Here’s how to prevent an overheated dog

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.