You should take your dog on some memorable outdoor adventures during the summer. But because hot weather can cause exhaustion and overheating, it’s crucial to consider how having fun in the sun may affect your furry family members. Here are some guidelines on how to identify overheating in dogs and what pet parents can do to prevent it in order to keep their dogs as safe as possible during the summer heat.
Dogs can experience the negative effects of too much sun, just like humans, with older dogs being most at risk. Here are some tips for keeping your dog healthy and comfortable during hot weather.
No matter how old or what breed your dog is, it’s important to always be aware of how they handle the heat. While all dogs can struggle in the heat, those with double coats, thick fur, or flat faces (brachycephalic breeds, like French Bulldogs, or those with double coats like German Shepherds) may have more difficulty controlling their body heat and may be more susceptible to heat stroke and dehydration. Similarly, lighter-colored or hairless dogs may be more vulnerable to sunburn.
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All breeds of dogs, regardless of the thickness of their coat, will have sensitive body parts (such as their nose, ears, and any lighter patches of fur) that are susceptible to sunburn, even though dogs with naturally short hair are more at risk. For this reason, pet-safe sunscreen is the way to go. It’s important to apply dog sunscreen to the tips of the dog’s ears, nose, belly, and groin areas. You can consult your veterinarian about this. Use non-toxic products to keep your dog from getting sick because dogs frequently lick sunscreen-covered areas. Once more, your veterinarian can provide you with advice on dog-friendly products.
Sunstroke, which can be fatal, occurs when a dog’s ability to regulate their body temperature is lost. Just like in humans, sunstroke can take hold very quickly. Lethargy, lack of coordination, very red gums, labored breathing, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea are among the symptoms. In severe cases, your dog could even have a seizure.
Leaving Your Dog in the Car
While taking your dog for a walk in the heat is undoubtedly risky, leaving dogs in cars, even for a short while, is one of the main causes of heatstroke.
Dr. Connelly cautions pet owners against leaving their animals unattended in a parked car:
8 Signs of Heat Stress in Your Dog
Our four-legged friends don’t handle the heat like we do. Unlike us, dogs don’t sweat out excess body heat. Although dogs frequently pant to release heat, this may not always be sufficient to reduce body temperature. As a result, if not accustomed, your beloved dog could easily become overheated.
Fortunately, spotting overheating symptoms in your dog is not difficult. You might begin to observe signs like these if your dog is feeling uncomfortable in the heat:
FAQ
How do I know if my dog’s too hot?
Signs Your Dog Is Overheating Frenetic panting, excessive salivation, bright-red membranes, and labored breathing are obvious indicators that your dog is overheating. If his temperature rises to over 106 degrees Fahrenheit and he is unable to cool himself, this could quickly lead to a metabolic meltdown.
Is it bad for dogs to be in the sun?
Dogs and cats are susceptible to sun damage just like humans are. In our animal friends, excessive sun exposure can cause sunburns and skin cancer. vulnerable to the sun’s harmful rays. Because they frequently have little to no hair, the lips, eyelids, belly, and ears are particularly vulnerable to sun damage.
How long can dogs be out in the sun?
Generally speaking, veterinarians advise that your pets receive 20 to 40 minutes of daily direct outdoor sunlight. Your dog or cat may enjoy the feel of light coming through glass windows, but since it doesn’t contain ultraviolet rays, it won’t have the same positive effects on their health.
What temperature is too hot for a dog?
Try to avoid going outside if it’s any hotter than 90 degrees Fahrenheit because conditions can quickly become more dangerous at those higher temperatures.