Walking is enjoyable for dogs because it keeps them physically and mentally fit. However, because the temperature rises too high during the summer, it is difficult for a dog to go for a walk. Dogs are unable to cool themselves off in the same way that we can. They can’t sweat because of their thick fur, which acts as an insulator and shields their skin from the sun’s rays. It is essential to cool down your pet dog because heatstroke can cause a variety of illnesses in them.
Because your dog can not communicate in your language, he can not tell you what is wrong with him. However, by observing their symptoms, we can learn more about our dogs and help them to remain cool after a walk. In this blog, we will learn about “how to cool down your dog after a walk.”
Prevent Overheating By Keeping Your Pet Dog Hydrated
The simplest step one can take to prevent a canine from overheating is to provide him water at regular intervals. If you go on a run with him then take a water bottle and provide him little water when he seems to be panting, drooling, or maybe his saliva is too thick. Do not let the dog drink too much water at once because it will bloat his stomach.
How Can You Tell If A Dog Is Overheated After A Walk?
When we take our pet dogs for a walk during the summer, they may become dehydrated and overheated, resulting in heatstroke. So, by understanding the indications of overheating in your pet, you can treat them and keep them from suffering from heatstroke.
Let us now know the post symptoms of overheating in your dog:
- Dehydration Symptoms in dog
- Dizziness in your pet dog
- Your pet dog my starts Vomiting
- There can be a Lack of urine in your pet dog
- Gums of your dog can change their color which shoes Abnormal condition of your dog
- Your dog may have a fever
- The rise in body temperature of your dog
- Your dog can Collapse due to overheating
- Excessive Panting in your pet dog occurs when a dog’s adrenal glands produce too much cortisol due to a rise in your pet dog’s body temperature.
- Your pet dog starts breathing faster to reduce their body temperature
- An increase in the heartbeat of your dog due to overheating may result in a heart attack
- Your dog will start getting weak.
At What Temperature Can A Dog Get Heat Stroke?
When a dog’s body temperature surpasses 103 degrees Fahrenheit (39.4 degrees Celsius), it is deemed abnormal or hyperthermic. Heatstroke, also known as hyperthermia, occurs when the body temperature rises above 106°F (41°F) without any disease symptoms. It is most usually connected with exposure to extreme external or environmental heat. When the temperature increases to roughly 107°F to 109°F (41.2°C to 42.7°C), it becomes dangerous and may cause organ failure or certain death of your pet dog.
How Long Does It Take For A Dog To Recover From Overheating?
If your pet dog suffers from minor heat strokes, he will recover in a few hours or days, but his life may be affected if he suffers from severe heat strokes. So, before you take any risks, go to the local pet vet and have them check him, and keep a keen watch on your dog and his activities. During heat strokes, also known as hyperthermia, minimizing the number of outdoor exercises, walks, and other activities is advised.
How To Cool Down Your Dog From Overheating After A Walk?
It’s essential to keep your dog cool after a walk to prevent overheating. Here are some suggestions for keeping your pet cool:
- If you are outside when your dog is undergoing heatstroke, take him to a shaded and cool spot (bus stops, beneath trees) and allow him to rest for a while feeding him with some fresh and cool water.
- After a walk, give your dog plenty of clean, fresh water to drink; this will help them stay hydrated and dissipate heat from their body.
- If your pet dog refuses to drink water, then try offering them some juicy fruits like watermelon or something to drink like goat’s milk.
- If you wish to quickly lower your dog’s body temperature, soak a clean cloth in room temperature water. Place it on his neck and chest; when the water evaporates, it draws heat with it, causing your dog’s body to chill down. You can keep him in front of a fan to speed up the process.
- During the summer, some dogs with long coat fur become too hot after returning from a walk, and they may become overheated; to alleviate this, you can use electrical appliances such as a fan and an air conditioner.
- Some dogs prefer to chill on a cool and floor after a summer walk because it helps them regulate their body temperature. So let them do what they want since it is beneficial for them.
If none of these methods help to cool down your dog after a walk, you should take him to the local pet veterinarian before the situation becomes critical. Calling a veterinarian for advice is also a good idea.
Does Wetting A Dog Cool It Down?
