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How do dogs cool off? The science of thermoregulation.
Leanne James, LVT, CPDT-KA, ABCDT, IAABCDT, Fear Free Cert, Human-Animal Bond Cert, CPR/BLS/ALS Cert, NAVC Nutrition Cert, Shock-Free Coalition
Heat Safety Facts for Dogs
How do humans cool off? The importance of sweat, moving air, and surface area for evaporative cooling.
We, humans, are able to cool our core body temperature by evaporative cooling. When our internal thermostat recognizes that our core body temperature has risen above normal, we secrete sweat through sweat glands in our skin across the entire surface of our body. As air moves across our skin, we "cool off" by cooling the blood in all of the vessels under the surface of our skin, which then returns slightly cooler blood to our core and has a cumulative cooling effect over a short time if conditions are right. This is why sitting in front of a fan or mister helps to cool us off fairly quickly. Of course, drinking cool liquids or eating cold foods is another way to directly cool our core temperature as those things go directly into our stomach at the core of our body.
So, how do dogs cool off then?
Dogs generally have much more, and thicker, hair than most people and have evolved with having no true sweat glands throughout their skin. They only are able to sweat from their paw pads, and some argue their nose also. This leaves no real opportunity for air to cool the surface of their body.
How do dogs cool off? The importance of preventive and multi-modal cooling methods.
Panting. They cool off by moving air across their mucus membranes in their mouth, tongue, throat, and lungs, as that's the only truly moist surface of their body. This means that most dogs need cool ambient temperatures like being inside with cool air to breathe, and water to drink to keep their mucus membranes moist. Then, evaporative cooling can take effect, similar to humans but can take longer to cool them.
Surface contact cooling. This is why some dogs will lay on the cool tile floor, or dig a hole in the shady dirt to lie in. They are trying to allow cool surfaces to touch their less hairy areas like their belly and paws.
Drinking water. Sometimes, ice water/ice cream is a shock to the system so it's better to have dogs drink cool water instead of ice water when it's hot outside.
Preventive cooling. Keeping them cooler before they overheat is best! Keep them in the shade, on grass, keep their belly and paws wet, and keep them inside if outdoor temperatures reach over 80*. I know that's a large majority of summer here in Vegas- but if you have cool air in your car or your destination, that is fine also. 15 minutes in outdoor temperatures of over 80°, and in the sun, is a recipe for heat exhaustion for our canine friends.
Risks & Warning Signs
High-risk dogs
Brachycephalic breeds such as Bulldogs, some Pitbull type breeds, French Bulldogs, Shih-Tzus, Brussels Griffon, King Charles Spaniels, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Pekingese, Lhasa Apso, Shar Pei, some Mastiff-type breeds and mixed breeds. Their truncated respiratory tract is proven to make it very difficult, if not impossible, for them to inhale and exhale a sufficient amount of oxygenated air to maintain normal respirations, let alone the added stress of heat, dehydration, and anatomical difficulty. Research the breeds and your lifestyle prior to choosing a dog, don't risk their safety.
Dark-colored fur- which absorbs the heat, especially in the sun, which means their skin will heat up, and warm their core temperature, faster than a lighter-colored dog.
Thick fur- thick fur can provide protection from the sun, by not allowing the sun's rays to heat up their skin and minimize sunburn, but this does NOT mean those dogs can tolerate the heat any better than another dog. Remember that their thick fur will also trap in the heat generated from their core temperature and make it even harder to let off that heat as if we had a big furry coat on in the sun. Yes, we might not get sunburned, but we won't be cool either!
Young or old dogs whose thermoregulation may not be as efficient.
Overweight dogs- being objective here is important. Feelings and denial aside, if your dog is overweight, it's not safe for them in the heat.
Medical concerns- Collapsing trachea, airway disease, heart disease, laryngeal paralysis
Warning signs to move them to a cool indoor place immediately:
Disengaged- not wanting to interact, hiding, looking away from us
Excessive panting- rapid panting, mouth wide open, and tongue hanging out. This means they're trying desperately to move as much air as possible, over the largest mucus membrane surface area they physically can. This can dehydrate them quickly.
So thirsty they throw up after- they may chug a ton of water in an effort to cool off, then the body may feel a shock and repel the water. This can dehydrate them.
Distress- Pacing, looking stressed or uncomfortable
Excessive drooling- this is the body trying to keep its airway moist to maximize the cooling effect. This can dehydrate them.
Warning signs to go to the Vet ER Immediately:
Lethargy- weak and exhausted or collapsed
Pale, gray or blue, or brick-red mucus membranes/gums
Dry mouth/tongue Sunken eyes
Not improving with active cooling methods
Won't drink water
Rapid heart rate (Normal for a large dog can be up to 120 BPM, normal for a smaller dog would be up to 160 BPM)
Weak pulse
Shallow or labored breathing
Muscle tremors
Lack of urination
Body temperature of over 103*F
Heat Safety Facts for Dogs
Assess & Prepare
Acclimate your dog to booties. Get the breathable mesh kind, not the fuzzy thick boots for winter
Consider your dog's breed, age, health status, and coat color, better to leave them at home or with a sitter or dog boarding facility than risk their safety just for our fun. Some dogs are NOT physically or genetically built to safely participate in some of our outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, running, or biking. Water is always available everywhere, cool water is just fine, maybe a few small ice cube chunks in it
Avoid bringing them outdoors when the outdoor temp is over 80° Stay in the shade and on grass Let your dog dig a cool dirt spot in your yard OR purchase a dog cooling mat
Allow them a baby pool outside to splash and get their belly wet to help them stay cool Monitor them closely and find shelter immediately if you see any of the warning signs
Plan ahead. Check the weather and make sure wherever you go, you have options for shade and cool air
Bring a bag with all of your dog's necessities such as water, bowl, booties, cooling mat, maybe even a portable umbrella and handheld fan, as well as a water spray bottle. A rectal or ear thermometer can help monitor core temperature
Have a general health check prior to any excursions
Hydrate prior to any outings, and avoid human electrolytes (not safe for dogs)
Know their history of heat tolerance, some dogs can be more sensitive to the heat Don't try to bring your dog to a group activity where there are other dogs who tolerate the heat better, you may be tempted to keep up and risk your dog's safety
Crushed/small ice only. Ice cubes are a huge choking hazard! By the time the ice cube melts, your dog can suffocate
Don't cut their hair if they have an under-coat, as this can expose their skin to the sun's rays and cause their skin to heat up faster, they can also get sunburn
Doggie sunscreen can help on the top and bridge of their nose, belly, armpits, and other light-colored or thin skin areas
Teach your dog to settle and offer regular breaks, at least every 15 minutes. Some dogs get so excited and have so much fun they forget to relax and cool off
Feed only small amounts of food and water when they're active, to avoid vomiting and bloat
Be careful with "cooling vests/neck wraps" as they can actually trap heat on the dog's skin. Shade is better than a physical covering. Not all items are safe or based on safety and science! Some of them are just "cool ideas" and good marketing
Unless your car has a "dog setting" like a Tesla, it is NEVER safe to keep your dog in a car, even with the AC on or the window open. It only takes a few minutes for the ambient temperature to reach over 130° if it's 80° outside, which can be fatal
Supervise around pools, even dogs who might normally avoid the pool, could decide they're so hot they'll give it a try. This can be fatal for dogs who haven't been properly trained in pool safety!
Ask your vet for advice if you are planning an outdoor activity Know where the closest Vet ER is in case of an emergency
Make sure your dog can access cool, shady places and get fresh water at all times when outdoors. If they're in a kennel, pen, on a leash or confined, they can't seek relief on their own
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