Cooling Hot Dogs: Myths and Facts
As temperatures rise, it's crucial to keep our canine companions cool to prevent heat-related illnesses. Unfortunately, many myths about cooling dogs persist, potentially putting them at risk.
Myth 1: Cold Water Causes Shock and Bloat
Fact
A common myth suggests that giving dogs ice water can cause shock or bloat. Dr. Tina Wismer, medical director at the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center and Dr. Michael Tuder, owner and director of four animal hospitals in Hudson County, N.J both state that this is false information. (2)
The only potential issue with providing ice cubes is the potential choking hazard and can possibly damage teeth, so care should be taken on how you provide your dog with ice.
This is not supported by scientific evidence. Dogs can safely drink ice water, and it can actually help cool them down.
Correct Method
Providing dogs with cool, fresh water, and adding ice cubes can help maintain the water’s temperature longer, making it more appealing and effective in cooling. Ensure that the dog drinks at a moderate pace to avoid gulping.
Ensure the ice used is safe to avoid a choking hazard.
Myth 2: NOT Shaving Dogs with Thick Fur or Double Coats Will Keep Them Cooler
Fact
This is a common myth that always creates a stir even when experts, such as Dr. David Marlin bring up correct scientific ways to cool dogs. The old, and incorrect, argument is that double coats actually regulate the dog’s temperature, helping them keep cool.
To add the controversy - if you really think about it - how? It is not physically possible for a thick, double coat to cool the dog. A coat designed to keep the dog warm and protected in harsher and colder climates where the breed originated from.
Another issue that is incorrectly spread is that shaving a double coat ruins it and it will not grow back properly. In reality, this rarely happens and dogs find great relief from fur removal when it is hot. The welfare of the dog should be the top priority over what is essentially something cosmetic.
Correct Method
Regular grooming and brushing to remove excess fur and mats can help improve air circulation through their coat, aiding in natural cooling. However, if it is very hot and you have a dog with a thick or double coat that is clearly uncomfortable, such as lots of panting even when resting, shave their coat to give them relief. (1)
It may not look as beautiful as its full coat, but you will have a happier, healthier dog and reduce the risk of heat stroke which is life-threatening.
Myth 3: A Fan Alone Can Adequately Cool a Hot Dog
Fact
While fans can provide some relief by increasing air movement, dogs primarily cool themselves through panting, not sweating. Fans alone are often insufficient for cooling a dog, especially in high heat.
Correct Method
Combine the use of fans with other cooling techniques such as providing a cool, shaded area and using damp, cool cloths on the dog's body. Cooling mats can also be beneficial as they offer a consistent cool surface for the dog to lie on.
However, the above should be used with caution when you are trying to keep a dog comfortable and are not the best methods to use if you have an over heating dog on the verge of or that is suffering from heat stroke. This is an emergency situation.
These dogs need immediate cooling and the best way is to immerse them in cold water the best you can, such as hosing them off and to contact your veterinarian to immediate treatment.
New research has resulted in the Royal Veterinary College calling for updates to the first aid advice that is still prevalent but outdated, despite the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care’s Veterinary Committee on Trauma guidelines issued in 2016 with the best practice protocols.
The RVC is advising “cool first, transport second as the immediate first aid response for dogs with heatstroke.” (3)
Myth 4: Dogs Can Tolerate Heat Better Than Humans
Fact
Dogs are actually more prone to heat stress than humans because they have fewer sweat glands and primarily cool off through panting and limited sweating through their paw pads. This makes them less efficient at dissipating heat.
Correct Method
Avoid strenuous exercise during peak heat hours, provide plenty of water, and ensure access to shade. Use cooling mats, and cold surfaces, such as concrete or tiles in shade and fans.
Key Steps for Effective Cooling
- Hydration: Always ensure that your dog has access to fresh, cool water. Ice cubes can help keep the water cooler for longer periods.
- Cool Water Application: Wet your dog's coat with cool water.
- Cooling Mats and cold floors: Use specially designed cooling mats that can be soaked in water and retain a cool temperature for an extended period. Provide a cold surface in the shade or in the house for the dog to rest on.
- Shade and Ventilation: Keep your dog in a shaded area with good airflow. Use fans in combination with other cooling methods to enhance their effect.
- Avoid Hot Surfaces: Hot pavement can burn a dog’s paw pads and increase body temperature. Walk your dog on grass and only during cooler parts of the day. Keep walks to a minimum in high temperatures and especially for dogs more prone to suffer the effects of the heat.
- Shave thick coats: Many dogs with thick coats will benefit from shaved coats in hot weather.
- Don’t leave dogs in the car: Despite the warnings every year, many dogs die from being left in the car in hot weather. Even a few minutes is not safe. It is best to leave dogs at home.
Heat stress is an emergency, which we will cover more in another article.
Final Thoughts
Cooling dogs effectively requires debunking myths and relying on scientifically proven methods. Providing access to cool water, using cooling mats, and ensuring shade and ventilation are key steps in managing a dog’s temperature.
As well as keeping dogs out of the heat as much as possible. Understanding and recognizing the signs of heat stress can prevent serious health issues, ensuring that our canine companions stay safe and comfortable in hot weather.
For more information on how you can become a Canine Osteopath, click here
Resources
- Managing dogs in HOT weather, Dr. David Marlin, https://askanimalweb.com/managing-dogs-in-hot-weather/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR39bhLupPSjioXcj6UmHMbYCplU1dPuy4DIwRtaL2w5GfZGsBqIN02P4DA_aem_hSL8Wru_qnLIEweTczOYrA
- Will Ice Cubes and Ice Water Kill Your Dog This Summer?
https://abcnews.go.com/Lifestyle/truth-ice-water-dogs/story?id=24231633
- The RVC urges owners of hot dogs to “cool first, transport second”, 20 Jul 2023. https://www.rvc.ac.uk/vetcompass/news/the-rvc-urges-owners-of-hot-dogs-to-cool-first-transport-second?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3LIBaS3elDrfLj0xRd6ZcIyM8aZmWIhvCMU4BU3x27Vowlih5NIM3jXr0_aem_AvcutekAH-fgdNR28_m1Aw
- Hall et al. (2023) “Cooling Methods Used to Manage Heat-Related Illness in Dogs Presented to Primary Care Veterinary Practices during 2016–2018 in the UK”
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