Walking is good exercise for dogs, but on hot days or after long walks, they can get too warm. Dogs don’t sweat like us, and their thick fur holds in heat, which makes it hard for them to cool down.
After a walk, take your dog to a cool or shady place. Give them fresh, cool water to drink. You can also gently wipe their paws, belly, and underarms with a wet cloth or splash some cool (not cold) water on them. A fan or a cooling mat can help too. Don’t use ice or very cold water, as that can be too much for them.
Helping your dog cool down keeps them safe and happy.
How to cool down your dog from overheating after a walk?
It’s essential to keep your dog cool after a walk to prevent overheating. Here are some of the ways for keeping your dog cool
- If your dog shows overheating signs outside, move them to a cool, shaded area and offer fresh, cool water.
- After walks, give plenty of clean water to keep them hydrated.
- If they refuse water, offer juicy fruits like watermelon or goat’s milk.
- Wet a cloth with room-temperature water and place it on their neck and chest to cool them quickly or use a fan to speed this up.
- Use fans or AC for long-haired dogs to prevent overheating.
- Let your dog rest on a cool floor to help regulate body temperature.
Does wetting a dog cool it down?
Yes, wetting a dog can help your dog to stay cool after a walk. You can use a variety of methods to damp and cool your dog with water.
- Wetting your dog with cool water helps lower body temperature after a walk.
- Use damp towels on their belly, paws, and back.
- Let them play with garden sprinklers for fun and cooling.
- Use cooling coats, collars, mats, or ice packs for extra relief.
- Offer clean, fresh water to keep them hydrated.
- Let them dip their paws or relax in a shaded kiddie pool.
- Give frozen fruit treats or pupsicles for a cooling snack.
How to know if your dog is overheated?
Dogs can’t tell us when they’re too hot, so it’s important to watch for signs. If your dog is overheating, you may notice:
- Heavy panting or breathing fast
- Drooling more than usual
- Bright red gums or tongue
- Weakness or tiredness
- Wobbling or trouble walking
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Glazed eyes or confused look
- Lying down suddenly or not wanting to move
If you see any of these signs, move your dog to a cool spot, give them water, and start cooling them down right away. If the symptoms are strong or don’t get better, call your vet immediately.
It is necessary to watch for the signs for overheating as it can lead to heatstroke in dogs. Heatstroke in dogs is a death threatening condition . During heatstroke dog’s body temperature rises dangerously high, usually above 105°F (40.5°C). Here is how you can treat your dog from heatstroke. So it’s very important to cool your dog after a walk.
Common questions asked by pet parents
When should I call the vet if I suspect my dog is overheating?
Call your vet if your dog shows signs like heavy panting, weakness, drooling, bright red gums, vomiting, diarrhea, confusion, or collapse. These could mean heatstroke, which needs urgent medical help. Don’t wait for long. Fast action can save your dog’s life.
How does heatstroke affect dogs?
Heatstroke happens when a dog’s body temperature rises dangerously high, usually above 105°F (40.5°C). It can lead to organ failure, brain swelling, internal bleeding, and even death. Dogs can’t cool down easily like humans, so they overheat quickly, especially in hot weather or after intense activity.
How much water should I give my dog after exercise in the heat?
Always provide cool, fresh water after any walk or playtime, especially in warm weather. Let your dog drink small amounts slowly to avoid vomiting. If they don’t want water, offer hydrating treats like goat’s milk or juicy fruits (e.g., watermelon). Keep water available at all times to prevent dehydration.
What treat I can give to cool down my dog?
To cool down your dog, you can give them watemelon(seedless), cucumber, apple slice(without seed and core). You can also give them yogurt and also buttermilk.