Here’s how to prevent an overheated dog
It promises to be a hot summer. Of course you want to go out with your four-legged friend. But: high temperatures can lead to overheating and dehydration for your furry friend. Dogs lose only a little sweat through the soles of their feet and noses, but cool down mainly by panting. Therefore, keep a close eye on them and keep these tips in mind to prevent overheating:
How to protect your dog from the heat
Because dogs don’t sweat like humans, they are at much greater risk of heat stroke. Here’s how you can prevent it:
- Make sure your dog always has plenty of fresh water and shade.
- Provide an air conditioner or fan that your dog can lie in front of to stay cool.
- Going outside? Then make sure your dog wears a good cooling vest, such as the Cool Dog from EQDOG.
- Always bring water for your dog when you go for a walk or play in the park. You can easily fold and carry the collapsible water bowl Travel Bowl from EQDOG.
- Only go playing and walking with your dog during the cooler times of the day, such as before 10 am and after 6 pm.
- Do you need to go outside together during the day? If so, avoid walking on asphalt. In fact, at an outside temperature of 25 degrees, asphalt can heat up to about 50 degrees. Can you walk on asphalt alone? Then protect your dog’s foot pads with EDQOG’s 4Season dog shoes.
- Going for a day at the park or beach? Then provide a shady spot for your dog or set up a small beach tent under which your dog can lie to escape the sun.
How to recognize dehydration
Water is hugely important to keep your dog cool during the summer. Therefore, always have water with you and keep the water bowl filled to prevent dehydration. Especially if your dog is outside a lot, dehydration is a real risk. This is how you recognize it:
- Your dog has dry, sticky gums.
- Your dog drools excessively or has thick saliva.
- Your dog seems listless or weak.
- Your dog has sunken eyes.
- Your dog’s skin is less elastic. You can check this by gently pulling on your dog’s skin. If it doesn’t go back immediately, it could be a sign that your dog is dehydrated.
How to recognize overheating
Despite good intentions and preparations, a dog can overrun himself and get overheated. This is how you recognize it:
- Your dog seems sluggish, apathetic or disoriented after being outside.
- Your dog is panting loudly and short of breath.
- Your dog’s tongue is bright red, he drools excessively or foams.
- Your dog has trouble walking and staggers, for example.
- Your dog starts vomiting.
How to act when the dog is overheated
If you see that your dog is not doing well, then it is advisable to do the following:
- Immediately take your dog to the coolest place in the house, such as an air-conditioned room or the basement.
- Put on EQDOG’s Cool Dog and put cool, wet cloths on his foot pads.
- Put a bowl of water in front of him. Don’t force your dog to drink, but also make sure your dog doesn’t gulp down too much at once.
- Call or go to the vet as soon as possible, especially if your dog is unconscious. Even if your dog recovers quickly, a visit to the veterinarian is highly recommended.
We’re here for you!
At NOHO agency, we are always looking for ways to make sure your dog has fun and is safe — all year round. Our brands bring high-quality dog products that improve the lives of dogs and their owners. So would you like more tips or information about those products? Call +31(0)6 109 104 63 or email info@noho.nl.
Fun in the sun: summer activities with your dog
Not going on vacation this summer? Or did you come back way too soon? No worries, you can also enjoy the summer vacation with your dog in your home country. NOHO agency gives tips for doggy proof summer activities.
To the water
Do you have a lake or river nearby? Treat your dog to a day in, on or by the water! The vast majority of dogs love water and are very good at ‘paddling’ through the water – always check this when you first let your dog into the water and use a life jacket like EQDOG’s Pro Life Vest. Especially during hot summer days, when the humidity is high, swimming or another water activity can be a great way to let your dog cool off and get some much-needed exercise. When doing water sports, don’t forget to bring Orbiloc Safety Lights* for extra high visibility.
To the (dog) beach
There is almost no dog that does not go wild when going the beach. But try to go to the beach in the morning or in the evening. During the day, the sand can be too hot for the foot pads and the dog may overheat. When going for a walk on the beach, you really can’t go without the Bandee: pouch+ from Bandee by Owney. This waist bag allows you to carry everything you need without lugging a bag on your back or in your hand.
To the (dog)park
Do you have a dog with very good social skills at your home? Then give him or her time to make new friends this summer. Go beyond the usual walk around the neighborhood and visit a (different) city park or area where dogs are allowed. While doing so, pay attention to whether a special field is set up for dogs. On GoogleMaps, for example, you can search for ‘dog park’ or ‘dog walking area’. That way you can let your dog play nicely with other four-legged friends – and meet another human yourself. Especially for young dogs, this social interaction with unfamiliar dogs and new people is important.
To the backyard
Of course you can enjoy summer together at home! For example, put a doggy pool in the front yard, backyard or balcony. Playing with the garden hose or a special water sprayer for dogs can also provide (hours of) fun. And bonus: this also cools down the dog. There is one risk though; your dog will run inside enthusiastically and try to dry himself on the walls or furniture. Therefore, make sure you have a Doggy Dry bathrobe from EQDOG at the ready. That will save a lot of stains!
To the store!
Make sure you’re well prepared for summer! The bathrobe, safety lights, waist bag and robe can’t be missing from your assortment. Do you want more tips? Call +31(0)6 109 104 63 or email info@noho.nl.
*we represent Orbiloc in Benelux, not France..