{"id":10735,"date":"2023-03-30T12:02:32","date_gmt":"2023-03-30T19:02:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/osfbl01.justfoodfordogs.com\/?p=10735"},"modified":"2026-08-08T11:37:35","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T18:37:35","slug":"the-importance-of-keeping-dogs-cool-in-summer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/the-importance-of-keeping-dogs-cool-in-summer","title":{"rendered":"How to Keep Dogs Cool in the Summer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In Southern California, we are used to warm weather year-round. Nevertheless, we do get the occasional heatwave. On especially hot days, it becomes very important to know how to keep our dogs cool since heatstroke can be deadly.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Around the country, dogs get overheated due to the following factors:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>High temperatures and\/or high humidity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Direct sunlight (keep in mind shade \u201cmoves\u201d throughout the day)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lack of water<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Increase in metabolic activity (exercise)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Medical or anatomic factors that may increase susceptibility in old or debilitated pets.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Normally, thermoregulation (temperature control in the body) includes the dilation of skin vessels to allow internal heat to come to the surface, shade seeking, and evaporative cooling through sweating or panting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Heatstroke occurs when heat overwhelms the body\u2019s ability to regulate its own temperature. <strong>This can happen in as little as 30 minutes.<\/strong> A dog\u2019s body temperature will increase to over 104.9F (normal is 100-103F), causing widespread thermal damage to all organs. The risk of heat stroke should not be taken lightly. It is much more involved than simply \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/heat-exhaustion-in-pets-signs-and-what-to-do.html\">overheating<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-signs-of-heatstroke-in-dogs\">Signs of Heatstroke in Dogs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/osfbl01.justfoodfordogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/hot-pug-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"heat exhaustion in dogs. a pug on the floor\" class=\"wp-image-11121\" srcset=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/hot-pug-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/hot-pug-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/hot-pug-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/hot-pug.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Clinical signs of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vet.cornell.edu\/departments-centers-and-institutes\/riney-canine-health-center\/health-info\/summer-heat-safety-tips-dogs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">heatstroke in dogs<\/a> can be subtle at first, but they will progress very quickly, and sometimes faster than you have a chance to seek help. For this reason, active prevention is recommended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Early signs of heatstroke include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>panting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>salivating\/drooling<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>vomiting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>increased heart rate<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>elevated temperature<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>bright red gums<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If left unchecked, signs will quickly graduate to include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>pale gums<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>shock<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>bloody diarrhea\/vomit<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>altered conscious<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>seizure<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>dilated pupils<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is also a delayed form of heat stroke, where some animals may not have apparent signs for 3-5 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The prognosis of heatstroke, once confirmed, is poor; the mortality rate is 50%. If a death happens, it is usually within 24 hours.&nbsp;Even if the pet recovers, permanent damage can occur.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dogs receiving treatment within 90 minutes of first signs have the best prognosis, so please do not hesitate in getting your best friend into the vet if you suspect heatstroke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-breed-matters\">Breed matters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"684\" src=\"https:\/\/osfbl01.justfoodfordogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/iStock-542592324-2100x1402-3533021d-41e5-4c6e-b317-e5747caa00cb-e1686254058394-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"How to Help Your Dog with Dandruff\" class=\"wp-image-10570\" srcset=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/iStock-542592324-2100x1402-3533021d-41e5-4c6e-b317-e5747caa00cb-e1686254058394-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/iStock-542592324-2100x1402-3533021d-41e5-4c6e-b317-e5747caa00cb-e1686254058394-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/iStock-542592324-2100x1402-3533021d-41e5-4c6e-b317-e5747caa00cb-e1686254058394-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/iStock-542592324-2100x1402-3533021d-41e5-4c6e-b317-e5747caa00cb-e1686254058394.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the summer months, all dogs are susceptible to overheating, but some dog breeds are truly not built to handle particularly warm days. <a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/french-bulldog-health-issues.html\">Brachycephalic breeds<\/a> like bulldogs, pugs, Boston terriers, and boxers are especially at risk due to lack of airflow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On hot days in the summertime, keep them indoors as much as possible and always have fresh drinking water available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-treat-an-overheated-dog\">How to Treat an Overheated Dog<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Treatment for an overheated dog from hot weather includes emergency cooling with fans, air conditioning, stainless steel counters, towels, cool water, and oxygen support. Dogs are usually started on IV fluids for shock and blood pressure, ECG, and fluid rates are monitored. Lab work may be monitored to check for possible complications of heatstroke including clotting problems and organ dysfunction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-keep-dogs-cool-in-the-summer\">How to Keep Dogs Cool in the Summer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"725\" height=\"482\" src=\"https:\/\/osfbl01.justfoodfordogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/iStock-1187660854.jpg\" alt=\"dogs playing\" class=\"wp-image-10754\" srcset=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/iStock-1187660854.jpg 725w, https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/iStock-1187660854-300x199.