How do you keep your dog cool in summer?

Dogs feel most comfortable when the temperature is between 14 °C and 20 °C. Most dogs find the environment unpleasant if the temperature rises above 20 °C. They reduce their physical activity to a minimum and release excess body heat by panting: When panting, dogs breathe in through their nose and out again through their mouth. When they exhale, moisture such as saliva or bodily fluids evaporates and carries heat away from the body. This is the only way dogs can reduce their body temperature as dogs only have sweat glands on their paws. If a dog can no longer release their body heat by panting, they will develop heat stroke.

Dogs with a thick undercoat or long hair are more sensitive to heat than short-haired breeds. When temperatures rise above 25 °C, they need a cool place to relax and should not engage in strenuous activity.

Dogs behave differently when its warm. They avoid any physical activity, doze most of the day and eat less. If temperatures rise above 25 °C at the height of summer your dog will be too warm. Symptoms of overheating include:

• heavy panting,
• restlessness,
• tongue hanging out,
• a stretched-out neck.

If a dog cannot reduce their body temperature, they will suffer from heat stroke. Typical signs of this are:

• flat, fast breathing,
• bright red tongue and mucous membrane,
• palpitations,
• apathy,
• unsteady feet,
• vomiting,
• diarrhoea and
• a body temperature of over 40 °C.

However, a dog will always look for a shady, cool place to sit if they start to feel hot. Cars pose the greatest danger of overheating. Even when the external temperature is “just” 26 °C, the interior of a car can reach 40 °C within half an hour and a car can dangerously overheat. If a dog suffers a heat stroke, they must be immediately cooled down and taken to the vets.

On hot summer days, you need to keep your dog cool:

• In summer, a dip in the lake, river, or the sea makes a welcome change for most dogs.
• If you don’t live near water, you can set up a paddling pool in the garden, the backyard or on the balcony. Lawn sprinklers and water hoses also provide a source of refreshment.
• Make sure there is enough shade for your dog to cool down in. Cold tiles or cooling mats provide some relief from the heat inside. Outside dogs prefer to lie under the shade of a parasol or tree.
• Keeping cool indoors: Close curtains or blinds and only open windows in the morning and evening.
• Avoid midday walks. Go for short walks in the cooler morning and evening hours.
• After a walk on warm concrete or pavements, cool your dog’s paws and legs with cold water.
• In the heat, strenuous physical activities such as running, cycling, or sports should be avoided.
• Provide enough drinking water, preferably in several places. Dogs need to be hydrated to keep cool in the summer.
• Brush your dog regularly, preferably every day. Looking after their coat means more air circulates near their skin.
• Some dog owners also treat their four-legged friends to a cool dog-friendly ice cream on hot days.

Watch your pet closely on hot days: You will notice quickly when your dog is too warm and where they prefer to keep cool. You should limit playtime in the summer depending on the temperature and keep your dog occupied in the heat with relaxing distractions.