The Dog Days of Summer
How to Keep Your Dog Cool in the Heat
A summer hike in the mountains or floating in the river is always better with a dog by your side. Your dog loves reaching a new elevation, the thrill of landing another fish, and the fresh smell of the outdoors as much as you do. But as you reach for a drink of cool water or a shady spot below the trees to rest, it is important to remember your dog needs this too, often sooner than you do.
Dehydration, overheating, and heat stroke in dogs can occur quickly in high temperatures making some of your favorite activities dangerous for your dog. Heat stroke is an increase in body temperature greater than 104ºF and occurs when your dog’s body can no longer cool itself using natural mechanisms due to high environmental heat. Heat stroke is a medical emergency and requires immediate veterinary care to prevent multiple organ failure and death.
Read on to learn how to keep your dog cool and spot the warning signs of overheating to ensure their safety through the dog days of summer.