Hiking with your dog can be both challenging and rewarding, but keeping your pup cool and happy while on the trail requires just as much care as any other outdoor activity. With a few simple tips and tricks, you can keep your pup safe, happy, and healthy while out in the woods together.
Here are the do’s and don’ts of keeping your dog cool while hiking.
How to Keep Your Dog From Overheating During Summer
If you’re a dog owner, you know that our furry friends can get pretty hot during hikes, especially in the summertime. Here are a few tips on how to keep your dog cool while hiking:
1. Start early in the morning or later in the evening when it’s cooler outside.
2. Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day.
3. Bring plenty of water for both you and your pup, and take breaks often to drink and rest in the shade.
4. Pack some doggy sunscreen to protect your pup from harmful UV rays.
5. Keep an eye on your dog for signs of overheating, such as excessive panting or drooling, increased body temperature, or acting lethargic.
6. If your dog starts to show signs of overheating, quickly get them out of direct sunlight, spray them with cool water, and get a drink into them if they are responsive.
To help your dog beat the heat, you may want to consider purchasing a doggy cooling vest that will help keep your pup cool during hiking, long walks or other activities.
Dogs naturally cool themselves by panting with their tongue out, so if you have an active dog who loves to run and play in hot weather, a cooling vest can offer him some much-needed relief from summer’s sweltering temperatures.
You may also want to try giving your dog a bath or using doggy wipes after any activity or hike that gets him dirty, since both these things are great at keeping his body temperature down for longer.
In addition to dog cooling vests, you may also want to consider purchasing a doggy water bottle that will help your pup get some much-needed hydration on a hot day. These can be especially helpful if you have a dog that has health issues or is overweight, since they can become dehydrated more easily.
If your dog gets very dirty after exercise, it’s important to give him a bath right away, but otherwise you should let them cool down for about 30 minutes before taking him in for a bath so he doesn’t get overheated again.
Some dogs prefer cold baths rather than warm ones, so talk to your veterinarian if you aren’t sure which option is best for your pup.
Keep Your Dog Well Groomed
If you like to take your dog on hikes or extended walks, it’s important to keep them well groomed. Dogs can overheat if they have too much dead fur or skin trapped under their coat, especially when they’re engaged in exercise.
Long-haired dogs, or those with thick fur, such as Pomeranians and Poodles, are particularly susceptible to overheating during exercise because they may be more susceptible to having debris or dead hair trapped under their coat.
Brushing your dog regularly is a good way to remove any dead hair that may be sticking out of their coat, which could collect heat from sun exposure when hiking outside.
When brushing your dog outdoors during summer months, avoid grooming them in direct sunlight as it may be uncomfortable for them under warm conditions.
Using a de-shedding tool is another option instead of shaving your dog all over; these tools remove loose fur without removing large patches of hair. Using a de-shedding tool prevents fur from collecting around your dog’s paws and causes less stress than clipping does on thicker fur like Poodles.
What Causes Heatstroke in Dogs?
Dogs can get heatstroke
by being left in a hot car, being exercised in hot weather, or by being left in a yard with no shade or water on a hot day.
Some breeds are more prone to heatstroke than others, like boxers, pugs, and bulldogs. Symptoms of heatstroke include panting, drooling, lethargy, confusion, and vomiting. If you think your dog has heatstroke, call your vet immediately.
When hiking in warm weather, bring plenty of water for both you and your dog. Take breaks often so your dog can rest in the shade. Avoid exercising your dog during the hottest part of the day.
Never leave your dog in a parked car, not even with all four windows down; on a hot day, temperatures can rise very quickly inside a car.
If you’re going to be exercising your dog in warm weather, check with your vet first to make sure it’s safe. Dogs should never be left outside without shade or water on a hot day. You can also get special cooling vests for dogs that help cool their bodies while they run or walk.
How to Stop Dogs from Overheating While Hiking
If you’re hiking with your dog in hot weather, there are a few things you can do to make sure they don’t overheat. First, avoid hiking during the hottest part of the day. Stick to early morning or evening hikes when it’s cooler outside.
Secondly, keep an eye on your dog for signs of heatstroke, which include excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, and vomiting. If your dog starts showing any of these signs, find a shady spot to rest in and give them plenty of water to drink.
Finally, don’t forget to pack some extra water for your furry friend in case they get thirsty on the trail! You should offer your dog water at regular intervals and make sure you take breaks in the shade for them to rest.
As you prepare for your next big hike with your dog, remember to plan ahead so you can help them stay cool. You don’t want to give up on that hike because your pup isn’t feeling well!
Whether it’s hot weather or not, hiking is an awesome way to get some fresh air and exercise. It also gives both people and their pups a chance to enjoy nature and spend quality time together. With some planning ahead, your pooch will love getting out on trail!
Be Smart in Hot Weather with These Tips
The best way to avoid heat-related illness in your dog is to prevent it in the first place. Here are some tips for keeping your dog cool and comfortable in hot weather:
- DO walk your dog early in the morning or evening when it’s cooler outside
- DO carry water and a bowl for your dog to drink from on hikes
- DO pack a portable fan to keep your dog cool on hot days
- DON’T let your dog linger in the sun. Find shady spots for rest breaks
- DON’T let your dog drink from stagnant ponds or lakes, the water could be contaminated
- DON’T shave your dog’s coat, shaving can cause their coats to grow back improperly
With these tips you and your dog can stay safe while hiking in the heat! Hiking is a great way to spend quality time with your dog.
