How often should dogs drink in hot weather? What should you pay attention to when swimming and grooming?
Tips to ensure that your furry friends feel comfortable even in high temperatures
Summer with dogs presents special challenges for people and animals. The weather with its high temperatures can quickly become a burden for our four-legged friends. The heat on hot summer days means that dogs have to regulate their body temperature primarily through panting and water activities. That's why there are everything you need to consider to make summer with your dog safe and pleasant. The most important rule: Always ensure there is enough shade, fresh water and cooling down to avoid overheating. The right activity is also crucial - cooling and playful activities ensure that the furry friends are kept busy and happy despite the heat. Summer activities like swimming or playing fetch in the water are not only fun, but they also help make the heat more pleasant.
When it gets pleasantly warm in spring or summer, most people feel comfortable. Many furry friends, on the other hand, quickly become too warm and start panting. “Dogs are made for an ambient temperature of around 14 degrees,” explains veterinarian Fabian von Manteuffel. Some breeds, such as huskies, like it even much cooler. However, panting is not a sign that the animal is not doing well, but rather completely normal, explains von Manteuffel: “The dog cannot sweat like we do, it regulates its body temperature by panting.”
Preparing for summer
Before the temperatures rise, it's worth taking some precautions for summer with your dog. Regular grooming is particularly important: brushing removes loose undercoat and allows air to reach your dog's skin better - this ensures a pleasant cool down on hot days. Make sure that your four-legged friend always finds a shady place in the garden or on the balcony. A parasol or a shady tree are ideal alternatives to avoid the direct sun. Fresh water should always be ready to hand - a drinking bowl with a gargoyle provides additional refreshment. For a special cooling down, you can easily make dog ice cream yourself: With a little chicken broth, a few treats and a freezer bag, you can conjure up a delicious refreshment for your pet in no time. So you and your dog start the summer well prepared.
Signs of overheating
Warning signs that dogs are suffering greatly from the heat can be heavy panting and restlessness, and if overheating increases, a red tongue, apathy, a glassy look or a staggering gait. When a dog overheats, its body heat rises dangerously, which can lead to serious health problems. Heat stroke can also be life-threatening for four-legged friends.
Dogs need to drink enough
Like people, dogs also need more fluids on warm days. Especially in hot weather, dogs should drink plenty of water to cool down and stay healthy. A dog's water needs also depend heavily on his activity - the more exercise, the more water is needed. It is therefore advisable to always have some fresh water ready for the animal and to make sure that it drinks regularly. However, dogs don't have to drink constantly either: “They can tolerate not drinking for two hours, just like us humans,” says von Manteuffel. The water should ideally be at room temperature and the drinking bowl should be changed several times a day because germs multiply quickly at high temperatures. Leftover food should also be disposed of quickly. It's best to feed smaller portions, as this puts less strain on the body.
Walk the dog in cooler hours and in the shade
When planning walks, dog owners should pay particular attention to the right time of day and in the slightly cooler morning or in the evening Go for a walk, best on shady routes. It is advisable to choose shady paths in the park for walks in order to protect the dog from direct sunlight. Not only is the dog's circulation stressed in the heat, the dog's paws are also very sensitive - hot asphalt can quickly become very painful. Greater exertion for the dog, such as running next to the bike, should be avoided. Take a bottle of water with you for the dog on longer trips.
Swimming helps you cool down
Many furry friends look forward to a cooling bath in the summer heat - swimming is not only fun for them, but also provides wonderful refreshment.
A welcome change on hot days is a swim in the river, lake or even the stream, which serves as a natural way to cool off. Swimming is an ideal activity for hot days as it challenges the furry friend mentally and physically without overheating them. There are many activities in the water, such as games of fetch or splashing around together, that add extra fun. Various options and every opportunity to cool off in the water - whether lake, stream or dog pool - should be used to make the summer heat more pleasant. An alternative to the classic bathing area is, for example, a dog pool in your own garden. Swimming outdoors and in nature is particularly refreshing and offers a wonderful experience for dog and owner. An example of a water activity is retrieving toys from the water.
