out your dog starts with the mind. Playing games or working on obedience will tire out a dog just as effectively as a long walk or run. I like to offer treat balls, snuffle mats, and puzzle games in extreme heat. You can also watch online videos for teaching scent detection or trick training. Do More With Your Dog is a great resource for trick and fitness training with your dog.
Lando creating his own game of water bowl ball.
Visit a dog friendly store
In line with working your dog’s mind, well socialized dogs are welcome at a variety of stores. This is a great opportunity to work on obedience, such as walking in a heel and exposure to different noises and sights. Remember to be respectful of other shoppers and staff, as well as products and displays. Some great pet friendly stores are Canadian Tire, Sail, MEC, Bass Pro Shop, Indigo, Michaels, Marshalls, Winners, and Homesense. Rona and Home Depot are generally welcoming to dogs, but it’s a good idea to ask first.
Take your dog for a swim
If you have a dog that loves the water, a great summertime activity can be renting a pool or visiting a dog friendly beach. We have some great local options including K9 Fun Zone, Fifty Point Conservation, and Valens Lake Conservation.
Peaches enjoying a swim in Lake Ontario.
Use caution when cooling an overheated dog
Sometimes our instincts can cause more harm than good. If a pet is overheated, many people think it’s best to cool them down as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, rapid cooling can cause their blood vessels to constrict and actually generate more internal heat. Do not offer ice or put ice packs on your dog if they are overheated.
The best way to cool a dog that is overheated is to offer cool water and get them to lay down on a cool, wet towel. You can also cool their paw pads using a wet towel. Ideally, you should move them to an indoor, air-conditioned area. Closely monitor and be prepared to take them to the veterinarian if they are displaying symptoms of heat stroke.
A final note
Pet safety is our responsibility. Never leave a dog in a hot car. Be mindful of the weather and your dog’s tolerance of the heat when planning road trips and outdoor activities.
