Empower Your Dog To Stay Cool This Summer!

By: Tess Marty & Rianna Young

Why It's Important To Keep Pets Cool 

We’ve all been waiting for the warm weather, and it’s finally here...at full steam. Summer is a wonderful time for outdoor adventures, but the rising temperatures can be tough on our pets. Just like us, cats and dogs need help staying cool when the heat index soars.

In this article, we will share some easy, fun, and effective ways to keep your pet cool this summer, including how CBD treats can help with triggers, appetite, and reduce your dog's reactivity during the warmer months. 

Table of Contents

• Why it’s Important to Keep Pets Cool
• Hidden Hazards
• Signs of Overheating 
• Taking Action
• Is Heat Worse for Certain Dog Breeds?
• Susceptible Breeds
• Heatstroke and Seizures
• 7 Ways to Cool Your Pet in the Heat

• How Calming Aids Help a Hot Dog 🌭
• Reducing Stress
• Pain Relief
• Improved Sleep
• Increasing Appetite
• A Comfortable and Safe Summer 

The Hidden Hazards of Overheating in Dogs

When the temperature rises, it can cause dogs to become more agitated and reactive. Think about how we can get snappy or moody when we are too hot, dogs can experience the same frustration. Dogs sweat through their paws, and when they can't cool down effectively, it can lead to both overexcitement and agitation. This increased reactivity and aggression can further elevate their heart rates, creating a dangerous cycle of heat stress. 

Overheating can also lead to serious health issues for pets, such as dehydration, heatstroke, and even organ failure. It's essential to recognize the signs of overheating and take steps to prevent it.

Signs of Overheating in Dogs & Cats

Even with all precautions in place, it’s important to watch for signs of overheating and heatstroke, especially in older pets or those with underlying health issues. Some of these signs include: 

• Excessive Panting
• Drooling
• Lethargy
• Red or Pale Gums

More severe signs of heatstroke include:

• Vomiting or Diarrhea 
• Weakness or Wobbly Gait
• Seizures

If you notice any of these symptoms, take action immediately. Keeping pets cool isn't just about comfort—it's about their health and safety. If you suspect your dog is overheating, move your pet to a cooler area, offer water, and a cool towel. When overheating becomes more serious or turns into a heatstroke, contact your veterinarian or a pet care professional.

If they refuse water, do not force them and ensure it is cool rather than cold. 

There are many hidden dangers of overheating their little bodies, especially if they have a fluffier coat or are smaller in size. 

How Heat Affects Dog Reactivity

When the temperature rises, it can cause dogs to become more agitated and reactive. Think about how we can get snappy or moody when we are too hot, dogs can experience the same frustration.

Dogs sweat through their paws, and when they can't cool down effectively, it can lead to both overexcitement and agitation. This increased reactivity and aggression can further elevate their heart rates, creating a dangerous cycle of heat stress. 

During times of extreme heat, we also can often get clips of severe thunderstorms due to air pressure changes. Thunderstorms in the heat can pop up unexpectedly, which can trigger your pet's anxiety because of the loud booms. Opting for calming supplements like  calm dog treats or CBD oil, which takes effect quicker than prescription anti-anxiety medications. This is more helpful for short-term stressors for any pop-up storms or unexpected.

How Can CBD Dog Treats Help With Heat?

Using CBD dog treats and oils for natural calming relief in the heat is beneficial for dogs and cats. 

• Calming: Cannabidiol (CBD) has natural calming properties that can help reduce anxiety and promote a sense of well-being. 
• Pain Relief: If your pet suffers from joint pain or inflammation, CBD can provide relief, making it easier for them to move around comfortably and use less energy in the warm temperatures. 
• Improved Sleep: CBD can help improve sleep quality, ensuring your pet gets the rest they need to stay healthy. Consider CBD midday to help them take a relaxing nap until temperatures drop in the evening. 
• Appetite: Heat can reduce appetite, especially in senior and larger dogs. CBD treats can help stimulate their appetite, ensuring they get necessary nutrients, as well as keeping them from getting agitated (we all get hangry sometimes!). 

Adding a CBD Oil dropper like the extra-strength Calm Drops can be a great addition to meal time, treats they already like, or a frozen licki mat for calm fun that's also quite cooling for dogs. 

CBD can help your pets stay relaxed during the day to ensure they don’t overheat by running around too much. Keep the zoomies on hold until the evening!

Are Some Breeds More Affected By Heat? 

Some breeds are more susceptible to heat than others. Flat-faced and brachycephalic breeds, such as Pugs and French Bulldogs, are at higher risk due to reduced airflow. They often struggle to pant efficiently and can have a hard time taking in air, making it harder for them to cool down. Additionally, dogs with short fur or hair like pitbull breeds can experience sunburn, including dogs with very short fur on their noses. Try out a dog-friendly sunscreen to prevent burning.

Breeds like Huskies and Samoyeds, with their thick double coats, are also prone to overheating if not properly managed. However, their double coat can act as an insulating barrier, like a hot/cold thermos, keeping them cool in the heat and warm in the cold. Double coats should never be shaved, but should be brushed often to prevent heat retention.

