Do you know how to keep your dog safe when extreme temps hit?

Summer has arrived! Dog safety in extreme heat is critical. The summer months bring dangerous heat like what’s expected here in New Jersey and the northeast this week. What does that mean for you and your dog? Time to start thinking about their wellness and safety and make plans to adjust their schedule as needed.

Things to be aware of:

• Limit outdoor exercise
• Walk early in the morning or late in the evening
• Avoid hot asphalt and concrete
• Know increased risks for your dog (age, weight, facial structure, coat)
• Know the signs of heat stroke and how to treat
• Be aware of humidity and “Feels Like” temps
• Provide plenty of fresh water

How & when to exercise

One of the first things you can do to ensure dog safety in extreme heat is to limit their outdoor exercise. This includes walking them in the early morning hours before temperatures and the heat index climb to dangerous levels. If that’s not possible, wait until later in the evening after it’s cooled off. Whenever you choose, keep walks short and/or limit them to bathroom breaks only and stay in the shade or on the grass whenever possible.

If you are going to walk your dog, be aware of hot asphalt and concrete and the damage it can cause paws. At a surface temperature of 125 degrees, skin destruction can occur in just 60 seconds.

There are products available to help protect your dog’s paws from hot surfaces. Paw wax, such as Musher’s Secret, shoes/socks, and peel and stick pads are a few examples. Additional tips to protect your dog’s paws if walking on hot asphalt or concrete can be found here.

TIP: Rest your hand on the ground for 7 seconds. If it’s too hot for you, then it’s too hot for your dog’s bare paws too.

How hot is too hot?

Here are some important things to know when thinking about dog safety in extreme heat.

Normal body temperature for us as humans is, of course, 98.6 degrees. What you may not know is that normal body temp for your dog is approximately 100-102 degrees. Combined with the fact that due to size, dogs are much closer to the ground, the dangers of extreme heat for them are greatly increased. Not to mention they are walking around in a fur coat!

Dogs at greater risk for heat exhaustion or heat stroke include puppies, seniors, dogs that are overweight, have heart or respiratory disease, and short nosed (brachycephalic) breeds and mixes of such.

Signs of heat stroke

It’s important to know the signs of heat stroke to keep your dog safe, recognize it early, and know when and what actions should be taken.

What to look for:

• heavy panting
• deep red or purple tongue
• glazed eyes
• thick/sticky saliva or excessive salivation
• weakness and lethargy
• dizziness
• lack of coordination
• fever
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• seizure
• unconsciousness

What to do if heat stroke occurs?

If you notice your dog having any of the above listed signs of heat stroke, or multiple symptoms, take the following actions:

• Immediately move your dog to the shade or air conditioning
• Run cool (not cold) water all over them
• Apply ice packs or cold towels to their head, neck and chest
• Let them drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes
• Transport them directly to a veterinarian

Safe activities for your dog during extreme heat

Some safe activities to do with your dog during excessive heat and humidity include playing tug or fetch indoors. You could arrange an indoor play date with one of your dog’s neighborhood doggy pals, or schedule a morning, afternoon or full day at your favorite indoor dog daycare facility.

If you have a water loving dog, you could set up a baby pool for them to splash and cool down in, or have a swim in a nearby stream, lake or your own pool. Keep in mid that water intoxication is very real and can be life threatening.

Perhaps you could try something new like an underwater treadmill with trusted professionals like those found at Petra’s Dog Resource Center, or similar facility near you.

Did you know engaging your dog in nosework or creating scent games can be just as effective as a long walk? Even more in some cases. Treat puzzles, snuffle mats, indoor scent games, or even just hiding treats around the house for your dog to find are all great options! Learn all about your dog’s sense of smell and their amazing noses here.

Whatever you choose; make a plan, stay cool have fun and keep dog safety in extreme heat a priority!

• About
• Latest Posts

Leanne Kimble

Owner at Canine Companion Pet Service

Animal lover. Nature lover. Bully breed lover and Pit Bull advocate. Environmentalist. Perfectionist. Entrepreneur. American Bully Mom. Bereaved APBT and cat Mom. Former Foster Mom. Rescue volunteer. Micro business owner. New Jersey born and raised. Virgo. Youngest of 3. Aunt to 5. Live alone and prefer it that way. Social introvert. Homebody. Prefer animals to people. Cheese lover. Tattoo lover. Hobby photographer. Savvy Dog Walker.
Just trying to do my best during my time here.

Latest posts by Leanne Kimble (see all)

• The Heat Is On! Dog Safety In Extreme Heat - June 26, 2021
• A Dog’s Sense of Smell & Their Amazing Noses - May 9, 2021