Summer heat safety for dogs

Summertime means sunshine, freedom, and sometimes, excessive heat. 

Globally, up to half the planet's population can experience extreme heat in June and July. While what constitutes "extreme" varies from place to place (95°F/35°C in Seattle feels very different than the same temperature in Phoenix), dogs can be even more sensitive to heat than humans. They are lower to the ground, which puts them much closer to the hot pavement, and their only means of sweating are through their paws and noses. Dogs rely on panting to cool themselves off, a much less effective cooling system than the all-over sweating that humans do. 

Temperatures rise quickly

Temperatures above 75°F/24°C can start to become dangerous for dogs. This is increasingly so for large dogs, thick-coated dogs, darker colored dogs, or brachycephalic breeds. Other factors that increase their sensitivity include age, obesity, and many medications. For instance, a puppy or senior dog is often more susceptible to overheating than a healthy, adult dog. Certain medications like antibiotics and antihistamines can increase their sensitivity to heat by causing drowsiness, interfering with cooling, or causing dehydration. 

Additionally, asphalt pavement temperatures can be significantly higher than air temperatures in the same places. A general rule of thumb is to check the pavement for 10 seconds with the back of your hand. If you can hold your hand down comfortably, it's safe, but if it feels too hot for your hand, it's definitely too hot for your dog's paws. At 77°F/25°C air temperature, the asphalt can be up to 125°F/52°C. For healthy humans, 110°F/43°C is the approximate temperature at which skin damage can happen with prolonged contact. 

Recognize and respond to heat stroke symptoms 

The early signs of heat stroke can be subtle, especially in dogs who tend to be stoic. If you're out hiking, your dog may continue walking with you even if they have already begun to overheat. By the time they visibly slow down, they could already be in critical condition. 

Early warning signs to look out for:

• Excessive panting (faster/heavier than normal)
• Bright red, dark red, or purple gums or tongue
• Excessive drooling and thicker saliva
• Lethargy or reluctance to keep moving
• Rapid heart rate
• Dazed expression or glazed eyes
  
• Seeking shade or asking for water unprompted

Signs that the heat stroke has progressed:

• Excessive thirst
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Loss of coordination or stumbling
• Curled or taco-shaped tongue while panting
• Increased body temperature

If you see any of these signs, it's important to get your dog to a cool, shaded area as quickly as you can. Let them lay down and get comfortable. If you have cold water, pour it on their body to cool them off. Don't give them a ton of water to drink all at once - offer small amounts and encourage them to sip. For deep-chested and large dogs, make sure they drink slowly to avoid bloat. If this doesn't help, contact the nearest vet. 

Gear and preparation for healthy summer adventures

Summer is often the time we want to be outside the most - longer days mean more time to explore. Some things that we always do for heat safety: get up early or go out in the late evening, pack extra water, check the car and pavement temperatures constantly, bring cooling vests and towels, and pack shade (like tents or umbrellas). Whenever we can, we do Ruby's favorite thing... go to the beach. And, if it's too hot everywhere, we stay home, because safety always comes first. 

In our adventure pack

The Moraine Adventure Pack+ is designed to carry what you need for walks on hot days. Stash a water bottle in the mesh pocket and slip a cooling vest or microfiber towel in the full zip pocket. Yet another pocket will hold your sunscreen and sunglasses, so you're protected, too. 

With the right preparation, we can all beat the heat and keep exploring all summer long. 

What are your tried and true methods for beating the heat? Let us know in the comments!