Can dogs be outside in 80 degree weather? Tips and Tricks

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Signs of Heat Stroke in Dogs

According to the Animal First Aid Chapter of Pet Sitters International (PSI) Certification Program, which was created in conjunction with Thom Somes, the Pet Safety Guy™, pets can easily suffer from heatstroke.

“High body temperatures and stress can cause a pet to go into heatstroke,” Ellen Price, PSI academic manager, said. “Heatstroke is most often caused when pets are left in a confined space with little or no ventilation during periods of warm temperatures and high humidity.”

The signs of heatstroke can include:

  • Uncontrollable panting
  • Foaming at the mouth
  • Depression
  • Lethargy
  • Agitation
  • Vomiting
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Tongue and gums that turn from bright red to blue to gray
  • Capillary refill time of more than two seconds

    • How to Prevent Heat Stroke in Dogs

    The TVMA gives these easy steps you can take to prevent heatstroke during periods of warm weather include:

  • Never leave your pet in your car, even for a short period of time. Heatstroke can occur when a pet is left in a car even on a 70-degree day.
  • Make sure your pet has access to shade and an ample amount of water while outside.
  • Create a cooling source for your pet, like a kiddie pool filled with cool (not ice) water, or allow your pet to lie on bottles or sealed bags filled with water that are wrapped in a towel.
  • Avoid exercising or walking your pet at peak temperature hours or on especially hot or humid days.

    • A good rule of thumb is that pets are at risk for heatstroke once the outside temperature hits at least 80 degrees and a humidity of at least 90 percent.

    What to Do if You Suspect Your Dog Has Heat Stroke

    According to BluePearl Veterinary Partners notes, “Lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea and dark red gums are all signs of heat related distress. If your pet is panting uncontrollably or collapses, take the animal to your veterinarian or nearest emergency veterinary hospital immediately.“

    And Dr. Connelly if pet owners notice these symptoms, they should run cool (not freezing) water over them with a hose or in the tub.

    Then wrap cool, wet towels around them and fan them on the way to the animal clinic. Even if owners cool their pets down, they still need pet veterinary care and possibly pet meds.

    BluePearl Veterinary Partners cautions, “Don’t give sports drinks or electrolyte supplements to pets. Dogs cool off by panting and they do not sweat like people. Supplements like sports drinks can actually harm animals and make pets sick.”

    The Texas Veterinary Medical Association suggests:

  • Try to cool your pet’s body by wetting him with cool water and exposing it to a breeze or a nearby fan.
  • Make water available but do not force your pet to drink.
  • Transport your pet to the nearest veterinary facility for treatment. The effects of heatstroke are often subtle and not immediately apparent.
  • Even if your pet appears to have recovered, it’s possible that they are still at risk for the damaging effects of heatstroke.

    • Dogs CAN Live Outdoors, Even in Winter

    Basking in the warmth of the sun, lounging by the pool, sporting your favorite sunglasses – these are just some of the best parts of summer, which are made possible by the sunshine and nice weather. But the warm temperatures can pose a risk to our canine companions. What temperature is too hot for my dog? Find out here.

    First things first, its important to note that all dogs are unique and that means each ones tolerance for the heat can vary. However, there are some guidelines from Tufts Animal Care And Condition for what temperatures are too hot for your dog, based on his or her size.

    In general, there is no risk at 60 degrees Fahrenheit for dogs of all sizes, while 85 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit is potentially life threatening. For medium and small breeds, there is no risk up to 65 degrees and unlikely risk at 70 degrees. But 75 to 80 degrees can be unsafe, 85 begins to be dangerous and beyond 90 is potentially life threatening.

    For large breeds, risk is unlikely at 65 degrees, but potential risks begin at 70, so youll want to start being careful there. As temperatures climb, 80 degrees poses real dangers, while 85 degrees and up is potentially life-threatening. At these temperatures, prolonged outdoor activity should be avoided.

    Pet Plan Insurance created an infographic to display this information in an easy-to-read way: