Fun-filled days in the sun are hallmarks of the summer months, especially with a furry friend by your side. But heavy panting, even when it comes with a wagging tail, could indicate your dog is in danger of overheating. Dogs and summer can go well together as long as you understand how to keep your pet safe.
Heatstroke is a serious condition that can lead to seizures, brain damage or even death. Understanding how long a dog can stay in the heat — and what dehydration looks like — can help you keep your dog safe while making the most of those precious dog days.
Understanding Heatstroke in Dogs
As with humans, hot days increase a dog’s risk of heatstroke. The condition occurs when the temperature inside a canine’s body reaches 105 degrees Fahrenheit, leaving it unable to cool down on its own. Because dogs don’t sweat, panting is their main way of regulating body temperature. When overheated, dogs can’t keep their internal systems at safe temperature levels, which can result in heatstroke and the potential health risks that follow.
Any dog can get heatstroke on a warm day, but some are more susceptible to the condition than others. Brachycephalic breeds with short noses (such as pugs and Boston terriers) are prone to breathing issues and more likely to overheat. Weight and age also affect a dog’s risk of heatstroke.
The Signs and Stages of Heatstroke
Knowing how to identify overheating can help you keep your dog safe on hot days. Some signs of heatstroke to look out for include:
- Heavy panting
- Drooling
- Elevated heart rate
- Red gums or tongue
- Lack of energy
- Unwillingness or inability to move
- Vomiting
- Loss of coordination
- Staggering
- Blood in mouth
- Trembling
- Collapse
A mild case of heatstroke might only involve panting or drooling, subtle symptoms that can be hard to spot. Moderate cases often cause dogs to have a hard time moving and display an unusual lack of energy. Staggering, bleeding from the mouth and collapsing are signs of a severe case of heatstroke and indicate a dog’s life is in danger.
Factors Affecting Heat Tolerance in Dogs
A dog’s heat tolerance depends on a variety of factors. Since dogs rely on panting to cool themselves, temperatures as low as 80 degrees Fahrenheit — which might be comfortable to humans — can be too hot for a canine. High humidity can also alter a dog’s cooling abilities, making overheating likely even when the temperature is lower.
Dogs with long hair or a double coat aren’t suited for excessively hot weather and tend to be more prone to heatstroke than dogs with short hair. The same is true for large breeds, who have to work harder to cool themselves than smaller dogs. Age is another relevant factor, with elderly dogs and puppies more susceptible to heatstroke.
Physical activity levels can also make a dog more vulnerable to overheating. Too much exercise outdoors on a hot summer day can raise your dog’s body temperature above a level it can control.
How Long Can a Dog Stay in Heat?
There’s no definitive answer to how long a dog can stay outside in the heat since tolerance depends on the blend of factors listed above. As a pet parent, it’s up to you to monitor your pup for signs of heatstroke and do what you can to keep your dog cool.
Here are a few general guidelines to follow when summer temperatures hit:
- Avoid being outdoors during the hottest part of the day.
- Limit outdoor exercise to the early morning and evenings.
- Keep a close eye on your pet’s behavior on hot days.
- Ensure your dog always has access to fresh water.
- Encourage your dog to stay in the shade when possible.
Signs of Dehydration in Dogs
Hot summer days can also make your dog more vulnerable to dehydration, which occurs when fluid intake doesn’t make up for the fluids lost through panting, breathing, urinating and evaporation through the paws. An afternoon spent panting in the sun can mean more fluid loss than usual, especially if physical activity is involved.
Some common signs of dog dehydration include:
- Loss of skin elasticity
- Sunken eyes
- Loss of appetite
- Dry nose or gums
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
You can prevent dehydration by ensuring your pet has access to fresh water at all times. This means taking water with you during outings and encouraging it to drink it along the way. You can also add electrolytes to the water, which serve to balance pH levels and carry nutrients to the body.
Additional Tips for Keeping Dogs Cool
- Offer icy treats and cold toys to playful pups.
- Never leave an animal inside a parked car.
- Use a wireless dog fence to keep your dog in the shade.
- Carry ice packs or cooling vests along for outdoor time.
- Bring your dog indoors to rest when it appears to get too hot.
- Opt for kiddie pool play or beach days in the summer rather than long walks.
- Check the pavement to ensure it’s not too hot for your pet’s paws.
When to Seek Veterinary Help
Heatstroke is a serious medical emergency that may require immediate veterinary attention. If your dog’s temperature doesn’t reduce after attempting to lower it, take your pet to the vet immediately. A veterinarian can minimize your dog’s risk of complications such as kidney failure or brain damage.
Keep Your Pup Chillin’ With Halo Collar
Careful monitoring of your dog during the summer can help keep it safe and hydrated during outdoor play. Staying indoors during the hottest hours and having fresh water on hand can go a long way toward reducing dehydration and heatstroke. To keep a closer eye on your dog, opt for a tool like Halo Collar to track your dog’s activity and safety in the summer.
A few simple steps are all it takes to keep your dog safe in the summer. Find more ways to stay cool on our blog today.
