What temperature is considered inappropriate for a canine walk?
Walking Your Dog Safely in Hot Weather
As the summer heat approaches, it's essential to consider the safety of our furry friends when taking them for a walk. Here are some crucial factors to bear in mind to ensure a comfortable and safe outing for your dog.
Factors Affecting Heat Tolerance in Dogs
The breed, size, age, weight, health, and environment can all impact a dog's ability to handle heat. Brachycephalic breeds like pugs and French Bulldogs, with their short noses, are more susceptible to overheating due to inefficient cooling from panting. On the other hand, thick double-coated breeds, such as Huskies and Malamutes, retain heat and cool down more slowly.
Puppies, seniors, and overweight dogs have less effective thermoregulation, making them more vulnerable to heat-related issues. Giant breeds, due to their surface area to volume ratios, also struggle to cool down effectively.
Environmental factors, such as pavement and asphalt, can heat up quickly and potentially burn a dog's paw pads. It's crucial to test the surface temperature with your hand before embarking on a walk.
Signs of Heatstroke in Dogs
Excessive panting or difficulty breathing, drooling, bright red or pale gums, rapid heartbeat, weakness or collapse, vomiting or diarrhea, disorientation or seizures—these are all signs that your dog may be overheating or developing heatstroke. Heatstroke is a severe emergency that can cause organ damage or even death if not treated promptly.
Safety Tips
To minimise heat-related risks, it's best to walk your dog during cooler hours, such as early morning or late evening. Avoid walking them on hot pavement or asphalt, and provide them with access to water and shade. Keep walks short and calm when temperatures approach or exceed 80°F.
It's essential to monitor your dog closely, especially if they belong to a vulnerable breed or have poor health or are overweight. If you notice any signs of overheating, seek immediate veterinary advice.
Wetting a dog's fur with cool water can help them feel more comfortable and gradually reduce their core temperature. Walking a dog on grass can help prevent sore, burnt paws.
Remember, the mortality rate of heatstroke in dogs can be as high as 50%, so seeking prompt veterinary advice is imperative.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure safe and enjoyable walks for your dog, even during the hot summer months.
[1] PetMD
[2] American Kennel Club
[3] ASPCA
[4] VCA Hospitals
[5] The Bark
- Brachycephalic dogs, like pugs and French Bulldogs, require special care in hot weather due to their inefficient cooling systems.
- Cats, unlike dogs, are more adapted to hot weather, but it's still essential to provide them with adequate health-and-wellness care, such as access to water and shade.
- When choosing pet toys, consider the material to ensure they are safe and non-toxic for your dog or cat, especially in the heat.
- Veterinary science advises immediate action when signs of heatstroke in dogs appear, which include excessive panting, drooling, and disorientation.
- Mental health is also a crucial aspect of pet care, so make sure your dog or cat has a calm and soothing environment, especially during hot weather.
- To keep your pet safe, follow the guidelines provided by reputable sources like PetMD, American Kennel Club, ASPCA, VCA Hospitals, and The Bark during the hot summer months.
