Home How To Know If My Dog Is Hot

How To Know If My Dog Is Hot

June 7, 2024 JOLLYES TEAM

Questions

Canine heat sensitivity
How hot is too hot?
What factors can put your dog at risk?
Key signs your pooch may be overheating
Preventing overheating in dogs
How do I know if my dog is hot at night?

Understanding the signs that indicate your dog is too hot is a crucial part of protecting their health and wellbeing. Dogs are susceptible to heat related illnesses such as heatstroke, which can be life threatening if not addressed promptly. Recognising the early symptoms of overheating will help you to take immediate action to cool your pet down. A quicker response means they’re less likely to need a trip to the vet or even suffer from a potentially life altering and entirely preventable illness. By being vigilant and informed, you can ensure your canine companion stays comfortable and safe during hot weather this summer.

Canine heat sensitivity

Dogs, unlike humans, don't sweat effectively to regulate their body temperature. Instead, they rely on panting and only have a small number of sweat glands located in their paws. This makes them more susceptible to overheating, especially during the hot summer months. If falls to us as pet owners to look after their health and provide plenty of ways to keep them cool in warmer weather.

How hot is too hot?

Having an understanding of the temperature thresholds that can cause discomfort or danger to your pooch is vital. Generally, any temperature above 25°C can pose a risk, especially if your four-legged friend is exercising or lacks access to shade and water. When temperatures reach 32°C or higher, the risk of heat related illnesses increases significantly. It's important to not only consider the ambient temperature but also the humidity level. High humidity can make it more difficult for your pup to cool themselves through panting.

What factors can put your dog at risk?

Several factors can make your dog more prone to overheating and heat related illnesses. Coat thickness plays a significant role. Canine companions with thick, double coats, such as huskies or golden retrievers, retain more heat and may struggle to keep cool in hot weather. Brachycephalic or flat faced breeds like bulldogs, boxers, and pugs have short snouts, which make efficient panting difficult.

Short-nosed dogs will have all the same physiology as a longer nosed dog but all that extra skin is pushed back towards the face which can impair their ability to regulate body temperature effectively. Age also affects a dog's heat sensitivity, puppies and senior dogs are less efficient in managing heat stress.

Puppies are still developing their thermoregulatory systems, while older dogs may have diminished cardiovascular and respiratory functions, making them more vulnerable to heat. Overweight or obese dogs are at increased risk due to the extra layer of fat that insulates heat. If your pooch is carrying a few extra pounds of getting on in age a little, it’s good to keep a closer eye on them. If you have a poodle you may want to consider getting them a nice close cut for the summer to boost their ability to stay cool.

Key signs your pooch may be overheating

Recognising the signs of overheating in your dog is crucial for their health. As temperatures rise, it becomes increasingly important to be vigilant and observant of your four-legged friend's behaviour and physical condition. Knowing the early warning signs of overheating can help you take prompt action to prevent serious complications or even death.

Excessive panting and drooling

Panting and drooling are the primary ways your furry friend regulates their body temperature when it becomes too hot. Panting allows dogs to evaporate moisture from their tongues, nasal passages, and the lining of their lungs, which helps dissipate heat. In hot weather, you might observe this more frequently because dogs don't sweat through their skin like humans. Instead, they rely heavily on panting to cool down. Excessive drooling often accompanies panting, as the increased salivation is another way the body attempts to cool itself.

It's crucial to differentiate between normal panting due to physical activity and signs of overheating. If your dog has been running or playing and then pants but quickly recovers, this is usually normal. However, if your pooch is panting excessively even when at rest, especially in a warm environment, this can be a red flag. If the panting is coupled with thick drool or a foamy substance, it could indicate that your dog's cooling mechanisms are overwhelmed and that they are struggling to reduce their body temperature. The thicker the drool, the more dehydrated they are.

Increased heart rate

When a dog becomes too hot, their heart rate increases as part of the body's effort to regulate temperature. A higher heart rate helps to circulate blood more rapidly, which in turn aids in releasing heat through the skin and respiratory system. To determine if your pup’s heart rate is too high, you can manually check the pulse by placing your fingers on the inside of the thigh, where the femoral artery is located.

You should always use your fingers and not your thumb to detect their pulse. A normal heart rate for a resting dog typically ranges from 60 to 140 beats per minute, depending on its size and breed. If you notice a significantly higher rate, it could be a sign of overheating, necessitating immediate cooling measures. Getting to know your pup’s normal resting heart rate can be a helpful tool to help them in the long run.

