Beating the Heat with Your Dog:

We as physiotherapist promote exercise as way to keep your dog fit and healthy, as summer temperatures soar and dog sport competitions take place, it’s crucial to understand how dogs naturally regulate their body temperature and how we can assist them in staying cool. From a physiotherapy standpoint, ensuring your dog’s comfort and safety during hot weather involves recognising their cooling mechanisms, providing appropriate interventions, and knowing when to seek veterinary care.

🐾 How Dogs Cool Themselves Naturally

Dogs have limited sweat glands, primarily located on their paw pads, making them less efficient at dissipating heat compared to humans. Instead, they rely on two primary mechanisms:

1. Panting: Dogs pant to facilitate evaporative cooling. Moisture evaporates from their tongue, nasal passages, and the lining of their lungs, helping to lower body temperature (Goldberg et al., 1981).
2. Vasodilation: When overheated, dogs experience vasodilation—expansion of blood vessels—especially in areas like the ears and face. This process brings overheated blood closer to the skin’s surface, promoting heat loss.

❄️ How to Cool Your Dog Safely

If your dog shows signs of overheating, immediate action is essential:

• Move to a Cool Area: Relocate your dog to a shaded, well-ventilated space.
• Apply Cool Water: Use cool/cold (what you have to hand as long as its not hot) water to dampen your dog’s entire body, focusing on areas like the groin, armpits, and paws. This cools the dog by evaporation.
• Offer Water: Provide cool water for your dog to drink.
• Use a Fan: If available, use a fan to increase air circulation around your dog.
• Cooling Products: Consider using cooling mats, vests, or bandanas designed to help regulate your dog’s temperature.

🚨 When to Seek Veterinary Care

– When external temperature is above 20°C (68°F)* dogs may start to feel uncomfortable and require extra care especially brachycephalic (flat faced) breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs French Bulldogs and the like, overweight dogs, dogs with thicker coats etc.

– When external temperature is above 28°C (82°F)* there is a high risk of heat stress for any dog, especially for brachycephalic breeds (Boxers, Bulldogs, French bulldogs etc or dogs with health conditions or who are overweight.

Heatstroke is a severe condition that can be life-threatening. Signs include:

• Heavy panting and difficulty breathing
• Excessive drooling
• Lethargy or confusion
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Collapse

If they exhibit any of the above symptoms or your dog’s internal body temperature exceeds 40°C (104°F) GET THEM WET AND SEEK VETERINARY ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY. Even if your dog seems to recover, it’s essential to have them evaluated by a veterinarian, as heatstroke can cause delayed organ damage. A canine first aid course will cover this emergency (See blog on first aid) but it does not replace veterinary attention but it may save your dog.

🐶 Tips for Hot Weather

• Gentle Exercise: Limit physical activity during peak heat hours. Opt for early morning or late evening walks if the temperature permits.
• Hydration: Always provide fresh water before, during, and after exercise.
• Cooling Down: After exercise, allow your dog to cool down gradually in a shaded area.
• Paw Care: Check your dog’s paws for signs of burns or irritation from hot surfaces.

By understanding your dog’s natural cooling mechanisms and implementing these strategies, you can help ensure they stay safe and comfortable during the warmer months. Always consult with your veterinarian for personalised advice and care.

One final thought, DO NOT LEAVE YOUR DOG IN THE CAR EVER..

Goldberg, M.B., Langman, V.A. and Richard Taylor, C. (1981) ‘Panting in dogs: Paths of air flow in response to heat and exercise’, Respiration Physiology, 43(3), pp. 327–338. doi:10.1016/0034-5687(81)90113-4.