Hot Diggity Dog: Tips for Surviving Summer Heat

With summer on the horizon, aren’t we all eager to embark on outdoor
adventures with our pets? I personally cannot wait for the change of season!
Dogs are usually more excited than we are to don their leash and escape from
the confines of their home. Walking or hiking with your dog is not only an
excellent way to bond with our pets, but it can also expose them to other
people and dogs and can help keep the weight off (for both humans and dogs
alike!).

One of the biggest concerns with the change in temperature however is heat
exhaustion and heat stroke. Dogs do not sweat, except through a few sweat
glands on their paws. Dogs can pant to get rid of excessive heat, but
sometimes it is not enough. The biggest risk factors are hot and humid
conditions, lack of water or access to shade and prolonged exposure to
enclosed areas where temperatures rise (ie. In the car or garage). Dogs with
flat faces (pugs, bulldogs, and others) and dogs with thick coats (Goldens,
Chows and others) are also more susceptible.

The clinical signs of overheating in dogs include heavy panting, thick drool,
bloody diarrhea, disorientation, rapid pulse and change in gum color and
eventual muscle tremors and passing out. Symptoms can progress quickly.
Immediate veterinary care is advised when some of the more intense
conditions are occurring.

Just remember as we are out on a warm and beautiful day, if we are hot and
sweating, our dogs are hot but can’t sweat! If we are thirsty, our dogs are
probably extra parched! Keep your pup safe and enjoy those walks and time
outside with them! But, bring water along on your hikes, seek out shade and
swimming areas, avoid the hottest part of the day and just be aware!

Happy Hiking!

Dr. Corinne Fisher-Thompson is a graduate of Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine and a longtime friend of Jessica & Trudy Lou’s. She’s been part of the journey from the very beginning—caring for Trudy, Tilly, and Lou Lou, and offering vet-approved insight into every fresh creation. Her own pups are proud Trudy Lou taste testers! Got a dog health question or a topic you’d love us to cover? Drop us a message through our contact page! Your suggestion might just be featured in an upcoming post!