Your dog will never seem to break a sweat while hiking or on a hot day– even if you do. Dog bodies deal with heat differently than ours.
Instead of sweat drying all over the body, dogs have sweat glands between their paws. In addition the saliva in a dog’s mouth evaporates and carries off heat through the breath. Water helps keep that cooling system working and extra hydration in hot weather is a must.
Heat stroke is a definite possibility when hiking and playing on hot summer days. If your dog starts panting or taking harsh breaths (especially with their tongue and sides of their gums showing) take frequent, shady rests for water breaks until their breathing returns to normal. Putting a damp cloth over your dog may do more harm than good.
Brachycephalic (short nosed) dogs like pugs and bulldogs may have an hard time cooling off because there is less tongue and mouth to give off heat (there also may be excess tissue at the back of the throat that is reducing the amount of breath going across your dog’s tongue.)
If your dog is a pug or bulldog and can’t go for more than a short walk without panting, especially if their tongue sticks out and is curled, head to the vet. A vet can check whether they have inherited excess tissue and discuss an operation to improve your dog’s breathing.
In the meantime, keeping your dog cool and reducing breathing stress will be easier on your dog’s heart and help them live longer.
Submitted by Helen Prinold of Dog Friendship Inc.
