Sun’s out, tongues out: Keeping dogs cool in the heat wave

You might be pulling out the flip flops and shorts for this heat wave, but our pets are still stuck in their year-round fur coats.

Several dog owners were out at Chief Whitecap Dog Park at midday on Wednesday to give their dogs a reprieve in the river, including Trish Cawood.

She said she brings her 9-year-old springer spaniel, Jamie, out to the water every day, to let him burn off some of his energy.

Read more:

• Hot weather prompts Saskatoon to open spray pads early, with extended hours
• ‘Summer kind of just snuck up’: Hot weather brings influx of customers to Saskatoon business
• Wind fuelling grass fire burning on outskirts of Saskatoon

For those doing the same ritual to cool their dogs down, though, veterinarian Dr. Leslie Sawak said there are more effective options than a dunk in the river.

“You can put ice packs in where their armpits are,” she said, or on their groin area. “You could even put a little bit of alcohol on their paws – the paw pads – that’s where they lose heat.”

Even if a dip into water isn’t the quickest way to cool off, owners knew what signs to watch for if their pets were to start overheating.

“Just like, heavy panting,” Cawood said.

Edith Nelson, who owns golden doodles Watson and Zoro, had a similar response.

Trish Cawood said her springer spaniel, Jamie, is very high energy. Letting him go into the river every day helps burn off some of it. (Marija Robinson/650 CKOM)

“Panting for sure, and slower moving,” she said, explaining how her dogs have lower energy when they’re too hot.

Both Cawood and Nelson have air conditioning at home, but for those who don’t, Sawak said there needs to be plenty of water and shade available for pets.

When symptoms transition from normal panting to something more severe – like a loss of balance, for example – Sawak said it can signify heat stroke and requires immediate medical attention.

Different from their human owners, snacking on a cold treat won’t make a difference in lowering a dog’s internal temperature.

“Some dogs can eat watermelon if they like it. Usually, eating stuff isn’t going to help them (cool down),” Sawak shared.

In spite of all the things that aren’t as effective, though, dog owners have found inventive ways to keep their dogs safe in the heat.

“We do play with the hose quite a bit,” Cawood said, laughing.

For Edith Nelson, it involves a change in footwear.

“If I’m in the city, I make sure that I have sandals on that I can take my shoe off and stand on the pavement to see if it’s too hot,” she said.

Nelson has made it a rule to prevent her dogs’ paws from cooking on their walks.

“Too hot for my feet? We all walk in the grass,” she said.