Dogs only have sweat glands on certain parts of their bodies. They rely on a few fundamental mechanisms to regulate their body temperature:
- Panting: This is their primary way to cool down. As they pant, moisture evaporates from their tongue and lungs, which helps to lower their body temperature.
- Paw pads: Dogs release heat through their paw pads. You may see your dog licking its paws to cool down.
- Ear radiation: Some dogs release heat through the blood vessels in their ears.
Here are some additional things that can help dogs stay cool in hot weather:
- Provide shade and air conditioning access: Make sure your dog has an excellent place to rest inside or outside in the shade. If you don’t have air conditioning, use fans to circulate air.
- Provide plenty of fresh, clean water: Ensure your dog has access to water at all times, and encourage them to drink throughout the day.
- Never leave your dog in a hot car. Even on a mildly warm day, the car’s temperature will quickly reach dangerous levels, just like with a child.
It’s essential to be aware of the signs of overheating in dogs
Which include excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you think your dog is overheating, take it to a cool place, wet it with cool water, and offer it water to drink. If the symptoms are severe, take it to the vet immediately.
