Summer Dog Care: Essential Summer Gear and Tips to Prevent Heatstroke

Spending quality time with your dog during the summer can be an exciting adventure. However, you should consider a few things when hanging out with your favorite pup during warmer months. Having the right summer gear and being aware of heat-related stresses is crucial for a safe and enjoyable summer — especially since heated-related problems can occur suddenly and without warning.

Heat-Related Stresses in Dogs

Heat-related complications can cause your dog to overheat, leading to dangerously high body temperatures. A dog's normal body temperature ranges between 99°F and 102.5°F, so anything higher should be monitored.

Heatstroke is actually a form of hyperthermia and occurs in three stages: heat stress, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke.

• Heat stress is a sudden increase in thirst and panting.

• Heat exhaustion drastically increases thirst and panting, with added weakness and possible mobility struggles.

• Heatstroke occurs when your dog's body temperature reaches 106°F or higher. Neurological problems and organ failure can also occur with high body temperatures. However, it's important to note that a body temperature over 103°F is considered hyperthermic.

Whether your dog experiences heat stress or heatstroke, it's vital to contact your veterinarian to have your pup evaluated as soon as possible. As an immediate action, it's important to cool your pup down quickly by moving him to a cool place, offering cool (not cold) water to help hydrate, and placing a cool, wet rag on his head and/or neck area. Heat-related concerns should always be taken seriously and require action on your part.

Signs of Heatstroke in Dogs

What signs of heatstroke should you look out for? The early signs of heatstroke may include:

1. Excessive panting or difficulty breathing

2. Drooling, often accompanying excessive saliva

3. Sudden changes in your dog's gum color from pink to pale, blue, or dark red

4. Restlessness or visible stress

5. Rapid heartbeat

6. High body temperature (usually causes your pup's ears and nose to feel warm to the touch)

As heatstroke progresses, your dog can also experience vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, seizures, muscle twitching, or even unconsciousness. Clearly, heat-related concerns should be handled with care and urgency and should not be ignored.

Summer Safety for Dogs

Being aware of the dangers and signs of heat-related complications is valuable, but it's equally important to be proactive as you hang out with your dog during warmer weather. To minimize the risk of overheating this summer, consider the following tips to ensure your dog's safety:

• Plan activities wisely. Schedule hikes and other strenuous activities during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or evening, when dogs are less likely to overheat.

• Seek shade when possible. For general play and fun, take advantage of shaded areas to ensure cooler temperatures.

• Take your dog with you on errands. If you choose to run errands with your fluffy pal, be sure to take her with you and not leave her in the car. Remember, an outside temperature of 60°F or higher is too high for a dog to be left in a vehicle.

• Use the 7-Second Rule. Check walking surfaces, such as pavement, by touching them with your hand. If you can't keep contact with a surface for more than seven seconds, it's too hot for your pup's paws.

• Keep your dog hydrated. Providing fresh water throughout the day and during playtime will help maintain your dog's natural body temperature. The K&H Coolin' Bowl keeps water cool for up to 15 hours — perfect for your backyard, patio, and summer outings.

• Provide a pool to cool off. What could be more refreshing than a dip in a cold pool? The K&H Dog Pool & Pet Bath is a fantastic choice for helping maintain your dog's normal, balanced body temperature on a sunny day. It's a fun splashing opportunity to keep any energetic pup engaged and happy.

• Use a cooling pad. When your dog needs a cool place to unwind, consider giving her a cooling pad like the K&H Coolin' Comfort Bed. This indoor/outdoor bed is free of toxic chemicals and provides consistent cooling and relaxation. Just add water, and you're pup can enjoy a cool nap or two.

• Invest in an elevated bed. An elevated dog cot, like the K&H All Season All Weather Dog Cot, will help your dog stay cool and comfortable by allowing air to move freely through its all-mesh, waterproof cover and around its lightweight, metal frame.

Essential Summer Care for Your Dog

Summer months are a time for frolicking and play, but it's imperative to help your dog maintain his normal body temperature as he enjoys all summer has to offer. With a little pre-planning and watchful care, you can help ensure your dog avoids heat-related stresses that dampen summer fun.

This is the third article in our Summer Dog Care series. Be sure to follow us on Instagram to catch up on the first two articles. And don't miss the next one, Why Some Dog Breeds Are More Prone to Heatstroke.