Unleashing Summer Safety for Dogs

As school ends and summer arrives, it is time for the entire family, including our beloved pets, to enjoy the great outdoors. However, it's crucial to bear in mind that our dogs are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses and injuries than we are. To guarantee their well-being during our shared adventures under the sun, we must be mindful of potential hazards that could affect them. 

When it is hot, humans rely on sweating to keep cool. Dogs, however, have a different cooling mechanism. While they can sweat a small amount through their footpads, sweating is not an effective method for them to bring down body temperature. Dogs primarily dissipate heat through evaporation via panting. When they pant, a large amount of air contacts the mucus membrane of their airway, and heat is exchanged as they exhale.¹ This process is not as effective as sweating and, as a result, dogs are more susceptible to heatstroke compared to humans. Brachycephalic, or “flat-faced” breeds, face an even greater risk due to their shorter and more restricted airways that decrease their ability to expel heat.¹ Overweight dogs are also at an elevated risk of developing and dying from heatstroke.^1,2

Signs of heat-related illness

It is important to know what to look for when heat stress is suspected. In general, be on the lookout for these signs when the temperature is warm or if the dog has been outside recently:

• Panting excessively
• Increased breathing sounds
• Excessive thirst
• Vomiting and/or diarrhea
• Lethargy

If there is ever a concern for heatstroke, it is crucial to have the pet evaluated by a veterinarian. Before arriving at the hospital, some initial cooling first-aid can be taken to alleviate the condition. Wetting the dog's fur with room-temperature or cool water and using a fan to facilitate evaporative cooling are recommended first-aid techniques. Providing cooling mats for the dog to rest on can also be beneficial. However, it is important to avoid using cold or ice water on the dog, as this can cause vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels) and hinder core temperature cooling. Additionally, covering the dog with a wet towel should be avoided, as it can trap heat instead of dissipating it. If the dog is able to drink, offering water can help with hydration.

Precautions

There are precautions that can be taken to prevent or decrease the likelihood of heatstroke in dogs. If dogs are staying home, ensuring they always have access to well-ventilated, shaded areas and an ample amount of fresh water is important. If dogs are joining the family outside, be sure to never leave them in a parked car with the engine off, even for a short time. Exercise should be limited to cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or later afternoon and evenings. It is crucial to keep the dog’s paw pads in mind when walking outside. Asphalt can become much hotter than the ambient temperature, reaching up to 135 degrees F when the air temperature is just 86 degrees F. Skin damage can occur in as little as 60 seconds at such high temperatures.³ Engaging in water activities can be a fun way to beat the heat. Whether it is at the pool, lake, or beach, it is always advisable to keep a close eye on the dogs. Have the dog pace themselves and take breaks, as swimming can be tiring. For dogs that are not strong swimmers, using a life jacket can provide added safety in the water.

It is also important to be aware of potential toxicity exposure in different kinds of water. In freshwater, blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) can be a danger for dogs. Blue-green algae bloom when the weather is warm and can cause the water to appear pea-green in color. Take care to avoid these waters as blue-green algae can cause lethal neurologic and liver damage to dogs.⁴ In salt water, dogs can be exposed to large amounts of sodium from intentional or unintentional intake of water. Sodium toxicity can progress from vomiting to severe neurologic signs like seizures. When playing at the beach, be sure to provide dogs with plenty of fresh water often and limit the amount of time the dog spends in the water to decrease the amount of unintentional intake. 

Summer is a great time for the family to go enjoy the outdoors and the sun. With awareness of how to ensure their safety, dogs can happily join in on the fun! 

References

1. Davis MS, Cummings SL, Payton ME. Effect of brachycephaly and body condition score on respiratory thermoregulation of healthy dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2017;251(10):1160-1165. doi:10.2460/javma.251.10.1160
2. Bruchim Y, Klement E, Saragusty J, Finkeilstein E, Kass P, Aroch I. Heat Stroke in Dogs: A Retrospective Study of 54 Cases (1999–2004) and Analysis of Risk Factors for Death. J Vet Intern Med. 2006;20(1):38-46. doi:10.1111/j.1939-1676.2006.tb02821.x
3. Berens JJ. Thermal Contact Burns From Streets and Highways. JAMA. 1970;214(11):2025-2027. doi:10.1001/jama.1970.03180110035007
4. Pet Safety Alert: The Rising Dangers of Blue-Green Algae. ASPCA. Accessed June 27, 2023. https://www.aspca.org/news/pet-safety-alert-rising-dangers-blue-green-algae

About the author: Dan Su, MS, DVM, DACVIM (Nutrition) works at BSM Partners as Manager of Nutrition Services. His areas of expertise include nutritional management of dogs and cats and the culinary arts. As a food and animal enthusiast, Dan loves to give his pets food names. He is the proud owner of a cat named Gravy. 

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About the Author

Dan Su, MS, DVM, DACVIM (Nutrition), works at BSM Partners as Director of Nutrition Services. His areas of expertise include nutritional management of dogs and cats, and the culinary arts. As a food and animal enthusiast, Dan loves to give his pets food names. He is the proud owner of a cat named Gravy.