Here in California things have been really heating up! With temperatures consistently in the triple digits, it’s definitely time to find ways to stay sane while beating the heat. (And on a more serious note, the recent heat wave has contributed to a number of devastating wildfires across the state. You can get involved by donating directly to California Fire Relief funds here!)

Safety First

First things first, let’s talk safety! Extreme temperatures can quickly turn a fun outing with your pup into a hazard. Taking nice air conditioned car rides with your dog can be a great way to add enrichment to their day, but it’s so important to avoid leaving them in the car! Even if the temperature outside is reasonable, you park in the shade, and you crack the windows, it only takes minutes for the inside of a car to reach dangerous levels. If you need to run into the store without your dog, consider leaving them at home or have someone wait in the car with them and the AC cranked!

You’ll want to take similar considerations when walking with your dog on hot days. Asphalt, concrete, and sand can all heat up to the point of injuring your dog’s paws. On a 77 degree day, the asphalt can be as hot as 125 degrees, which is hot enough to burn your pup’s paws in just under a minute! Instead, consider walking your dog early in the morning or later in the evening when it’s cooler and stick to the grass or dirt. If you live in an area where your dog needs to walk across hot surfaces more frequently, you can train your dog to wear booties to help protect their feet. When in doubt, try the 7 second test: if you cannot comfortably hold the back of your hand to the pavement for seven seconds, it’s too hot!

Heat Exhaustion & Heat Stroke

One of the biggest risks during summer is heat stroke. Our first line of defense is to avoid walking or exercising during the hottest parts of the day. Make sure your dog has access to a cool, well-ventilated and shaded area throughout the day with plenty of fresh cool water!

We hope you and your dog never experience any heat exhaustion or heat stroke, but it’s important to notice the signs to keep your pup safe. Dogs who are elderly, ill, or overweight, as well as dogs with heart conditions or brachycephalic (short) muzzles are at a higher risk for heat stroke.

Common symptoms associated with heat stroke include:

Excessive panting & raspy breath
Drooling & salivation
Bright red or purple tongue or gums
Vomiting
Stumbling or collapsing
Seizures

If you notice any signs of heat stroke, get your dog to the emergency room immediately. Heat stroke is an extremely serious condition that can be fatal. Until you are able to get veterinary assistance, move your dog to a cooler spot, offer them tepid water to drink, and spray or wipe your dog down with cool water. Never use cold water or ice, as this can cause shock.

Staying Cool

Now let’s get to the fun stuff! There are plenty of things we can do to have fun with our dogs while avoiding the heat.

SwimmingPlaying with water is a perfect summer activity! If your dog is already a swimming enthusiast, you can take a trip to the local beach, lake, river, or creek. If you plan on visiting any natural fresh bodies of water, keep an eye out for Blue-Green Algae which can pop up in warmer weather and is extremely toxic!If you don’t have easy access to natural bodies of water, swimming pools and paddling pools are another great option. For dogs who aren’t convinced about swimming, introducing shallow wading pools can help build their confidence around water! Start off by tossing treats into the empty pool; once your dog is eagerly hopping in, you can gradually work on adding water to it.
Frozen EnrichmentWho doesn’t love a popsicle on a hot day? We can include our dogs and make all kinds of frozen treats for added enrichment that helps keep them cool. Many dog owners already know they can stuff and freeze kongs, but did you know there is a whole list of recipes on the kong website?The list doesn’t stop at kongs! Using ice cube trays, tupperware, or popsicle molds, you can make DIY pupsicles of all shapes and sizes!
Bobbing for TreatsIf your dog needs a little extra encouragement to drink water on hot days or to play in the wading pool you set up, try tossing some floating treats like cheerios, Charlee Bears, or freeze dried meats! You can make your own floating goodies by freezing some high value treats like hot dogs with water in an ice cube tray.
Field TripsSometimes it’s too hot to safely go on your normal walks, but air conditioned pet friendly stores are still an option! Not every dog enjoys going into public spaces, so pay close attention to their body language. (Don’t forget to wear a mask for your safety and the safety of others!)
Indoor Training GamesYou’d be surprised at how exhausting training can be for dogs! Learning new tricks can be mentally stimulating, and certain behaviors can also get your dog physically tired. If you need help getting into a training routine with your dog, we’d love to have you join us in one of our Online Group Classes!
Indoor Dog GymsIn some areas, you can actually rent out indoor dog gyms and training spaces! Check with your local dog sport clubs and canine fitness centers to see if there are any locations near you. Some spots can even grant you access to dog-friendly pools, agility equipment, and more!
Cooling ProductsLastly, there are a few products on the market designed to help keep your best friend comfortable this summer, including special cooling mats and cooling vests. Keep in mind that while these are helpful additions, they are not a substitute for other heat safety tips!

Stay safe and cool out there, everyone! Does your dog have any favorite summer activities? Tag us on instagram @clickstartdogacademy.

Surviving the Heat Wave with your Dogs