If possible, the fur nose should still be well in the water on the bank of the bathing area so that it can get used to the temperature a little. If she doesn't feel like being in the cool water, you should accept that - just like humans, there are also furry friends who are afraid of water. It is important to only choose bathing areas where dogs are welcome. Many lakes and the North and Baltic Seas have their own dog areas. In Nature reserves However, out of consideration for waterfowl and other animals, you should not let your dog swim.
Don't let anyone drink salt water
There are broken glass and bottle caps on many beaches or lake shores in summer, so you should always have bandages with you in case of an emergency. Important: When bathing in the sea, dog owners should make sure that their pet does not drink salt water, as this can lead to diarrhea and vomiting, warns veterinarian von Manteuffel. After swimming, the dog should also be showered as the salt water is bad for the skin.
You can find further tips and information in our article on dog swimming and bathing with dogs.
Blue-green algae: Danger for dogs
Very warm temperatures also pose a health risk Blue-green algae if the dog unintentionally ingests it while drinking. Symptoms can include vomiting, yellow-colored mucous membranes, as well as apathy and loss of appetite. As a preventative measure, dogs should generally not drink from lakes if the heat continues.
Danger to dogs from awns
In summer, a walk through fields can also be unpleasant for dogs. The awns of the grain ears often have sharp points and fine barbs that dig into paws, noses or ears and, in unfavorable cases, are inhaled. They lead to swelling and inflammation. Dog owners should be alert if the animal limps, shakes its ears or sneezes heavily after a walk. The awn foreign bodies should best be removed by a veterinarian.
Traveling in the car with the dog
In summer, dogs should never be left in cars because it is too hot for them.
Dog owners should avoid long car journeys in the midday heat. They can cause problems for the dog as it quickly gets warm in the car. Avoid drafts through open windows, as dogs can quickly contract conjunctivitis. It is better to turn on the air conditioning. Very important: Never leave your dog in the car in summer temperatures! In the worst case, a heated car can become a death trap for the animal. After just a few minutes, the vehicle can become a deadly trap for dogs.
First aid for heat stroke
If, despite all precautions, heat stroke occurs, every minute counts. Immediately move your dog into the shade to protect him from further sun exposure. Offer lukewarm water – ice-cold water can put additional strain on the circulatory system. Begin to cool your dog down carefully with water: start at the paws, slowly work your way down the legs to the body and finally to the head. This will help you gently lower your dog’s body temperature. If your dog shows severe symptoms such as loss of consciousness, vomiting, diarrhea or shortness of breath, do not hesitate and consult a veterinarian immediately. Acting quickly can save lives in an emergency.
Safety and responsibility
Your dog's safety should always be your number one priority during the summer. Never leave your dog in the car - even in supposedly mild temperatures, the vehicle can heat up significantly in a short time and lead to life-threatening heat stroke. When going for a walk or in the garden, always look for shady places so that your dog can cool down and his body temperature does not rise too much. Fresh water should always be available and the diet should also be adapted to summer needs. As a responsible dog owner, you make sure that your dog feels comfortable and can safely enjoy the hot days.
Vacationing and traveling with dogs
A summer vacation with your dog can be a wonderful adventure - provided you plan carefully in advance. Find out about dog-friendly accommodations in good time so that your four-legged friend is welcome everywhere. During the trip, you should always have enough water and homemade dog ice cream with you to offer your dog a refreshing cool down while on the go. Schedule regular breaks so your dog can exercise and relax. So nothing stands in the way of a relaxing summer holiday with your loved one.
Summer grooming
Dogs with long fur can get some relief on hot days by brushing them regularly. This way, cooling air reaches the skin. Proper grooming in summer also depends on the breed of dog, as different types of fur require different grooming methods and cooling options. A summer coat cut provides even more cooling for thick and long fur.
Conclusion and summary
Summer offers many wonderful moments for dogs and their owners - provided you pay attention to the most important tips for hot days. Good preparation with regular grooming, shady areas and enough water ensures that your dog can enjoy the summer time. Never leave your dog in the car and know how to react quickly in the event of a heat stroke emergency. With careful travel planning and small refreshments like dog ice cream, nothing stands in the way of a summer vacation together. This way your dog stays healthy, happy and can enjoy the warm days to the fullest.