Lethargy and weakness

When your pooch overheats, their body will struggle to maintain normal functions, resulting in lethargy and weakness. Overheating impairs cellular and organ function due to decreased blood flow and oxygen delivery which is why you see a diminished energy level. As heat stress progresses, they may exhibit signs such as sluggish movement, reluctance to play or exercise, and an unsteady gait. Lethargy becomes apparent as the dog's body prioritises cooling over activity, conserving energy to maintain essential functions.

Dark or red gums

Gum colour is a really helpful indicator of a dog's health, particularly when it comes to overheating. Dark or red gums suggest that the body is under significant stress due to elevated temperatures.

As the body temperature rises, blood vessels expand to increase blood flow in an effort to dissipate heat, leading to darker or reddish gums. Pale gums are often associated with illness but this will usually indicate poor circulation which can come after they grow dark first. This pallor can suggest that your pup is not getting adequate oxygen, a potentially dangerous situation that necessitates immediate veterinary attention. If you can notice the moment their gums grow dark and intervene before gums grow pale then you are likely to avoid any serious illness.

Vomiting or diarrhoea

Overheating can severely impact your canine companion’s gastrointestinal system, leading to vomiting or diarrhoea. Elevated body temperatures strain internal organs, including the digestive tract. Heat stress causes inflammation in the intestines and stomach, impairing their ability to properly process food and absorb nutrients so they tend to come back up or remain undigested.

Overheating can also lead to dehydration, which exacerbates stomach upset and disrupts electrolyte balance. This combination of factors creates a hostile environment in the digestive system that’s often a good indicator of something being amiss.

Collapsing and seizures

Severe overheating can lead to your beloved pet collapsing or experiencing seizures, both of which are serious medical emergencies. When a dog collapses due to heat stress, they may appear weak, unresponsive and unable to stand. This collapse is often a result of the extreme strain placed on their cardiovascular and respiratory systems as they struggle to cope with elevated body temperatures. Seizures, on the other hand, involve involuntary muscle contractions and can be a sign of overheating affecting their neurological functions.

Seizures will usually follow other overheating symptoms and are an escalation so if you catch it quickly you can avoid it going that far. During a seizure, your poorly pooch may lose consciousness, fall over and exhibit uncontrolled shaking or jerking movements. Prompt cooling measures and veterinary care are essential if your pup suffers a seizure from getting too hot.

Preventing overheating in dogs

To prevent overheating, always provide fresh, cool water and ensure your pup has access to shaded areas when outdoors. Avoid strenuous activities like long walks or play sessions during peak heat hours. Even a short walk on the pavement in the heat can put your pooch at risk of burning their paws. Early morning or late evening are safer times to engage in such activities. Never leave your furry friend in a parked car, even for short intervals, as temperatures can rise rapidly and pose a significant risk of heatstroke.

Consider using cooling accessories like vests or mats to help regulate your dog's body temperature. Regular grooming is also essential, as matted fur can trap heat. You should always monitor your dog's behaviour closely for signs of overheating, such as excessive panting, drooling, or lethargy. If symptoms arise, take immediate action to cool your dog and contact their vet for advice. Catching it sooner rather than later can help to avoid an emergency situation.

Remember to:

Provide plenty of water
Avoid midday walks
Create shady spots
Use cooling products
Make some cooling treats
Never leave your dog in a parked car

How do I know if my dog is hot at night?

Keeping your pooch cool overnight can be a difficult task when you’re sleeping and can’t keep an eye on them. Luckily temperatures usually drop in the evening but when humidity is high, they can have trouble keeping cool at night too. One approach is to have your pup sleep in a cooler part of the house, away from direct heat sources. Rooms with tile or wooden floors tend to be cooler and can help lower body temperature. Keeping a window open can also provide a gentle breeze to avoid it getting too stuffy.

If you prefer your four-legged friend to sleep with you, try using a fan. It can significantly aid in maintaining a comfortable temperature so you can make sure the airflow reaches your furry friend’s resting area. Some cooling products like a cooling mat can be used overnight with your pup activating it any time they lie on it so you can give them a means to cool down even while you’re fast asleep.

Regularly check on them to ensure they are comfortable and not exhibiting signs of overheating, such as excessive panting or restlessness. If your pup wakes you by not being able to settle, try to cool them off to help them relax. Keeping an eye out for signs of overheating and taking preventative measures can help ensure your canine companion stays safe and comfortable during hot weather. If you're unsure about any symptoms or need further advice, it's always best to consult with your vet. Visit us in store and online to check out all of your cooling summer products!