Hot Weather, Cool Dogs: How to Spot and Prevent Heat Stroke on Summer Walks
- Mirabella Meoni
- Jun 26
- 2 min read
As we enter the hot and humid summer months, it’s important to be able to recognize the signs of heat stroke in dogs and know how to prevent it! Time outside is essential for pups to do their business and get enrichment, but any dog owner or walker should know how to keep their dog safe in the sweltering summers of Montgomery County.
Dogs can’t sweat all over their bodies like us humans, they work to cool down by panting and sweating through their paw pads. It’s harder for them to lower their body temperature and makes them susceptible to heat stroke.
Signs of heat stroke in dogs
Excessive panting and/or drooling
Diarrhea and/or vomiting
Shakiness and loss of coordination
Bright red gums
What to do if you notice your dog suffering from heat stroke
Get the dog out of the heat and into a cooler location (such as indoors with air conditioning)
Offer cool water for the dog to drink
Soak towels in cool water and lay them over the dog
Monitor the dog’s internal temperature with a thermometer (remove cool towels if temperature drops to about 103°F)
If the dog’s condition doesn’t improve within 10 minutes, seek veterinary help.
Preventing heat stroke in dogs
Heat stroke is a scary and potential life-threatening condition for our beloved canine companions. Here’s some tips to reduce the risk of heat stroke during the blazing hot days of summer:
Never leave a dog outside unsupervised
Reduce walk lengths and supplement with indoor enrichment activities
When outside, spend as much time as possible in shaded areas
Offer fresh water before, during, and after walks
Don’t forget that humans can get heat stroke too!
As you pay close attention to your dog in the heat, don’t forget to monitor your own health as well! Symptoms of heatstroke for humans include dizziness, nausea, headache, and confusion. Make sure to stay hydrated and take time to cool down in between walks.
By staying alert and proactive, we can all make summer walks safe and enjoyable for ourselves and our dogs. Knowing the signs of heat stroke, taking preventative measures, and responding quickly in an emergency can make all the difference. Whether you’re a dog owner or a professional walker, a little extra care goes a long way during the hottest days of the year. Keep those tails wagging and paws cool, your dog will thank you!
The Right Fluff Pet Sitting offers professional, loving, and reliable dog walking and cat sitting services in Montgomery County, MD. We serve dog and cat owners across Rockville, Bethesda, Potomac, Chevy Chase, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg/Germantown and surrounding communities.
New clients can get started and book dog walking or pet sitting services using this form. Existing clients can log into their account to request services using this link.
More information on our pet care services can be found on our website or by contacting us by email at info@rightfluff.com or by calling us at 240-447-9523 to learn more.
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