When summer arrives, it's not just humans who feel the heat; dogs are also at higher risk of heatstroke. Keeping your Shih Tzu cool during the warmer months is essential for their safety and comfort. Here are some vital tips to ensure your dog stays cool and healthy during hot weather.
Why Keeping Your Shih Tzu Cool in Summer is Crucial
Dogs can struggle with hot weather and are more susceptible to heatstroke than humans. Heatstroke is a serious condition where a dog's internal temperature rises, potentially causing organ failure and even death. Approximately 1 in 7 dogs treated for heatstroke do not survive, making prevention critical.
Dogs at Higher Risk
While all dogs can develop heatstroke, some are more vulnerable:
- - Overweight dogs
- - Flat-faced breeds (brachycephalic)
- - Highly energetic dogs
- - Older dogs
- - Large dogs, especially those over 50kg
- - Dogs with long or thick fur
- - Dogs with health issues, including dehydration, heart, or respiratory problems
Breeds often seen by vets for heatstroke include Chow Chows, Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Dogue de Bordeaux, Greyhounds, Boxers, English Springer Spaniels, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Pugs, Golden Retrievers, and Staffordshire Bull Terriers.
Essential Tips to Keep Your Dog Cool
- 1. Hydration: Always provide plenty of cool, fresh water. Use multiple bowls around the house and garden, adding ice cubes to keep the water cold.
- 2. Walk at Cooler Times: Exercise your dog early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the midday heat. Avoid hot pavements that can burn their paw pads. If it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for your dog’s feet.
- 3. Rest: In temperatures above 20°C (68°F),limit exercise, especially for overweight or flat-faced breeds. Engage your dog with treat puzzles or brain games instead.
- 4. Paddling Pools: Set up a paddling pool in a shaded area. Fill it with cool water and encourage your dog to splash around. Monitor them to prevent over-excitement.
- 5. Cooling Mats and Ice Packs: Use specially designed cooling mats or wrap freezer blocks in a towel for your dog's bed.
- 6. Cooling Coats and Collars: Invest in cooling coats, harnesses, and collars that use water to keep your dog cool through evaporation.
- 7. Ice Treats: Make ice licks, popsicles, or freeze fruit and vegetable treats. Use frozen Kong toys for a fun and refreshing activity.
- 8. Fans: If you don't have air conditioning, place a fan near your dog’s favourite spot. Enhance the cooling effect with frozen water bottles in front of the fan.
- 9. Cooling Toys: Freeze your dog’s favourite toys or use toys designed to be filled with water and frozen.
- 10. Water Mists and Sprinklers: Regularly mist your dog with water or let them play in a garden sprinkler to cool off.
- 11. Hot Cars: Never leave your dog in a parked car. When traveling, ensure good ventilation, provide water, and schedule stops for hydration.
- 12. Recognize Heatstroke Signs: Look for symptoms like heavy panting, breathing difficulties, lethargy, vomiting, purple gums, and collapse. If you suspect heatstroke, move your dog to a cool area, wet their coat with tap water, offer small amounts of water, and seek veterinary attention immediately.
Keeping Your Dog Cool in Various Settings
- In the Garden: Provide shaded areas, water bowls, a paddling pool, and avoid hot greenhouses.
- In the House: Keep water bowls accessible, use damp towels for them to lie on, clip their coat if long, and avoid direct sunlight.
- At the Beach: Visit during cooler times, provide shade, ensure hydration, and let your dog splash in the water.
- At Night: Use fans, let them sleep on cool surfaces, and provide access to water.
Keeping Your Shih Tzu Cool During a Heatwave
During exceptionally hot weather, dogs are at even greater risk. Ensure constant access to water, minimize exercise, especially during peak heat, and always monitor for signs of heatstroke.
By following these guidelines, you can help keep your dog safe and comfortable throughout the summer months. Always stay vigilant and proactive to prevent heat-related issues.