Dogs are susceptible to heatstroke and other health problems if they get too hot, so it's important to take steps to keep them cool when travelling in the car. In this blog post, we'll look at some of the best ways to keep your dog cool in the car, as well as some signs that indicate your dog is getting too hot.
The importance of keeping your dog cool in the car.
On a hot day, the temperature inside a parked car can quickly rise to dangerous levels for dogs. Dogs cannot sweat through their skin like humans, so they pant to evaporate moisture from their lungs and cool off. But when it's humid or very hot outside, a dog's ability to pant efficiently is impaired, and his body temperature can rise to life-threatening levels in a matter of minutes.
Leaving the windows open does not provide enough ventilation to keep your dog cool, and parking in the shade does not prevent the interior temperature from rising rapidly. In fact, on an 85-degree day, the temperature inside a car parked in the shade can reach 102 degrees within 10 minutes, and after 30 minutes can reach 120 degrees. At these temperatures, serious health problems occur, including heat stroke, which can be fatal.
Tips for keeping your dog cool in the car.
There are several things you can do to keep your dog cool and safe when traveling on hot days:
• Never leave your dog alone in a parked car—not even for a minute! On warm days, use air conditioning or vents to keep the car cool while you're driving. If you don't have air conditioning in your vehicle, consider making other arrangements for your pet such as having someone else drive or taking public transportation instead.
• When bringing your dog along on errands or running quick errands without him, leave him at home where it's cooler indoors or take him with you and bring him into the store with you. If you must leave him in the car while you run into somewhere real quick (like paying for gas), crack open all four windows first so there's plenty of airflow and he won't overheat while you're gone. And never leave him unattended in direct sunlight—find some shade for him to wait in instead until you return.
• On particularly hot days (>90°F/32°C), avoid strenuous activity with your dog such as hiking or jogging; opt for walks around the block instead until it cools down later in the day. If he does get overheated from exercise,cool him down gradually by walking instead of stopping abruptly and giving him lots of water to drink along the way home; apply cooled (not cold) water over his body with a towel if necessary. Avoid using ice packs or very cold water as this can actually cause shock
• Never leave your dog in a parked car on a hot day, even if the windows are cracked or the car is in the shade—it's just not worth the risk!
How to keep your dog cool in the car.
If it's a hot day and you're going to be in the car for more than a few minutes, make sure to crank the AC. Dogs can't sweat like humans do, so they rely on panting to cool off. But if it's too hot, they can't pant efficiently and can overheat quickly.
Use a cooling mat.
You can buy special cooling mats that help keep your dog cool. They work by absorbing your dog's body heat and dissipating it into the air. These mats can be placed in your car or in your dog's crate or bedding at home.
Give your dog a frozen treat.
On really hot days, you can give your dog a frozen treat to help them cool off. You can make these yourself by freezing some of your dog's favorite treats or food in an ice cube tray or Ziploc bag. Or you can buy them premade at the pet store.
Signs that your dog is too hot.
Excessive panting is one of the most common signs that your dog is too hot. If your dog is panting excessively, it is likely that they are overheating and you should take steps to cool them down immediately.
Lethargy.
Another sign that your dog is too hot is if they become unusually lethargic or sluggish. If your dog is normally active and playful but suddenly becomes listless and uninterested in anything, it could be a sign of heat exhaustion and you should seek medical attention immediately.
Vomiting.
If your dog starts vomiting, it could be a sign that they are suffering from heatstroke, which is a medical emergency. If your dog starts vomiting, you should move them to a cool area immediately and call your veterinarian or local emergency animal hospital for instructions.
Conclusion
It's important to keep your dog cool in the car, especially during hot weather. The dangers of leaving your dog in a hot car are well-documented, so it's important to take steps to keep your furry friend comfortable and safe. Cranking the AC, using a cooling mat, and giving your dog a frozen treat are all great ways to keep them cool. Be sure to watch for signs that your dog is too hot, such as excessive panting or vomiting. With a little planning, you can make sure your dog stays safe and cool during summer road trips.