How to prevent heatstroke in dogs during summer walks
Summer is a wonderful time to enjoy the outdoors with our dogs, but it is also the most dangerous season for them. Unlike humans, dogs do not have sweat glands all over their bodies; they only regulate their temperature through panting and the pads of their paws. This makes them much more vulnerable to high temperatures.
Heatstroke is a serious medical emergency that can put your best friend's life at risk in a matter of minutes. That is why prevention is your best ally.
Below, we give you the best tips to keep your dog cool and safe, and we reveal the key accessories to achieve it.
1. Avoid the middle of the day
The first step is the most logical but the most important. Modify your routine and organize long walks early in the morning (before the sun heats up) and late at night. During midday and the afternoon, limit yourself to very short walks, just a few minutes, so they can do their business and return home quickly.
2. The 5-second rule to protect their paws
Before allowing your dog to walk on the ground, place the back of your hand on the asphalt or sidewalk for 5 seconds. Does it burn? If it is too hot for you, it is also too hot for their pads. Asphalt under direct sunlight can reach temperatures above 50°C, causing severe burns and accelerating heatstroke. Always opt to walk in shaded areas, dirt, or grass.
3. Fresh water always at hand
Never leave home without a bottle of water and a portable bowl. Offer them water in small amounts frequently during the journey, even if they do not ask for it. If you notice they are very hot, you can slightly dampen their head, neck, and armpits, but never wet them with ice-cold water, as a drastic change in temperature could be counterproductive.
4. Choose accessories with breathable and smart materials
Many dog owners do not consider it, but the type of accessories their furry friend wears directly influences their body temperature. Traditional harnesses made of thick materials, plastics, or heavy neoprene act as a blanket, trapping the heat from the dog's body against their skin.
For the summer months, it is essential to switch to lightweight technical textiles. At My Coco Moon we have designed the new collections Summer Fresh Purple and Summer Fresh Mint using a double layer of breathable mesh. This 3D technology allows air to circulate freely with every step, preventing sweat or moisture from accumulating and helping their chest stay well ventilated.
(An extra cooling tip!: You can slightly wet the breathable mesh harness with fresh water before going out; as it evaporates with the air during the walk, it will work as a real cooling vest for your dog).
5. Learn to recognize the warning signs
Knowing how to identify the symptoms of heatstroke in time makes the difference. Pay immediate attention if your dog shows any of these signs during the walk:
- Excessive, very fast, and noisy panting.
- Abundant drooling or very thick saliva.
- Tongue and gums of a bright red or bluish color.
- Weakness, staggering, or refusal to keep walking.
- Extreme apathy or disorientation.
If you notice any of these symptoms, look for shade immediately, cool their body with lukewarm water (never cold), give them water little by little, and urgently go to the nearest veterinarian.
Enjoy summer with complete peace of mind
Protecting your dog from the heat does not mean staying locked inside the house, but equipping yourself intelligently. With appropriate walking times, constant hydration, and the right cool equipment, your furry friend will be ready to accompany you on all your summer adventures.
To make it easy for you, remember that you can take our summer collections in a 3-accessory Savings Pack, adjustable harness or body, leash and double bag holder matching: Summer Fresh Purple Savings Pack and Summer Fresh Mint Savings Pack. You will not only save on your purchase, but you will also ensure that your dog walks with the maximum style and, most importantly, with the lightness and ventilation their body needs at this time of year.