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 725px) 100vw, 725px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The take-home message is: keep your dog cool to prevent overheating and heatstroke!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Things you can do to <a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/can-i-leave-my-dog-in-a-hot-car.html\">keep your dog safe<\/a> and cool in the summer heat include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Always keep your dog\u2019s water bowl full of cold water and easily accessible<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keep them restricted to shady areas<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Purchase a cooling mat for them to rest on and\/or a cooling vest for them to wear<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Restrict walks to the early morning (before 9 a.m.) and after 6 p.m. in order to avoid the hottest parts of the day<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Consider booties to protect your dog\u2019s paw pads from the scorching pavement<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Offer them ice cubes or <a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/diy-frozen-dog-treats.html\">DIY a healthy frozen dog treat<\/a> to stuff in a Kong<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>NEVER leave them in a hot car<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If your dog likes playing in the water, add a sprinkler or paddling pool to your yard<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It bears repeating: enough fresh water!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To keep your dog cool in the summer, always be prepared. By taking preventative measures your furry friend will thank you in the long run.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Protect your pup with these pro tips on how to keep your dog cool in the summer.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":36,"featured_media":10736,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"wprm-recipe-roundup-name":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-description":"","_jffd_show_updated":"1","footnotes":"","_ppma_block_editor_authors":""},"categories":[71,80],"tags":[],"ppma_author":[294],"class_list":["post-10735","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lifestyle","category-wellbeing"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.8 (Yoast SEO v28.8) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to Keep Dogs Cool in the Summer | 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A graduate of the Royal Veterinary College at the University of London, he has focused on clinical nutrition since vet school \u2014 researching and working exclusively with freshly prepared whole-food diets during his years at Cal Poly Pomona. His commitment to nutrition is personal as well as professional: his own Golden Retriever, Rey, had kidney disease successfully managed on a vet-directed renal diet. 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Dr. Chavez is a veterinarian and business executive with a progressive career founded upon a solid commitment to pet advocacy, integrity, education, and sound veterinary principles. Dr. Chavez graduated in 2006 from the Royal Veterinary College, University of London, and started his career with Banfield, the world\u2019s largest veterinary practice, where he became Chief of Staff. In 2009, he joined the faculty of the Animal and Veterinary Science department at\u00a0California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. There, he was Director of the Animal Health Science veterinary technician program from 2010 \u2013 2013, and remains an adjunct faculty and researcher, and professor of veterinary clinical nutrition. Additionally, he served as a member of the Multidisciplinary Committee and the Registered Veterinary Technician Committee for the California State Veterinary Medical Board. In 2012, Dr. Chavez completed a Master\u2019s degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of California at Irvine. As Director of Canine Clinical Nutrition, he brings not only a deep technical expertise in researching and working exclusively with freshly prepared whole food diets at Cal Poly Pomona, but a true love for dogs that all of us here share. His own Golden Retriever, Rey, was a successful case study for our food. Rey\u2019s kidney disease was successfully managed with our Renal Moderate Protein vet-directed diet, which made Dr. Chavez\u2019s involvement even that much more personal to him. A graduate of the Royal Veterinary College in London, UK, Dr. Chavez is a licensed practicing veterinarian who has focused on clinical nutrition since graduating vet school. Dr. Chavez notes, \u201cIt all starts with nutrition. You are what you eat, and practically any health issue can be addressed through a higher-quality diet. We are in a unique time for veterinary medicine where people are seeking whole food diets using real USDA ingredients over commercial kibble or cans that use feed grade ingredients. I\u2019m excited of the possibilities we have in further increasing the health of our dogs with this trend. Our goal is to raise awareness of these diets and help bring a simple, fast and affordable solution to as many pet parents and their dogs as possible.","user_url":"","linkedin":"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/dr-oscar-chavez-realtor","instagram":"","x":"","facebook":"","description":"Dr. Oscar Chavez, BVetMed MRCVS MBA, is a veterinarian and business executive who previously served as Chief Medical Officer at JustFoodForDogs, leading its Canine Nutrition Team. 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Dr. Chavez's career is founded on a deep commitment to pet advocacy, integrity, education, and sound veterinary principles."}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10735","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/36"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10735"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10735\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10736"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10735"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10735"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10735"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=10735"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}