How to Prevent Your Dog from Overheating

How do we know if our pets are overheating, and when does it become an emergency? We asked a licensed vet for some tips on how to help our dogs still have (safe) fun in the sun.

Summer is here! With temperatures rising, it’s a given that all of us (including our fur babies) will feel the heat––but what happens when it’s too much? How do we know if our pets are overheating, and when does it become an emergency?

 

We asked licensed vet Dr. Rouchelle “Rotsi” Alonte for some tips on how to help our dogs still have (safe) fun in the sun.

 

How do I check if my pet is overheating?

There are three things to look out for:

1. Excessive panting

2. Difficulty in breathing

3. Color of the gums

 

What do I do when my pet is panting heavily?

If you readily have alcohol or water in a spray bottle, spray some between your pet’s toes, the belly, the groin area. Make sure they rest somewhere shady and let the little one cool down.

 

What gum color would signal that something’s wrong?  

They could either turn very, very red. Another sign is if it’s really pale, or a purplish blue (cyanotic). When there’s a lack of oxygen, the term for it is cyanosis. 

 

When do I have to rush my pet to the clinic for an emergency?

It depends on the scenario. Scenario one: you’re walking your dog, it’s hot outside then you notice they’re panting heavily. If they’re still panting and showing signs of overheating after cooling them down, I’d suggest taking them to the clinic. Scenario two: your pet is just at home and suddenly over-pants. For this, I recommend taking them to the clinic and applying the cooling down tips while the pet is in transit. Heat stroke happens with the accumulation of heat stress, so we need to be wary of that.

Would using a fan help?

If the situation is you’re walking your dog and you have a handheld fan, you should oscillate. Don’t just fan your dog in one direction since you’ll be blowing hot air. But if you’re somewhere home and are using an electric fan, let it swivel. Never douse your dog with ice cold water; it’s more of a slow and steady process to bring down the temperature.

 

Is it healthy to give dogs water right after a walk in the heat?

Rest your dogs for 3-5 minutes before giving them water. Especially for barrel-chested dogs, they might form “kabag” and bloat. Don’t force water if they’re panting; it might go into their lungs. Let them drink at their own pace.

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