So you’ve got a dog. And now you’re wondering how to keep your dog cool in the summer. If you’re anything like us, you want your pet to be as comfortable and happy as possible. And who doesn’t want their pet to be happy? Understanding how your dog naturally cools down can help you better manage their heat stress. For more insights, read our article on How Your Dog Cools Himself Down. There are a lot of things that can affect your dog’s comfort level in the summertime. The temperature, humidity, and wind all have a big impact on how hot (or cold) your dog feels when it comes time for them to go outside. Read on as a vet offers tips on how to keep Fido cool in the summer heat.

Heatstroke in Dogs

Heatstroke is a serious condition that can occur when dogs are exposed to high temperatures for extended periods of time. While dogs are more prone to overheating than humans, they are also much harder to cool down. This is because they have a higher ratio of surface area to body weight than humans and they do not perspire as easily. Symptoms of heatstroke in dogs include:

• Excessive panting;
• High body temperature (above 102 degrees Fahrenheit);
• Sudden collapse/coma;
• Disorientation, confusion, and lack of coordination;

If you suspect your dog has heatstroke, immediately contact your veterinarian. For immediate assistance and more information on how we can help in critical situations, check out our Veterinary Critical Care services.

Tips on How to Keep Your Dog Cool in the Heat

So what can you do? Well, there are a few things that we recommend:

• Make sure they have plenty of water at all times.
• Always take care of any injuries or medical conditions first—your dog will thank you later!
• If you have access to an air conditioner or fan in the house, be sure to put your pup near it while they sleep so they can get some relief from the heat.
• If you’re going to be spending time outside with your dog, make sure they have access to shade whenever possible. This helps prevent sunburn and keeps their skin healthy and moisturized.
• If you’re going out at night and it’s still really hot out there, consider putting a cooling coat or vest on your dog so they don’t overheat while running around playing with friends or chasing down squirrels!
• If it’s hot out (or even if it isn’t), consider getting a cooling vest for your pup so they don’t overheat as quickly as they would otherwise.

If you have more questions or wish to schedule Fido for a checkup, feel free to call us, your local vet in Live Oak, FL today!