Keep Your Dog Safe in The Heat
Sunny summer days mean more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors with our dogs! But warmer weather also means we need to take extra precautions to protect our pups from heat-related risks.
While we usually enjoy cooler temperatures here on the coast, even a mild increase can put dogs at risk, especially since many aren’t conditioned for heat. Hot asphalt and enclosed spaces like cars can heat up quickly and cause harm in just minutes.
Recognizing the Signs of Overheating
It’s important to know how to recognize the signs of overheating, especially since many dogs will push past their limits just to keep up with us.
Here’s what to look for:
🐾 Panting and Tongue Shape
Panting is totally normal for dogs after activity or in warm weather. But when panting becomes heavy and the tongue appears wider and flatter, it’s called a spatulate or spoon tongue, and it’s a sign your dog’s internal temperature is reaching a dangerous level.
Check out this video to see an example of spatulate tongue in action.
🐾 Slowed Response or Ignoring Commands
If your dog seems to be ignoring you, they’re probably not being stubborn! They may be overheated and too exhausted to respond.
🐾 Seeking Shade or Rest
If your dog is looking for shade, slowing down, or lying down unexpectedly, let them rest and help them cool down.
Cooling Products & How to Use Them
There are lots of cooling products on the market designed to help your dog stay comfortable on hot days. These include cooling collars, bandanas, vests, harnesses, and mats.
We carry the Ruffwear Swamp Cooler Vest and Neck Gaiter, which use evaporative cooling—ideal for dry heat. Keep in mind: these products are less effective in humid environments, since they rely on evaporation to lower body temperature.
Cooling mats are also a great option for relaxing or post-exercise recovery.
Hot Terrain & Booties
Booties can protect your dog’s paws from hot surfaces like pavement or sand, but they can also interfere with your dog’s ability to regulate heat through their paws.
Use booties only when truly necessary and always in combination with other cooling strategies. We carry:Non-Stop Dogwear Protector Booties & Ruffwear Hi & Light Booties. Both great options depending on your particular use case.
The Most Effective Way to Cool Your Dog
The best way to quickly and safely cool a hot dog is immersion in cold water. If that’s not possible, a continuous spray of water is the next best option. Use a hose, water bottle, or bucket, and focus on areas with less fur and more blood flow:
Head and neck
Armpits
Groin
Belly
This method is especially helpful in humid conditions, where evaporative cooling won’t work well.
A recent study from the Penn Vet Working Dog Center showed that training dogs to voluntarily dunk their heads into cold water can significantly reduce their core temperature. That might be more than most Humboldt dog owners need—but if you often venture inland or have a high-activity dog, it could be worth exploring!
Final Tips for a Safe Summer
At the end of the day, the best protection against heat is observation and preparation:
Watch for signs of overheating
Offer plenty of cool water
Take regular breaks
Avoid the hottest parts of the day
Never leave your dog in a parked car
As always, consult your veterinarian for specific medical advice and contact them immediately in case of emergency.
Stay safe, have fun, and enjoy your summer adventures with your dog! 🐾🌞
