How to keep your dog cool in hot weather this summer
Travel tips when driving with your dog
08/06/2023
We all know that dogs suffer in hot cars if left unattended and it's not a good thing to do. However, if you need to be on a long car journey with your pet this summer, and the weather is hot, how can you keep your dog comfortable and cool?
Having sponsored Crufts Dog Show 2023, Škoda is committed to canine welfare and so asked top canine behaviour and nutrition expert, Anna Webb, for some sound advice.
Understanding temperature facts
Did you know that a dog's body temperature is consistently 2 degrees warmer than a human's body? Normal levels would be between 38.3° - 39.2°C. Small dogs tend to get hotter than larger dogs as they have faster metabolisms. When it's warm outside, a car can act like a greenhouse and trap the sun's heat. For example, if the external air temperature is 23°C, inside the car the temperature can reach 47°C in just 10 minutes. Anna warned that when a dog's temperature reaches 40°C they are at risk of heatstroke.
A dog's mental state impacts on its body temperature, in the sense that a relaxed dog is less likely to feel hot. Raised cortisol levels in a stressed dog increase body temperature and thirst.
Anna's top tips for keeping dogs comfortable during hot weather
- Never leave your dog in a stationary car, even with the windows open or in the shade.
- Make sure your dog is relaxed before and during the journey. Signs of over-heating will be excessive panting, drooling and restlessness. Try Anna's 'Happy Hounds' playlist on your in-car infotainment system: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3ovLwyW5p15rWcTEeZGake. Take familiar toys, chews and blankets for a home from home feeling.
- Cooling vests and mats help keep your dog's belly nice and chilled. Dog carriers need to be well-ventilated and spacious enough for the size of your dog. Make sure your dog is used to the carrier too. Use tasty treats to help train your dog to use the mat - if bored or stressed they may chew the mat. Acclimatisation is key.
- Cooling vests should be soaked in cold water before you put them on your pet. The simple process of evaporation from the heat of the dog dries the vest, cooling them down. They do need to be re-dampened — maybe combine this with a comfort break for the dog (or for you) at the services. Combine indoor practice travel sessions with the Škoda ‘Happy Hounds’ playlist. Association with positive experiences indoors, like this calming playlist, will help your dog relax. When you’re confident your dog is calm in their pet carrier with their cooling ‘kit’ and the playlist, transfer them to the car. Gradually extend the time with the engine off and the engine on. At the first sign of any stress, including panting or drooling, stop! Try again tomorrow…
- Simple but often forgotten, check that the air conditioning is reaching the back seat or boot, where your dog travels. You could also try securing some small portable fans to encourage air circulation and cooling.
- Take regular comfort breaks in the shade to exercise your dog. Avoid tarmac and concrete paths, the heat of which can burn bare paw pads. Park in a shady spot and use windscreen sun shades to help keep the car cool.
- Travelling at cooler times of the day, such as early morning or the evening, can help. Make sure your car is roadworthy to avoid breaking down in the heat.
- Be prepared – take your dog’s drinking bowl or a portable bowl, but check your dog will drink from it before you set off. Take a cool bag with plenty of fresh bottled water and a flask of ice cubes. Simply melting an ice cube on your dog’s gums cools them very quickly, or just offering an ice cube to lick and crunch is fun on your comfort break. Keep a wet towel in your cool bag. If your dog overheats, wrap them in the cool towel and keep dampening it with cold water. Do this in the shade or in a cool room. Pouring water directly on your dog is ineffective as it simply runs off and evaporates.
- An overheated dog will refuse to drink. This is their instinct kicking in as they associate drinking with peeing, which means they would lose body fluids. Anna recommends packing an isotonic hydration drink especially for dogs, or some pre-packed broth, in your cool bag. Both contain electrolytes and minerals, along with a meaty flavour, which will get your dog drinking and hydrate them quickly.
