How do you protect an older dog from overheating during hot days?
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by Robin van Leeuwen
How do you protect an older dog from overheating during hot days?
You walk the same lap as always. The short walk that your older dog normally walks at leisure. But today he lags behind after just a few minutes. His tongue hangs further out of his mouth. He stops at the first bit of shade.
That is the time to listen to your dog.
A hot day demands a lot from an older dog. He cools down less easily and his body has to work harder to lose heat. Is your dog overweight, with a thick coat, heart problems or a short snout? Then he runs the risk of overheating even more quickly.
The best protection is simple: prevent your dog from getting too hot. Don't wait until he's clearly in trouble. On hot days it's all about short walks, lots of rest, shade, fresh water and light snacks at the right time.
Walk during the cool times of the day
Go outside early in the morning. Then the air is still fresh and the sidewalk is usually cool. Later in the evening is also possible, but pay close attention to asphalt and tiles. They stay warm for a long time.
Always feel the ground with your hand. Can't keep your hand on the sidewalk for five seconds? Then it is too hot for your dog's paws.
Make the walk short. A quiet sniffing round is enough. Your older dog doesn't have to walk a long route on a hot day. Sniffing gives him a lot of stimulation, without his body having to work too hard.
Provide rest, shade, water and light snacks
Help your dog with a cool place inside. Close curtains on the sunny side. Have fresh water ready. If necessary, place a cooling mat down, but let your dog choose where he lies. Some dogs prefer to lie on tiles or in a quiet corner.
On hot days it is better to place several drinking bowls. This is especially useful for an older dog. This way he doesn't have to walk as much to drink. Take water with you on every walk, even on a short circuit. Give small amounts of water in between, especially if your dog pants a lot.
Many older dogs eat less when it is hot. That's normal. It is better to give smaller portions at cooler times, such as in the morning or evening.
Choose snacks wisely. It is better to save large chews for a cooler moment. In the middle of the day you want to keep your dog calm. One small soft snack or fish snack is often enough as a reward.
Signs of overheating in an older dog
Pay close attention to small changes. Overheating often starts with hard panting, a lot of drooling, restlessness or lethargy. Your dog may walk more slowly, seek shade or suddenly not want to continue.
Serious signs include staggering, vomiting, diarrhea, confused behavior, collapsing or not responding properly. Then it's urgent.
Immediately take your dog to a cool place. Cool him with lukewarm to cool water around his belly, legs, groin and neck. Give small sips of water when he is fully awake. Always call the vet in case of obvious complaints.
Do not use ice cold water. Also, don't wrap your dog tightly in wet towels. That can retain heat.
Never leave your older dog in the car
Never leave your dog in the car. Not even for a few minutes. Not even with a window open. A car heats up quickly and becomes dangerous before you know it.
Avoid taking your older dog everywhere on hot days. An afternoon of rest at home is often safer than a terrace, market or long car journey.
This way your older dog can get through hot days safely
Hot days can be boring. That is actually good for a senior dog. A short walk, a cool place, fresh water and plenty of rest protect him best.
Look at your dog. Does he walk slower, pant more or seek shade more quickly? Then that's enough reason to stop. You know his pace. On hot days, stopping earlier is the best choice.
