MYTH: Spraying my dog with water will keep them cool.
FACT: A dog’s skin is like a wetsuit. They do not have pores or experience evaporative cooling like we do. If the water you spray on them is cold, they will feel the coolness initially. But, since they don’t feel evaporative coolness, in a few moments or minutes it will feel like a wet blanket to them.
Instead: While too much time in the sun should be avoided, summer swims are great exercise!
MYTH: It’s okay to leave my dog in the car if I provide water, park in the shade and/or leave the window open.
FACT: The temperature of a car interior can easily hit 15–30 degrees hotter than the outdoor summer temperature in a matter of minutes. Yes, even with the windows open! Don’t risk it!
Instead: Leave your furry friend home where it’s cool unless you can take them inside with you WITHOUT walking across a hot parking lot.
MYTH: Dog’s feet are tough and don’t burn on hot pavement.
FACT: Dog’s feet burn! Hold your bare hand or foot on all walking surfaces (pavement, sand, dirt as well as asphalt) for 5 seconds. If it’s too hot to hold your skin there, you will hurt your beloved pet if you force them to stand or walk on it. Their pads could burn and even blister.
👉TIP: Start checking surfaces around an 80 degree air temperature, as the ground gets surprisingly hot even when the air is comfortable. 👈
Instead: Walk your dog early in the morning, or later in the evening when the sun goes down.
MYTH: Dogs can cool themselves through their mouths no matter what the temperature.
FACT: A dog’s internal temperature ranges from 99F (37.2C) degrees to 101.5F (38.61C) degrees. If the external temperature is greater than their internal temperature, panting no longer serves as a cooling device. For example, if you leave your dog outside in the shade or even take them for a run on the grass when it’s 99 degrees outside, depending on your canine’s temperature, they will not only suffer, but could develop serious problems, and in some cases even death.
MYTH: Cutting my pooches hair short will keep them cool.
FACT: This varies from pet to pet depending on coat length. But, it is important to know that dog’s fur serves as an insulation from the sun and heat….as well as the cold. So, to give a sheepdog a cute puppy cut, may actually cause them to burn and overheat, if it’s cut too short.
👉TIP: Apply a good sun block on their nose and ears, especially for a short-haired breed. Try a sunscreen with a spray; cover the dog’s face with one hand and spraying his body with the other. Also spray the sunscreen in your hand to apply to his nose, ears and face. 👈