Temperatures are already on the rise here in Chicagoland, and for many of our Dog Training Now clients, summer heat can mean lots of confusion about their dog’s health. “Our owners love their dogs,” says Trainer Judy, “and they often wonder about the signs of overheating.” To keep your dog safe, and to keep you confident about your summer practices with your pooch, take a look at a few ways to know when your dog is too hot.
Heavy panting
Your dog doesn’t sweat, which means that he needs to rely on other ways to cool his body down. While a tongue hanging out of his mouth doesn’t mean your pup is too hot, excessive or heavy panting can mean he could benefit from a break in activity or from coming inside to cool off for a bit. You know your dog best, so if you see that your dog is panting more than usual when outside, play it safe and coax him indoors for a cool down.
Voluntarily stopping activity
Your dog knows when she’s getting too hot, and will seek out shade or a break from activity when she’s feeling a bit too warm. If your dog wants a bit of a rest, give it to her. For many dogs running around in the backyard, a break in the shade will give them the recovery period they need. If you happen to be out on a walk and notice that your dog is lagging behind or wanting to lie down, go ahead and take that break together (preferably in the shade).
Fatigue or lethargy
Dehydration is a real side effect from an overheated dog, and even if you allow a bit of rest, some dogs may need extra recovery once back inside. In fact, your dog may have a favorite place to cool off and relax after time outside. Keep your eye peeled for a dog that is a bit more lethargic than usual after outdoor activity, as this could be a sign of dangerous overheating.
If you are looking for a way to keep your dog cool while still burning some energy, consider enrolling him in a program at our studio. Our Day Training or Day Academy sessions are the perfect way to beat the summer heat!