Arizona has significant highs throughout the year. The state warns us to take extra precautions through the summer season when heading outside. This extends to our pets. Our furry friends have a dense coat to carry around through that heat! Life can become uncomfortably hot when you’re wearing fur. So how do dogs keep cool in hot weather? They do a few things! From panting to seeking shade, your dog has some natural techniques to regulate temperature.
Five Ways Dogs Keep Cool in Hot Weather
Dogs have an impressive number of ways to help them stay cool. Some of them are natural processes, like panting. Others are innate, like seeking water and shade or digging in the dirt to lay on cool ground. Let’s go over these in detail so you can better understand your dog’s habits in high heat.
Panting
This is your pet’s number one way to stay cool. Panting helps to circulate air through their bodies and even helps to cool their blood! When your dog is panting they are pulling in cool air. This causes the moisture in their mouths and in the lining of their lungs to evaporate. They exhale warm air, and the evaporating moisture helps them cool down from the inside out. When the cool air rushes past their nose it also works to cool the blood vessels.
Drinking Water
Staying hydrated is one way that dogs stay cool. Not only does it ensure their bodies have enough to keep their cells hydrated, but if the water is cooler than the air it can help cool off internally.
Seeking out Cool Places
Finding shade to keep out of direct sunlight also helps dogs stay cool. Indoors they may seek out cold tile floors. If you notice your constantly preferring the bathroom tile, or suddenly favoring the coldest point in your home, it might be too hot for them!
Shedding
During the summer your dog sheds their undercoat. This second coat of fur helps keep them warm during the winter. However, when the summer months hit, fur needs to come off or else your dog will overheat. Extra brushing is in order! During the hot months, brush your dog regularly. Cutting out any mats will help them stay cool as well.
Sweating
Yes, you read that right! Your dog does sweat. Just not the same way as humans. Canines only have sweat glands in their ear canals and on their paw pads! The limited number of sweat glands is one of the reasons that sidewalks are dangerous for your pet on hot days. Not only do the burns hurt, but they remove one of the ways your dog keeps cool.
Keeping Dogs Cool in Arizona Heat
Even with all their ways to stay cool, the high temperatures we face in Arizona are often too hot for dogs. It’s absolutely necessary to keep an eye on how hot your pet is. If your dog becomes too hot they are at risk of heatstroke. This can lead to organ failure and potentially death. If you are concerned your dog has heat stroke, cover them in towels soaked with cool water and contact your veterinarian.
3 Signs Your Dog is Too Hot
- Excessive panting
- Lethargy, or being unable to move
- Increased body temperature
Keeping a cooling mat at the lowest point of your home (or in your car when traveling) can help dogs stay cool inside. A fan trained in one area is a good idea, too. When outside, stay in the shade and make sure fresh cool water is always available. Consider getting a cooling vest for your dog to wear during walks. Also, be sure to walk before the sun is out, or after it’s down.
Veterinary Care That Always Keeps Their Cool in Gilbert Arizona
Here at East Valley Animal Hospital, we are here for all your veterinarian needs. From emergencies to yearly check-ups. Our team of highly trained support staff, technicians, and veterinarians are here to help you care for your pet for years to come. Call us at 480-892-1577 for emergencies, or to schedule an appointment.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (9/26/24). Photo by Robson Hatsukami Morgan on Unsplash.