Keep Your Dog and Your Head Cool! Tips & Tricks

When is it too hot? Our doggies can only shed heat by panting, which many of you will know already. But how do you tell when your buddy is too warm? Every dog owner will agree: you know your own dog. You can 'see' when something is off. So our tip: look at your dog!

It is wise to pay extra attention if you notice any of these symptoms:

1. Your dog breathes far too fast
2. Your dog has a heart rate that is too high
3. Your dog refuses food and seems listless
4. Your dog starts vomiting
5. Your dog barely reacts to anything (heatstroke)

Keeping your dog cool: what can you do?

If you spot any of the symptoms above, make sure your dog cools down.

Find a spot in the shade or indoors and put out a fresh bowl of water. You can also cool your dog down by wetting the head, ears, neck and paws. Don't use ice water for this: we would get a heart attack from it ourselves.

Cooling off with a swim

If your buddy loves to swim, that is of course a great way to cool off. Wet your dog with some of the swimming water first, so the body gets used to the cooler temperature. Did you know the safe Hilox LED dog collars are also available in a 100% waterproof version? You can see it in action if you watch the video on YouTube. Also take a look at all our LED dog collars and other lighting for your dog.

Be aware that heatstroke is a real thing. You will notice it when your buddy barely reacts to anything, and breathing and heart rate are fast and high. In that case, call your vet straight away.

Cars and tarmac

To be completely honest, we at Hilox would rather not spend too much time on this one, simply because we find it such a sad subject. But fine, here is our warning too: never leave your dog alone in the car when the temperature is above 20 degrees Celsius!

Heading to a theme park? A shopping centre? Or maybe the zoo? Just leave your dog at home and give the neighbour a sweet smile.

Burnt paws!

Keep in mind that tarmac can get very hot in summer temperatures. To prevent burnt paws (and heatstroke), we advise walking in the morning and in the evening, once things have cooled down again.

Sunburn

Uh, sunburn? YES! If your dog has a thin coat, or a few bald patches, you can put sun cream on them. It is not a must, but good to know. Sunburn hurts a dog just as much as it hurts us humans.

Ice treats!

Our dog Hera is crazy about ice treats. Want to make one for your four-legged friend? Put some kibble in a plastic cup, stand a tasty Dentastick in it and fill the cup with water. Freeze it for a while and voilà!

Evening walks: make sure your dog can be seen

In hot weather, the advice is to walk in the morning and in the evening, when the tarmac has cooled down. Late in the evening it is often already dusky or dark outside. Then it matters that other road users spot your dog in time, especially if they are off the lead or running far ahead.

An LED dog collar helps with that. According to the product details, the PX1+ LED dog collar is 100% waterproof, so it can come along when your dog takes a dip after the walk to cool off. On a full battery it lasts about 4 to 5 hours, you charge it via USB from your PC, laptop or phone charger, and it can handle a pulling force of about 100 kg. There are 3 modes: constant, fast flashing and slow flashing.

How to keep things cool at home too

• Put a bowl of fresh water in several places around the house and garden.
• Make sure your dog can always find a spot in the shade or indoors.
• Postpone intense play and running until the cooler hours of the day.
• Wet the head, ears, neck and paws if you notice your dog is warm, but don't use ice water.