We feel for the double coat dogs – Huskies, Malamutes, Great Pyrenees, etc – doing their best to make it through the summer months as they dream of snow days. Keeping these dogs cool can be tricky, especially since summertime means an increased risk of heatstroke. Not just a concern for double-coated dogs, heatstroke-prone dogs come in all shapes and sizes. Just like making sure that dogs are properly covered up in the winter, it’s important to keep dogs who get too hot in the summer, cool. So keep reading if you want to learn more about if your dog may be prone to heatstroke and what to do if it happens, and some of our favorite dog-tested keep-cool products.
Dogs who are prone to heatstroke. Hint: It’s not just about their physical attributes!
Heatstroke can happen in less than an hour, it's important we help our pets stay safe and cool at all times. In fact, older dogs, all dogs with thick, heavy coats, and dogs with short, flat faces are all more susceptible to heatstroke. Not just based on dog physical attributes, some medical conditions and/or drugs can make a dog more prone to getting heatstroke, so don’t forget to ask your veterinarian about this risk at your next checkup.
Signs of heatstroke
First, it’s important to know what heat stroke is and its signs. Heatstroke is when a dog is unable to stabilize or reduce its temperature through panting, ultimately resulting in overheating and death. Common signs of heatstroke in dogs according to Vetsure.com - https://www.vetsure.com/heat-stroke-can-kill-quickly/ - include;
· Panting heavily
· Excessive drooling
· Lethargy, drowsy, and/or uncoordinated
· Vomiting
· Collapsing
What to do at first signs of heatstroke
It is imperative to act quickly to help your dog survive, which means lowering your dog’s temperate as quickly as possible. Action steps recommended by vetsure.com include:
· Move your dog to a shaded, cool area and providing immediate access to cool water (but don’t let them drink too much)
· Drench dog in cool (not cold – to avoid shock) water. You can also wet a towel and cover your dog and place them near a fan and/or breezy spot
· Repeat the process until your dog begins to settle, but don’t let your dog begin to shiver
· Once your dog is cool, take her to the nearest vet as soon as possible. Heatstroke is extremely deadly and acts fast, so you’ll want to be sure all is OK.
Dog-tested favorite keep-cool products
To help keep you fuzzy friend cool and comfortable in the summer, here are some of our favorite products. But please remember, always keep a close eye on your dog when it’s hot and provide open access to indoor cool spaces, shaded cool areas, and LOTS of water, at all times in the hot weather.
· The Green Pet Shop Cooling Mat. No water needed, this pad is a always-hot-dog favorite. Easy to pick up and move to all your pet’s favorite spots, including in the car. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006NOO440/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
· SGODA Dog Cooling Vest Harness Cooler Jacket. This product comes in a variety of sizes, and it is easy to use. Simply wet the jacket in cold water, wring out, and put on your dog. The moisture in the jacket keeps your dog cool for hours, and can simply be rewet for continued comfort for your dog on the hot summer days. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BGS1MSD/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
· SHSTFD Portable Air Conditioning Fan. This mini fan has the option to add water (you can even add ice) to help air-condition air for your pup – or you! Small enough to be placed next to your pet’s laying or sleeping area, they will certainly enjoy the extra cool breeze. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B085CD2KBM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Have more favorites of your own? Post them in our comment section!