How to Safely Cool Down an Overheated Dog

It’s hot and we San Diegan’s (especially those inland) are no strangers to the warm weather. While most dog owners are likely educated about the signs of heat stroke, it’s never a bad idea to familiarize yourself with these red flags in the event of a heat wave:

• Elevated breathing

• Dry or sticky gums

• Abnormal gum color

• Bruising in the gums

• Lethargy or disorientation

• Possible seizures

Contrary to what you might think, the best way to cool a dog down down in the event of this type of an emergency is by wetting the underside of their body with either a spray bottle or a damp towel using room temperature water. Specifically, the underbelly, groin, bottom of the paws, and the inside of their mouth. Icy, cold water can actually shrink their blood vessels and prevent their core temperature from going down as intended.

If the dog is simply hot (like the rest of us) on a warm day and not displaying life-threatening symptoms, it’s best to keep them in an air conditioned room and ensure that they have access to plenty of clean drinking water. Sometimes our long-haired friends appreciate it if you run your fingers through their fur so that cool air penetrates down to their skin. A hand-held or small battery-operated fan is also a welcome treat if you have the time to give them some extra TLC.

All this being said, it’s always best to consult a veterinarian if your dog displays heat stroke symptoms as it may be life-threatening. Simply educating yourself on these measures is key!