The summer is a scorching time, and we try anything and everything to stay cool. We drink more water, wear light clothes and run at earlier times before the heat can take hold. We can do all of this, but what are our furry friends supposed to do? Our dogs are covered in a thick coat of fur all year, and it doesn’t help that they truly aren’t able to do much to cool themselves since they depend on us to fulfill all their needs. Here are some things you can do to help your furry friend stay cool while running this summer.
Know Your Dog
You must know what your dog can handle before deciding how and when to take your dog on a run. Cavapoos, for example, have fluffy thin hair to keep them cool, but they aren’t bred for taking long runs. Running or jogging too much can be damaging to their joints. You generally don’t want to take any small dogs out for a run until their joints are fully developed. Be aware of this if you are looking into Cavapoo puppies for sale, or any other small breed.
When is it Too Hot
Dogs have a slightly higher body temperature than us. Their average core body temperature is around 100 – 115 degrees Fahrenheit. They can only actively cool themselves down by panting, which doesn’t do much in the direct summer heat. What you should do before going out for a run is, check the temperature. You should always wait until later in the evening to take your dog if the temperature outside is over 80 degrees allowing the ground to cool before you take a run.
Early Morning Run
Days outside get to be well over 100 degrees towards the middle of the summer, and it is much too hot for your dog to be running. Your dog still needs proper exercise, and there are ways to get that exercise without taking them on a hot run. One way is running in the early morning or evening when the temperature is lower. Many runners will run in the early morning before the heat becomes unbearable, and you can do this too.
Sports Wear
Although running in the morning does help with the heat problem, there are other things you can do to ensure your dog has a nice cool run during the summer. Sportswear explicitly made for dogs is available for purchase at many pet stores and outdoor supply stores. You can buy cooling gear such as vests and shoes for your dog can keep them hydrated and cool during the warmest parts of the day.
-
Cooling Vest
Cooling vests are made with heat-resistant material. With vests you dampen with water, you’ll notice that as the water evaporates, it takes some of the heat from your dog’s skin and coat with it. Allowing the heat to escape similarly to how human sweat works, your dog will feel much better wearing a cooling device.
-
Cooling Collar
Cooling collars are specially made collars that usually have some piece of cloth you wet with water and put around your dog’s neck to cool them down. These collars work a lot like cooling vests. The good news is you can use a collar and vest simultaneously!
-
Portable Dog Water Bottle
Portable dog water bottles are nice because they are the right size for a run, but they aren’t so small that they don’t hold enough water for your dog. You can customize the vest to the size of your dog. They have a cup-like end for your dog to drink out of and a function to suck back any water that your dog didn’t consume. Having the option to put the water away quickly will reduce waste and keep water handy for your next rest break.
-
Dog Boots
The pavement can get very hot in the summer, burning your dog’s paws when you run. Your dog running barefoot in the summer is like you running without shoes on the sidewalk. It can burn their paws and damage the skin. It is good to buy boots for your dog to protect its feet if you anticipate running during high temperatures.
Signs of Overheating
There are many different signs that your dog is overheating, and it is crucial to keep an eye on these because they can cause your dog to collapse, which can be fatal.
Signs of overheating in dogs include:
- Heavy panting
- Glazed eyes
- Difficulting keeping up
- Vomiting
- Excessive drooling
- Increased pulse
- Dark red tongue and gums
- Weakness/Collapse
If you notice any of the above signs of overheating, you need to address them immediately because if they continue to worsen, your dog may suffer from a heat stroke, which could be fatal.
The summer can be challenging for our furry friends, and they depend on you to help them stay cool throughout the hot weather, so don’t go out without proper heat protection!
