With This Extreme Heat, Don’t Hose Your Dog Down

It's the hottest stretch of summer we've seen so far, as much of North America is under a heat dome. We're in the middle of an extreme heat warning, and it's a dangerous time for pets. If you're like us, on hot days we play with the outdoor hose and even spray the dog down to cool her off. At least we used to until I learned how dangerous it can be.

First off, to keep your dog safe in this extreme heat, bring them inside and let the air conditioning run. Make sure they have plenty of cool water. You can even put ice cubes in the water.

Don't Soak Your Dog Completely

It is ok to use cool water on your dog, but don't completely soak them. In high humidity, soaked fur can actually trap the heat in by not allowing it to evaporate. That's why you shouldn't soak your dog with your garden hose.

When I was in Alaska on vacation last summer, we stopped by a dog sled visitor center and learned about these dogs that just run like crazy. It was in early August, and there were kiddie pools all around the training course. They were filled with water, and the dogs would divert and run into the kiddie pools as they raced around. I learned that's how they stay cool: by getting their feet wet.

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Experts say that if you want to, you can use water to cool your dog down, just don't completely soak them. Focus on their chest, armpits, and belly.

If they show signs of heat exhaustion like heavy panting or bright red gums, take them immediately to a vet.

Do Not Use Ice Cold Water

Another piece of advice: don't use ice water. If you're thinking about throwing your dog in an ice bath, don't. The shock of the temperature change can actually restrict blood vessels, and that can actually trap heat in the body.