Check with your groomer to see what type of coat your dog has and how to best keep them maintained to stay cool. 

Heat Stroke and Seizures in Dogs

Heatstroke can lead to seizures in dogs, which is a serious and potentially fatal condition. It's essential to keep your pet cool to prevent these risks. CBD can help reduce the chance of seizures, as well as relaxing your pet if they’re getting worked up. Using CBD dog tinctures during hot weather can help manage your pet's stress levels and maintain their overall health, and has been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures.

7 Tips to Protect Your Dog From Overheating 

Protecting your pets from hot weather isn't just about keeping them out of the sun. There are lots of creative ideas to keep your dog or cat comfortable and safe. 

1. Provide Fresh & Cool Water

Hydration is key to keeping your pets cool. Ensure they always have access to fresh, cool water.

• Slow Drinking is Key: When your dog drinks water after being outdoors, they may want to gulp down a full bowl quickly. Ensure taking it slow and consider giving water in smaller increments to prevent vomiting or bloat. 
• Multiple Water Bowls: Place several water bowls around your home and yard to make sure they have easy access and don’t run out. 
• Ice Cubes: Use ice cubes as treats or toys to keep cool. Avoid putting too much ice in water, as this can shock their system.

2. Create a Cool Environment

Pets need a cool, shady spot to escape the heat.

• Indoor Retreats: Keep the air conditioning on or use fans to circulate air. Close curtains or blinds to block out direct sunlight and maintain a sense of calm. You may find your pet hiding in unusual corners or under beds during a heat wave, which is normal denning behavior!
• Outdoor Shade: Provide shaded areas in your yard with umbrellas, canopies, or trees. Invest in a cot for outdoors to help circulate air all around your pet, but limit your outdoor time even in the shade when temperatures start to soar.
• Cooling Mats: Use cooling mats or gel pads designed for pets. These can provide a naturally cool surface for them to lie on without needing extra steps to freeze.

3. Adjust Exercise Routines

Exercise is important, on the parts of the day, it's best to adjust your pet's routine.

• Early Morning or Evening Walks: Take your dog for walks during the cooler parts of the day. Avoid long midday walks when temperatures peak, and keep bathroom breaks short. 
• Indoor Play: Engage in indoor playtime to keep them active without exposing them to the heat. Puzzle toys and interactive games can keep them entertained.

4. Using CBD for Pet Stress Relief

 High temperatures are stressful for pets, leading to anxiety and discomfort. 

• Natural dog calming solutions like Cannabidiol (CBD) can help manage stress and promote relaxation
• Calming Treats or Drops can help during their energetic periods of the day to calm them until the temperature drops a bit

5. Regular Grooming

Proper grooming is key to prevent overheating

• Regular Brushing: Brush your pets regularly to remove excess fur and prevent matting, which can trap heat.
• Summer Haircuts: For dogs with long fur, consider a summer trim. However, avoid shaving them completely as their fur also protects against sunburn. Check with a groomer to see what avenue is best. 
• Bathing: Give your pets a bath with cool (not cold) water to help lower their body temperature. 
• Avoid getting your dog soaked and letting them directly in the sun—sometimes this can heat the water and actually make them hotter. 

6. Avoid Hot Surfaces & Seek Out Shade

Hot pavement, sand, and other surfaces can burn your pet’s paws

• Test the Ground: Place the back of your hand on the ground for 7 seconds. If it's too hot for you, it's too hot for your pet.
• Wear Booties: Consider using pet booties to protect their paws during walks.
• Keep Off Pavement: Walk on grass or dirt paths instead of pavement whenever possible.
• Stay in the Shade: Find your shadiest route where the sun hasn’t baked the sidewalk. 
• Paw Pad Grooming: Pets sweat through their feet, and dogs with long fur in between their toes can have a hard time regulating their temperature. 

7. Incorporate Cooling Activities 

Keep your pets entertained and cool with alternative activities to walking. 

• Lots of Water: Set up a kiddie pool or sprinkler in your yard for your pets to splash around in. If you don’t have a yard, many public parks have sprinklers that you can utilize. 
• Frozen Treats: Make homemade frozen treats using pet-safe ingredients like peanut butter, yogurt, or frozen fruits.
• DIY Ice Toys: Freeze toys or treats in ice blocks to create a fun and cooling activity, keeping them both hydrated and entertained!

Giving your pet options on ways to keep cool will not only help regulate their temperature, but will give them a sense of autonomy to make the best decisions for themselves. Remember that our pets have natural instincts and may be doing what feels best for them, even if it seems out of the ordinary.

Staying Cool & Comfortable 

Keeping your pets cool in the summer is crucial for their health and happiness. A little extra effort goes a long way in ensuring your pets have a safe and enjoyable summer, and can be the difference between a day of play versus an unscheduled trip to the vet.

Our pets have instinctual ways to cool themselves, but during those humid heat waves, we have to be their advocate and help them out as best we can. Summer is a great time to find creative activities to bond with your pets while helping them beat the heat. Enjoy the summer with your dog from Happy Hounds!