Five tips to help your dog stay cool

Follow Fido's lead. "The No. 1 sign that a dog's core temperature is getting too high is fatigue," Hilden says. "If you're out for a hike with your dog on a hot day and he's searching for every shady spot to lie down in, turn around and carry him home." If you’re worried that he’s overheated, you can use a rectal thermometer to check his temperature when you get home, she adds.

Don't let the temperature fool you. Canines can get too hot in weather as low as 80 degrees. Add in humidity and exercise, and it could be a recipe for disaster. "If you can't comfortably sit outside for an extended period of time, then don't let your dog do it, either," Hilden says.
Change your walking time. Your buddy still needs activity in the summer, but it's best to avoid the hottest parts of the day. "Try going early in the morning or late at night after the sun has set," she says. Take a quick look at funny pics that can help you reduce stress quickly.
Don't give your dog a haircut. You may be tempted to shave your pup's thick hair in an effort to cool him off for the summer, but Hilden says it could do more harm than good. "A dog's coat provides a buffer to help him regulate his body temperature," she says. A trim won’t help him handle the heat. It could make him more likely to get a sunburn, too.
Don't use ice. If your dog shows symptoms of heatstroke, wet him down with room-temperature water and put him in front of a fan. "Your first instinct might be to pack ice packs around him or cool him off as quickly as possible, but the cold causes his blood vessels to constrict, and when they constrict they can't [get rid of] heat," she says. Call your vet and take your dog in right away for treatment. That might be one of the most awesome animals facts you had no idea before.

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