Boy!  It has been a hot summer here in the United States of America and it has made me think about the comfort of my pets constantly, especially of my four German Shepherds.  So, I decided to gather some information on how to help keep them cool and share this information with you as well!

If you are like myself and my dogs, you'll be spending more time outside with your dog, walking and playing in the sunshine.   However, while you are having fun, you will need to keep your dog cool to protect him from heat-related illness and injury.  Heat injury occurs when a dog's body temperature exceeds his ability to cool himself.  Unlike people, your dog's normal body temperature ranges between 100 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. When body temperature elevates above 106 F, normal cooling mechanisms are overwhelmed, which results in a serious condition requiring intervention and medical treatment. This type of temperature elevation is different from a fever, which is a response to inflammation or infection. The severity of the heat injury can range from a mild/moderate temperature increase called heat stress/prostration (103 to 105 F) to a potentially life threatening condition referred to as heat stroke (106 F and higher). Certain breeds are more prone to heat
injury than others. Large double-coated breeds like the Chow Chow are particularly susceptible. Dogs bred for life in cold climates such as Malamutes, Huskies, American Eskimos and Newfoundlands often have little tolerance for heat and humidity. Dogs
with shorter faces such as bulldogs, Boxers, Pugs, Boston Terriers etc. have less ability to cope with heat due to their short and narrow respiratory systems. 

Heat stress can happen quite rapidly, sometimes only in a few minutes, especially in dogs that live primarily indoors. Even pets that live or spend a lot of time outside can succumb to the heat if their cooling mechanisms are exceeded by weather extremes.  Keeping your animals cool in the summer heat can be quite a challenge, especially with the extreme temperatures much of the United States seems to be experiencing today.  However, according to some experts it can be hard on a dog to bring them in and out, off and on, all day. Whereas a dog that remains outside the majority of the time in warmer weather may have more of a chance to get used to it and subsequently live with it easier than one who doesn't remain outside consistently. The problem with the latter scenario is that even a dog that used to being outside in warmer weather has limits on just how high a temperatures it can stand.   For example, it would be hard for any dog to endure a 100+, even 90+ heat index, even if
they were used to the heat.

Be aware that the outside temperature may actually be warmer than what the thermometer reads. The heat index, a measure of the temperature and relative humidity, makes it more difficult for a body to cool down by perspiration.  A
temperature of 85 F can actually feel closer to 100 F (or higher) depending on the index.

Here are some danger signs to look out for in animals -- a rectal body temperature of 106-107 degrees; a warm nose; a rapid heart or pulse rate; a fever; dizziness; a dazed look; twitching muscles; vomiting or diarrhea; and a dark red tongue or red/purple gums. If you see any of these signs, get your pet somewhere cool immediately -- under a tree, into some A/C, better yet, into some tepid water in a pool or bath tub.  If this doesn't work, you can wrap his body and paws in ice or cool wet towels.   A fan will help to cool and circulate air.  One has to really get the dog cooled down quickly.   Be sure to give fluids -- mix a little salt with some distilled or tap water, and put a couple of drops on the tongue every 7 to 10 minutes. If the animal seems to be getting worse, and he starts getting lethargic, take him to the vet immediately.   Call your veterinarian immediately, even if your pet seems to have recovered.  Your vet may require to see your pet as serious complications can develop from heat stress – brain swelling, kidney failure, convulsions, shock or, in serious cases, death.

Heatstroke can be fatal.

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Preventing Heat Stroke

For many dogs, especially the double-coated breeds mentioned, some "experts" believe a summer hair cut can
relieve heat stress.  However, this is often debated.  Others do not believe that it is beneficiary.  A good groomer can clip your dog's coat to a comfortable few inches so they can more easily dissipate the heat.  Do not have your pet shaved down to the skin as this eliminates the natural protection of the hair coat and
predisposes your pet to sunburn and other injury.  The second concern is that the hair stops growing in
as thick, natural and pretty as it otherwise would. Just the same, some feel the advantages of shaving the dogs outweighs the disadvantages.

Other "experts" say don't shave your pets, thinking it will keep them cooler.  Some people don't recommend shaving dogs unless they've had skin problems.  One of the reasons is because animals can get sunburns just like humans can.  If you give your pets plenty of fresh water and shade, they should be okay.   Some say the best way to keep a dog's coat healthy and provide protection from the heat is to have him or her groomed regularly. The cleaner the coat, the more insulation it provides from the heat (or cold). A deshedding tool can dramatically reduce shedding by removing the undercoat and loose hair without sacrificing a healthy top coat.  Despite what you might think, long fur does not necessarily make a dog warmer in the summer's heat. The fur can actually insulate the dog and keep it cooler, so trimming fur is not necessary.

In the heat of midday, one can keep a dog indoors in either air conditioning or in a well ventilated area with circulating fans.   However, plenty of dogs do just fine outside as well with the proper provisions.  If they are outside, make sure some sort of shade is available all day.  Remember that the sun moves throughout the day and so does the shade!  So make sure that the shade will be available all day.  The shade should have plenty of air circulation as well.   A grassy area in your yard is an ideal spot for your dog to cool off, too. Grass releases moisture and keeps your pet cooler than concrete, dirt, or gravel.

Dehydration and heatstroke can be fatal to pets, so access to clean drinking water is critical in the summertime. Always provide plenty of fresh water.  Dogs can only sweat through the pads of their feet and by panting. Evaporation from the wet surfaces of their mouth and nose helps lower body temperature.  While on the go, bring water for your pet in a suitable drinking container.  One important tip at home is to keep plenty of water on hand; that means two full bowls at all times. That way, if one bowl is knocked over or emptied, fresh water is still available.  Personally, we use a self filling plastic bucket that is connected to a hose.  That way I do not have to be afraid of my water digger, Vana, emptying the bowl.