Yes, wetting a dog can help your dog to stay cool after a walk. You can use a variety of methods to damp and cool your dog with water.
- Cooling coats and collars of your pet dog with water.
- Keep your dog hydrated by giving clean and fresh water to them after a walk, or you can take a water bottle on a walk for your furry friend.
- Making ice cubes or lollies with fruits with some of their favorite treats can also help them stay cool while enjoying their treats.
- On hot days, dogs enjoy dipping their toes in the water. However, soaking them in cold water or swimming in a swimming pool in a covered, dark area can be beneficial for cooling your dog after a walk.
- Lying Wet and cool towels on their body can be a good idea for cooling your dog as water evaporation can keep your pet cool.
- Garden sprinklers in the garden produce water mists that help in temperature reduction. Some dogs enjoy playing with water sprinklers after a walk, so please allow them to do so. Sprinklers create water mist, which cools the environment and also aids in cooling an overheated dog.
- Cooling mats and ice packs for beds can also aid in cooling their bodies. The use of ice packs or a cooling mat cools the dog’s outer coat, which aids in the reduction of body temperature.
How Do You Prevent Your Pet Dog From Overheating?
- You can begin treatment for your pet dog if you are aware of the symptoms of overheating.
- Visit the veterinarian in the spring or early summer for a health check.
- Never leave your pets alone in a parked vehicle because it can overheat their bodies and is even illegal in some parts of the world.
- Feel free to trim your dog’s long furry coat, but never shave their inner coat, which protects them from the sun.
- Move your dog to a cooler location, such as inside where there is air conditioning or outside in the shade.
- Check your dog’s temperature with a rectal thermometer.
- Allow your dog to cool off in water bodies like lake swimming pools etc.
- Give your dog cool, fresh water, but don’t force them to drink.
How Can I Treat My Dog’s Heatstroke At Home?
- Take your dog to a shady, cool spot.
- Every 30–60 seconds, you should check your pet dog’s rectal temperature.
- Dehydration, vomiting, excessive panting, bright red tongue, pale gums, loose skin, thick saliva, and an increase in heart rate are all early indicators of heatstroke. So you should keep an eye on it.
- Keep an eye out for indicators of a worsening heatstroke, such as difficulty breathing. Gums that turn a brilliant red color before turning blue or purple Weakness or exhaustion in your dog,
- Pour and allow your dog to drink cool water.
- You can also use damp towels or place them in a fan’s wind.
“As soon as the dog has calmed down, rush them to the nearest veterinarian.”
How Do Vets Treat Heatstroke In Dogs?
The following are the steps taken by a veterinarian to cool down a dog suffering from heatstroke:
- Cooling the dog is the first and most important step; the dog must cool down before any tests or treatments can begin.
- The element of oxygen Supplementation to a dog might be the second step taken by your veterinarian; it aids in the rise of oxygen supplementation and helps canines restore their energy.
- Now would be the time for your beloved dog to begin Fluid Therapy. It is performed at the early stages of heatstroke, also known as hypoglycemia, is and aids in the treatment of dehydration and the reduction of heatstroke-related weakness.
- Your dog’s health state can now be determined by tests such as an ECG, blood test, and blood pressure check, among others.
- The vet may now review all of the test results and determine our pet’s condition and prescribe medication to help him lower his body temperature.
These steps should only be taken under the supervision of an expert veterinarian; we are not dog veterinarians; we are simply providing you with an idea of the treatment that your pet veterinarian can provide; it is recommended that you seek medical advice before beginning any treatment.
Conclusion
Taking care of our pets’ dogs is very important because we take them for walks or exercise them to keep them fit and healthy. However, our pet dog can suffer from heatstroke if the temperature rises significantly during the summer. So, during the summer, we should take some essential precautions to protect our pet dog from heatstroke and use some of the simple tips and tricks that I have mentioned above to cool down our pet dog during or after a walk.
Heat strokes can be extremely dangerous for your dog. You should take care of your dog, and if you notice any symptoms, you should contact your dog’s veterinarian or begin the first ad treatment at home, as I mentioned above. Otherwise, your dogs may suffer from serious illness
You might also like to read