How to keep my dog cool during a heatwave?

Comment rafraichir mon chien pendant la canicule ?

As summer approaches, temperatures rise, and it's essential to pay more attention to your dog and how they react to the heat. Unlike you, they don't sweat to cool down. So, how do they regulate their temperature? And most importantly, how can you help them cope better with the heat?
Here's everything you need to know for a peaceful summer by their side.

How do dogs regulate their temperature?

Dogs have a thermoregulation system that is very different from ours:

They don't sweat through their skin like humans. Their main way of cooling down is by panting. By breathing rapidly, they expel warm air and promote heat exchange.
Their paw pads can release some heat through small sweat glands, but this mechanism is very limited.
They can cool down by lying on the ground (tiles, cool earth, etc.) or in the shade, but this is not always enough in hot weather.

What are the symptoms to watch out for related to heatstroke?

Heat can be a real danger for dogs, especially the most sensitive ones (elderly dogs, puppies, brachycephalic breeds like bulldogs or pugs, overweight dogs...).

Absolutely to watch out for:

Excessive fatigue or lethargy
Vomiting or diarrhea
Very red tongue, intense panting, thick saliva

If you have any doubts, always consult a veterinarian.

How to help your dog cope with the heat?

Here are some good practices to adopt:

Walk them during the coolest hours, early in the morning or in the evening.
Always make sure to have fresh water (but not iced) available with you, by taking a water bottle for example.
At home, remember to leave them a ceramic bowl filled with fresh water, to replenish regularly throughout the day.
Offer them a cooling mat, a damp towel or even wet them if they enjoy it, doing it gradually to avoid thermal shock. Prioritize the inside of the legs and the groin, which are particularly effective areas for cooling them down. You can also put a wet bandana around their neck and moisten it regularly.
Remember to hydrate their paw pads with a balm to prevent severe dryness.
You can put peanut butter or fresh cheese on a lick mat and put it in the freezer to keep them occupied while cooling them down. You can also vary with fillable toys, perfect for stimulating your dog while helping them regulate their temperature.

What to absolutely avoid

Long walks in the sun.
Overly intense games in the middle of the day.
Overheated surfaces: paw pads can burn in a few seconds (tip: place your hand on the ground; if it burns within the first 5 seconds, the ground is too hot). Use protective boots if you need to walk on burning sidewalks or concrete; they protect the paw pads and limit burns.
Muzzles not adapted to the heat (avoid those that prevent panting).
Iced showers or sudden temperature changes to avoid thermal shock.
Never leave them alone in a car, even in the shade, even with the window slightly open: within minutes, the interior temperature can become deadly.