How Do I Keep My Dog Safe in the Summer Heat?

Never Leave Your Dog in a Parked Car. Not for “Just a Minute.”

This is the one that takes lives every summer, and it does it fast. A car interior can climb

from a mild 70°F to 89°F in ten minutes, and to 104°F within half an hour — and cracking

the windows barely changes it. A dog’s normal body temperature is around 99 to 102.2°F,

so it doesn’t take long for that car to become an oven. There is no errand short enough. If

your dog can’t come inside with you, it’s better to just leave them home.

Check the Pavement Before You Walk

Even if the air feels pleasant to you, the ground may not be. When the air is 86°F, asphalt can hit

roughly 135°F which is hot enough to blister paw pads in about a minute. Asphalt also holds heat

long after sunset, so “it’s evening” isn’t always free pass.

Use the seven-second test: press the back of your hand flat on the pavement. If you can’t

hold it there comfortably for seven seconds, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. Walk on grass,

go early or late or skip it that day.

Know the Signs of Heatstroke

Dogs don’t sweat to cool down the way we do. They pant, and sometimes panting can only do so much which is a reason why heatstroke sets in quickly. Watch for:

• Heavy, frantic panting that doesn’t settle
• Drooling more than usual, thick or ropey
• Bright red or dark gums
• Weakness, stumbling, or a wobbly walk
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Collapse or unresponsiveness

If you see these, treat it as an emergency. Move your dog to shade or air conditioning,

offer cool (not ice-cold) water, wet them down with cool water — especially the belly,

armpits, and paws — and get to a veterinarian right away. Heatstroke can damage organs

even after a dog looks like they’ve recovered, so don’t wait it out. Call ahead and come in.

Who’s Most at Risk

Some dogs have far less margin for error in the heat. Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds

like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boxers can’t cool themselves efficiently through panting and

overheat dangerously fast. Senior dogs, puppies, overweight dogs, and dogs with heart

or airway conditions are also high-risk. If your dog is in any of these groups, be extra

conservative — shorter walks, more shade, more water, and air conditioning on the hot

days.

When in Doubt, Come In

Heat emergencies move fast, and the dogs who do best are the ones whose owners didn’t

wait to “see if it passes.” If your dog is panting hard and won’t settle, seems weak or

disoriented, or you’re just not sure, get them seen!

Eastfield Veterinary Wellness & Urgent Care is open seven days a week. No appointment needed. We’re at 1964 Boston Rd in Wilbraham, serving Hampden, Ludlow, Monson, Palmer, East Longmeadow, and the greater Springfield area. Call us at 413-543-2772.

 Enjoy the summer and just keep one eye on the thermometer!