As the summer heat intensifies, imagine wearing a fur coat all day with only your bare feet to sweat! This isn’t some twisted summertime challenge; it’s an everyday reality for your beloved pooch. Part of responsible dog ownership is understanding that dogs tackle the scorching heat in ways entirely different from humans and knowing how to keep them cool.
This article decodes our canine companions’ unique thermoregulation, signs of heat stress, and strategies to provide them with a cool, comfortable, and joyful summer.
Understanding Heat Management in Dogs and How They Keep Cool
Dogs are homeotherms and maintain a constant body temperature of between 101 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. This is higher than the average human temperature of 98.6 degrees.
Unlike humans, dogs don’t sweat all over their bodies to cool down. Here are some ways that dogs keep cool naturally:
- Panting, causing moisture in their tongues, nasal passageways, and lungs to evaporate.
- Relaxing on cold surfaces to enable a conductive heat exchange where their body warmth transfers to the colder surface.
- Vessel expansion: In hot conditions, a dog’s blood vessels in the skin and tongue enlarge, drawing warm blood nearer to the skin surface and radiating their internal warmth.
Symptoms of Overheating in Dogs
In extreme heat, the above natural mechanisms might not be enough to keep your dog cool, leading to overheating. Overheating in dogs can manifest in several ways, including the following:
- Excessive panting
- Drooling
- Increased/rapid heart rate
- Bright red gums or tongue
- Stopping or slowing down during walks
- Wide, stressed eyes
How to Keep Your Dogs Happy and Safe in the Summer Heat
Here are some tips to keep your Labradoodle safe during the scorching summer:
- Engage them in water activities: Labradoodles are natural swimmers and love water, so engaging them in water activities is one of the best ways to keep them cool.
- Keep them hydrated: Ensure your Labradoodle has access to plenty of fresh water.
- Create a cool space: Provide a cool, shaded area for your Labradoodle to relax. If indoors, use fans or air conditioning.
- Mind the time: Limit exercise to the early morning or late evening hours when the temperature is cooler.
Protect Your Dog From the Summer Heat
As a caring pet owner, your dog’s well-being is your priority. You can ensure a safe and fun-filled summer by understanding their unique heat management and recognizing signs of overheating.
If you own a Labradoodle, Texas Australian Labradoodles has all the tips to keep your dog happy. Check out our blog for these tips.