It’s summer. The sun is shining, birds are singing, flowers are blooming and it’s a perfect, relaxing time of the year for you and your dog to go for a walk.  The only problem is the heat.  South Carolina is known to be the humidity capitol of the USA.  If you live here, you know!  Let me explain how the heat affects your dog and how to make summer walks safe and enjoyable!

How Hot is too Hot?

Any temperature over 70 degrees with humidity can take a toll on your pet.  I can hear you now saying, “70? That’s cool!”  It is for us but adding humidity changes the “feels like” temperature and the way we and our pets handle it.   Once its 80 degrees and humid, we are defiantly in a danger zone.

What Plays a Part in How My Dog Handles the Heat?

Many factors play a part in your pet’s ability to handle the heat and humidity.   Let’s look at the main things that influence how your pet deals with the summer temperatures.

• Proper grooming is at the top of the list! Dogs with double coats, golden retrievers, Australian Shepherds, German Shepards, Corgis, huskies, even many Labs, have an undercoat that must be regularly brushed out.  This undercoat releases in the spring and continues through out the summer to help your dog handle the heat.  Once it releases it is trapped by the guard hair.   This creates a barrier between the skin and air flow.  You must brush and comb the undercoat out weekly to ensure your pets skin can breathe.  We are happy to show you what tools and how to properly remove undercoat.  It’s also a great bonding time for you and your pet.  You will need a slicker brush, undercoat rake, and comb.  Don’t forget the dog treats!

Doodles can and do have a double coat.  They do shed to a degree.  They also matt and tangle, creating a woven layer or buffer, preventing air flow.  Weekly combing, with a comb that can reach the skin, is important to keeping your dog cooler.

All breeds that require grooming due to hair that grows continually, must be combed to ensure they do not matt.  We also recommend regular hair cuts during the summer months to increase air flow to the skin to keep them cooler.

• Some dog breeds can not handle the heat due to their short nose. Boxers, Shih Tzu, Pugs, Bulldogs, and Frenchie’s should not be out in the heat for even short periods of time.  They can not properly cool themselves with airflow to the body due to the nasal pathways they have.   Very short walks or playtime, and only early morning or late afternoon.   Outdoor potty time should be monitored.
• Senior dogs, puppies, overweight dogs and dogs with medical conditions should be monitored closely. They have a higher chance of their body not being able to process the heat.  Many medications for heart issues can increase the chances of heat stroke. Taking this into account will lessen your chances of heat stroke.
• Darker dogs absorb heat and hold it rather than repelling it.

How Can I Safely Take My Dog for a Walk During the Summer?

• Chose your time of day wisely. Early morning, when there is still dew on the ground, is the best time of the day.  The added dew helps to cool the feet by evaporation.  It also creates a cool surface so not to blister their pads. Late in the evening is your second-best time of the day.   Sometimes we get an afternoon shower to cool things off.  Just remember that also brings humidity.  Just because the air temperature may have lowered, the humidity makes the heat harder to handle for your pet.  Avoid mid-day completely due to the pavement temperatures.  Within minutes you can have blistered and blown pads your dog’s feet.
• Bring cold water. I mean ice water.  Allow your dog to drink small amounts often during your outside play.  Do not let them over drink thinking it will cool them down.  Too much water can cause bloat, stomach upset leading to throwing up all the water in their body or fullness that constricts the lungs.
• Bring a cooling cloth or hand towel that is cold and wet. I freeze one and carry it in a zip lock bag.  It quickly melts but remains cool.  Use this towel during breaks in the shade, around your dog’s neck or under belly to help lower body temperatures.
• Ice cubes for treats make a great way to cool down and a safe mess for outdoors.
• Last but not least…… test the concrete or asphalt for temperature by placing your bare hand or foot on it for 10 seconds or more. Walking in the grass is best, concrete or brick second best and lastly asphalt due to the melting of tar that can stick to and burn your dogs’ feet.

What are Signs of Heat Stroke to Look for in my Dog?

• Excessive panting, drooling, vomiting, bright red or purple gums, confusion or stumbling, pulling you to the shade, weakness and collapsing can be the early signs.
• Later and more dangerous signs include, Vomiting, falling down, seizures, dry or tacky gums, and temperature over 104 degrees.  Watch for spotty bruising on the belly or a stumbling gate when walking.

• Body temperature, including the nose and inside of the ears, being noticeably warmer than normal. The nose being hot and dry is a sign of dehydration.
• Dark, coffee colored urine can be a sign of heat stroke. Some dogs never show external signs of heat stroke.  Their kidneys can begin to break down quickly, leading to dark urine even when on your walk.

Things never to do during the Summer Months in South Carolina with your Dog.

• Never leave them in a car, unattended and without air conditioning.
• Never leave them in the yard, even with shade, for long periods of time. Anything over 15 minutes is too long.
• Never walk on hot surfaces.
• Never leave home for an outing without plenty of water, a favorite bowl, and a cooling type cloth that is wet and cold.

Can We Enjoy the Outdoors During the Summer in South Carolina with Our Dog?

Absolutely! Just remember your dog overheats more quickly and differently than we do.  Use the common-sense approach listed in this blog to help navigate keeping your dog safe in the summer heat.  Plan your time outdoors according to the time of day, bring the needed supplies for you and your pet, and get out there and have fun!