Once shade and plenty of water is established there are other ideas and products available to help keep your pet cool.

If you have a pet that enjoys water, keeping a small pool of water outside provides a
fun and cooling environment.  Molded plastic pools and sprinklers are great for cooling hot dogs off in the heat.
Fill the pool up in a shaded area to keep the water from heating.  Change the water often as well, to prevent mosquito larvae from taking up residence. The best size for a plastic pool is about eight to twelve inches (for larger dogs), less
for short dogs.   Make sure your dog is supervised at all times, and that a smaller dog can easily get in and out of the pool.  Be sure there is just enough water to play in, the water depth should not come over your dog's head.

If a pool is not available, a spray from a hose will help. To get your dog used to the hose, start by trickling a small amount
of water on the feet and gently move up until your pet gets used to the water. Never blast water at a dog who is not used to the hose.  Now, my dogs love it so much that I can barely water my flowers without them running through the hose.  Also, someone has decided that chewing on the sprinkler heads is a great way to cool off and get a drink as well.  *sigh*

Not every dog paddles well.  Animals in the water for the first time should be eased in, never thrown or chased in.  Even if you consider your dog a good swimmer, a life jacket is very important if you take him or her with you on the boat or trips to the beach.   A lightweight, comfortable vest with a leash loop and a sturdy handle is good idea.   A dog can still tire out while swimming or fall out of a boat and become injured.  The vest will help save their life.  Also, don't let your dog drink from pools, streams or the ocean either.    And, if they swim, rinse them off.   Salt and minerals can damage a dog's coat.  Watch for hot sand and pavement at the beaches.  Sensitive paws burn easily.

Qai BEFORE his bath, cooling down and having fun.

Don't forget to limit exercise time.   Even if your dog accompanies you everyday on a walk or jog, certain weather extremes
may call for some changes.  Limit vigorous exercise to early morning and after sunset or eliminate long walks/jogs until the weather cools.  Also, remember that dogs can burn the pads of their feet on hot pavement.  However, there are booties that can be purchased to help protect your dog's feet.....or a treadmill in A/C.

Never leave your dog in a car. Your car can reach 120 F in minutes, even on a cool day, and exceed your dog's cooling capacity.   It's EXTREMELY dangerous and the number one cause of heatstroke.   Also, when you take your pet in the car for a ride, seat the dog near an open window or near an air conditioning vent.  Dogs left in the back of pickup trucks without shade do not fare much better on hot days and it can be dangerous as well.

The Canine Cooler Bed and similar products have grown particularly popular.   The bed is designed to provide your pet with a cool area to lay on as well as provide cushioning comfort for skin, body and joints.  Once filled with water, it's easy to wipe clean and close to maintenance free.   However, it can be heavy when water filled, so it might be best to keep it in one spot!

The kuranda above ground type dog bed works well during all seasons.  In the summer, they help get your pet up and into the breeze and circulating air.  In the winter, they help by getting the dog off of the cold damp ground.  Their taut hammock style construction seems to offer a lot of comfort, too.  Sleep tight!

Fans are often utilized and there are some nifty battery operated crate fans for time
limited situations.   For everyday long term use I would be concerned regarding safety issues, since they involve electrical cords and are usually designed for inside rather than outside useage.  Let's face it, some of our dogs like to chew cords from time to time, too!

I've also tried misters but found that they made the ground below very wet and that
our pets didn't like sitting under them very much.  Also, one of our dogs was always damp and ended up getting a hotspot that he normally never suffered from.   However, they may be worth a try and work for others under different circumstances.

A cooling bandana is a stylish and convenient way to keep your pet (and yourself) cool in the hot
summer months.  Soak the bandana and refrigerate or freeze before tying it loosely
around your dog’s neck.  The wet bandana will help keep your pet cool for hours.   Micro-bead wearable products have become popular.  Current choices include bandanas and body wraps filled with micro beads, once soaked in cool water for about twenty minutes, these products provide a kind of cooling effect as the water evaporates from the beads.  A non micro-bead bandana soaked in ice water, then wrung out also helps a little, but for a much shorter period of time. For safety reasons, you may feel strongly that your pets should not wear micro bead products or any other hanging objects, when left unattended, as they can catch and hang up on fencing and other items.

Pictured above:  Three of my dear dogs who have gone to the Bridge:  Cowboy, Bear, and Chance.  We were out at one of their favorite places to romp near a lake.  They decided to cool off in a puddle instead!

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Sunburn

The Humane Society of the United States says pets may require sunscreen on their noses and ear tips. The society says pets with light-colored noses or light-colored fur on their ears are particularly vulnerable to sunburn and skin cancer.
To prevent sunburn, apply a sunscreen where hair is thin and skin lacks pigment
(nose, ears and sensitive areas) every day your dog is outside.  Sunburn is no DAY AT THE BEACH for dogs either!

You can use human sunscreen products.  Choose one with a sun protection factor (SPF)
of 15 or higher.  It’s okay if your dog licks the sunscreen, because most are not
toxic; however, you should avoid sunscreens that contain zinc or PABA.
According to one holistic vet, the only body part that is susceptible to sunburn is your pet's nose. To
protect it, get some lavender oil and mix it with some olive oil, as a carrier. If
the dog licks it off, it won't hurt them.

If any type of discoloration or sore appears, consult your veterinarian for a check-up.

In conclusion, the summer heat and your pet's safety is something to taken very seriously. What will work best for both you and your pet will vary from situation to situation and dog to dog, depending on your dog's age, their health, their body size and hair,
available shade, your ability to keep their water fresh and clean, actual temperatures, humidity levels and more.  It's always advisable to talk thoroughly with your veterinarian regarding this and other issues, before making any decisions
on lifestyle, products, grooming or general pet care.