6 Tips to Help Your Dog Not Get Heatstroke in Summer!

1. Have plenty of fresh, cold water available

Whether you are taking your dog on a hike or playing in the backyard, it is important to provide him with fresh, cold water.

While you're out and about, bring a collapsible portable water bowl or a water bottle. Give him a small amount of water every 15 to 20 minutes during the activity. Make sure you have enough cool water to last the entire time you are away.

If your dog begins to pant excessively, take him into the shade and give him more water immediately. Arleigh Reynolds, senior research nutritionist and veterinarian at Purina, cautions against giving too much water at once.

"For a forty-five to fifty-five pound dog, don't let them drink more than four to eight ounces of water at a time. Give them some 10 or 15 minutes after they've had time to absorb it and pass it out of their stomach."

2. Play in the water

A wet dog is a cool dog. Dr. Reynolds recommends planning summer outdoor activities with your dog to involve some water play - a water fountain, pool or lake can all be fun and cool.

"Take them to a place where, if you're going for a run, you can stop and throw a stick and have him swim to fetch it. It's amazing how quickly this can lower his body temperature and make him feel good."

Just remember to bring some old towels to dry off after he's done playing.

3. Avoid the midday heat

You and your dog can be outside at any time of the day, depending on the heat and humidity. Mild, cloudy days and low humidity may be appropriate for a mid-day walk or run.

If it's sunny, 80 degrees and humid, it's best to avoid the midday heat. If you do need to get some exercise on these days, try to go early in the morning or in the evening when it's not so hot.

Remember to check the temperature of the road before you go. Even on milder days, asphalt can get very hot in direct sunlight. Dr. Reynolds recommends putting your hand on the pavement to test the temperature. You can also pour water on the blacktop. If it immediately steams up, it's too hot for your dog.

"You can get little boots for your dog's paws, but you have to be careful with those, too," he says." If they get hot, they're going to cause problems anyway." Dr. Reynolds prefers to walk his dogs on trails. Because they are not hard surfaces and are usually shaded, they are less likely to cause injury.

Dogs' guide to avoiding the heat

4. Don't sit in a parked car

Don't leave your dog in a parked car - ever - even if the windows are open. Even on relatively mild days, the temperature inside a car can quickly rise to dangerous, life-threatening levels. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), "the interior temperature of a car parked in direct sunlight can be as high as 131 degrees F to 172 degrees F when the outside temperature is 80 degrees F to 100 degrees F."

If you want to take your dog on a road trip this summer, Dr. Reynolds says, "It's fine to be in an air-conditioned car. But keep an eye on it to see if it starts panting. The extra anxiety associated with travel can be enough to put a dog in a bind if he's not acclimated to it."

Dr. Reynolds has trained his dogs since they were young, so not only are they used to traveling, but they look forward to it.

5. Choosing the right dog house

Poor quality dog houses don't allow air circulation, which makes them dangerous in the summer heat. You can check out these dog houses that will give them plenty of shade and put generally fresh cool water next to them, adding ice cubes to the water bowl will also help.

6. Know the Signs of Heat Stroke in Dogs

When you're out with your dog, pay attention to his behavior, body language and other aspects. According to Dr. Reynolds, there are several things to look for, including "panting and your dog's level of excitement about continuing the activity. If your dog suddenly starts to flinch during a walk or run, that's a clear sign to take a break and calm down. Another thing to look for is the way he holds his ears and tail. "If his ears are up and he's looking around alertly, that's good. If they start to droop, that's a concern. The same goes for the tail. I've noticed that when many dogs get hot, if their tail is usually up and wagging, it starts to drift down or even drop completely, which is another warning sign."

Heat stroke is a serious risk for dogs in hot weather. The risk is higher in puppies, older dogs and dogs in poor health. Following the tips above can help prevent overheating and heatstroke in dogs.