NATURE FIRST · SEASON
Dogs in Summer: Safely Through the Heat
High temperatures are more dangerous for dogs than for us. With a few simple rules, your dog will get through the summer cool and safe.
Dogs cannot sweat the way we do, they regulate heat mainly through panting. In hot weather this quickly reaches its limits, and heatstroke can become life threatening. The good news: with shade, water and the right time of day, the risk is easy to keep under control.
Short nosed breeds, overweight dogs and very young or old dogs are especially sensitive. This article does not replace veterinary advice, but it gives you the most important summer rules to follow.
At a glance
- Always offer shade and fresh water
- Never leave the dog in a parked car, not even briefly
- Schedule walks for the cool morning and evening
- Heatstroke is an emergency, act at once
Where heat becomes dangerous
| Situation | Why it is risky | Better like this |
|---|---|---|
| Parked car | Heats up to a life threatening level within minutes, even in the shade and with a window cracked open. | Do not leave the dog in the car in the first place. |
| Midday heat & hot asphalt | Asphalt gets very hot and burns the paws. | Walk early in the morning and late in the evening, choose shady routes. |
| Exertion in the heat | Playing and running drive up the body temperature quickly. | Move activity into the cool hours, take breaks. |
| No shade, no water | Without a retreat and something to drink, the dog overheats. | Always provide a shady spot and fresh water. |
| Sensitive dogs | Short nosed, overweight, very young and old dogs overheat faster. | Be especially careful, keep exertion low. |
Heatstroke emergency: act fast
Signs are heavy, rapid panting, staggering, weakness, a dark red tongue, vomiting or apathy. Bring the dog into the shade at once, offer water and cool it with lukewarm (not ice cold) water on the paws, belly and legs. Then go to the vet without delay, heatstroke is life threatening.
A cool summer routine
How your dog stays cool
- Walks early in the morning and late in the evening
- Asphalt test: if it is too hot for the back of your hand, it is too hot for the paws too
- Always carry water, out and about and at home
- Offer cooling: a shady spot, a wet towel, a shallow dog pool
- Rest instead of action on hot days
- Never leave the dog waiting in a parked car
Frequently asked questions
How do I recognise heatstroke?
Typical signs are very heavy panting, staggering, weakness, a dark red tongue, vomiting or listlessness. In that case, cool the dog at once and go to the vet.
Can the dog stay in the car for a short while?
No. A car heats up to a life threatening level within just a few minutes, even in the shade and with a window slightly open.
Should I use ice cold water if the dog overheats?
No, lukewarm water is better. Ice cold water can put extra strain on the circulation. Start at the paws and legs.
How do I test whether the asphalt is too hot?
Place the back of your hand on the ground for a few seconds. If it is too hot for you, it is too hot for your dog’s paws too.
More knowledge about your dog
From healthy feeding to a safe environment, here you will find easy to follow guides.