AVOID Heat Stress In Dogs

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​We all love our Australian summers and dogs love to stretch out and relax in the summer sun but some days can be excessively hot for our pets and we need to take some precautionary measures to avoid heat stress in dogs.

Dogs Can Dehydrate Very Quickly

Consider leaving more than just one bowl of water around just in case one gets knocked over. Do not use stainless steel or tin bowls for their water as these can heat up quickly. Make sure the water is left in the shade and if you are heading out for a few hours on a really hot day place some ice cubes in their bowl of water to help keep it cooler for longer.

Never Leave Your Dog In The Car

It does not have to be a hot day for the temperature of your car to rise quickly even with the windows down. The temperature in cars rise quickly and they can become like an oven for your dog so never make the mistake of leaving them in the car even for “just a minute” while you run an errand.

Provide Your Dog With Plenty Of Shade And Access To Cooler Areas

Provide your dog with shade and access to cooler areas so they have a place to get out of the sun and beat the heat. On extremely hot days it is best for you to keep your dog inside. It is always nice to “chill out” with your dog away from the heat.

Take Your Dog For A Swim

​What better way to escape the heat than going for a swim.  Hot summer days are not good for exercising your dog like you normally would at the park or going for a long run or walk.  Swimming will cool the body temperature. Dogs can’t release heat by sweating the way humans do, heat and humidity can raise our dogs body temperatures to dangerous levels. Not only will your dog cool off by swimming but will get a good workout as well! For the older dog wading and gentle swimming can help bring the core temperature down. 

Cool Vest for Dogs 

A vest that helps keep your dog cool.  K9 SWiM stock the Ruffwear Swamp Cooler -cooling vest which uses natural evaporative cooling to keep your dog cool. Soak it in cold water, wring it out, and fasten around your dog. Evaporative cooling exchanges the dog's heat as water evaporates from the coat's reservoir.

​The Swamp Cooler's light color is designed to reflect heat from the sun. Combined with the evaporative cooling effect, the Swamp Cooler keeps dogs comfortable when temperatures rise. Auto-lock buckles on each side of the jacket provide easy on/off.      

Symptoms Of Heat Stress in Dogs

The symptoms of heat stress can vary and they will display several signs:
•    Rapid panting or finding it hard to breath
•    Fast heart rate
•    Red or pale gums
•    Excessive drooling
•    Signs of distress
•    Lethargic or difficult for them to get up
•    Vomiting or diarrhoea

What Should You Do If Your Dog  Show Signs of Heat Stress

Remove the dog from the hot area immediately. Take them to your veterinary. You can also lower their temperature by wetting them with cool water. CAUTION: Do NOT use very cold water as it can actually be counterproductive and cause more harm. Allow your dog access to cool water to drink but do not try to force feed them water as they may choke.

​Remember prevention is the key!