Since dogs are warm-blooded, they tend to stay out of the sun like their owners to avoid heatstroke. They would prefer staying indoors during this period to ensure that their body temperature does not rise beyond the ordinary. Pups even resist going outside to relieve themselves, so that they can avoid the heat. Dog parents often become concerned when they notice that their pups have not even touched their food for several hours, you need to understand how to help dog in the heat.
People tend to ask the question, “can heat make a dog not eat?” Since dogs seem to sleep more on hot summer days, the calories needed to maintain energy balance are minimal, decreasing appetite. According to an article on Veterian Key, external cues and other internal physiological factors affect an animal’s food intake. A better understanding of what is happening and the symptoms to expect will be of immense benefit.
Signs of Heat Exhaustion in Dogs 
When the weather becomes hot, you may notice that your dog tries to hide under shade to keep cool. As the body attempts to regulate internal temperature, you may observe panting, which is normal. Other symptoms that signify overheating include:
Hyperventilation or excessive panting is one of the pointers that your dog might be overheating. Flat-faced breeds easily suffer complications in these situations because they have a shorter nose and narrower airways.
Hyper-salivation with thick and sticky drools, less frequent urination, fatigue, dry nose, discolored gums, and sunken eyes could mean they are overheated and dehydrated.
Fever with an increased pulse rate and body temperature.
Vomiting, lethargy, dizziness, and muscle tremors are signs that could warrant a visit to your vet.
Helping Your Dog Cool off in Hot Weather
Knowing the complications that could arise from heat exhaustion, you should learn how to help a dog in the heat. Pouring them chilled drinking water works perfectly, as they enjoy immediate cooling from inside. You can throw in some ice cubes in their water bowl to keep the water relatively cold for a long time. This option is one of the easiest ways to keep your dog’s body from overheating in hot weather.
Making ice packs accessible for dogs also works, as it provides instant relief when your pet lays down on them. You can make a DIY ice pack by filling a plastic bottle with water and freezing it, or a zip-lock bag with ice cubes. Wearable cold-wraps are alternatives that can be worn by dogs to cool off on the go and are available on online stores.
For dogs that love to swim, the hot summer season would be a great time to let them into the pool or any water body nearby. You can alternatively get an inflatable pool, throw in a couple of toys, and watch them have fun. Spraying them with a garden hose works too, but be cautious to observe if they enjoy it. It is more straightforward with sprinklers, as your pooch may turn it into a game by trying to chase after the water streams.
There are freezable dog toys that come in handy in these situations. Freezable chew toys are ideal for those that love to nibble. You can consider treat-toys too, since they can contain your dog’s favorite, in a frozen form. While entertaining themselves and becoming active again, your pups get to cool off too. Remember to place these toys and treats on floors that are easy to clean, to prevent them from making a mess of the living room.
10 Cool treats
Worried that your beloved pet may lose its muscle tone, you would want to step in and help as much as you can. Brian Rohrig from the American Chemical Society believes that “warm-blooded animals require a lot of energy to maintain constant body temperature.” Providing appealing and desirable meals will spur your pup into eating more, overriding the body’s energy balance mechanism. We have compiled a list of cool treats for owners that want to learn how to feed the dog in the heat.
#1 Popsicles
Dogs love popsicles like their owners, but theirs contain different ingredients from that of humans. You can make a healthy one at home with chicken or beef broth, pumpkin puree, and other creative recipes. Pour it in an ice-cube tray with different shapes and place in the freezer to get various frozen treats that dogs would love.
#2 Frozen Kong treats
Fill a dog Kong with peanut butter, broth, or other yummy mixtures and freeze them to get a fun toy that helps cool your pet, even while outdoors.
#3 Mashed sweet potato
Mashed sweet potatoes are ideal for dogs due to their rich vitamins and dietary fiber content. It is an excellent source of beta-carotene for improved metabolism and a healthy coat.
#4 Diced carrots
Carrots contain antioxidants and are safe for dogs. Cutting them into bite-size chunks can reduce the risk of choking.
#5 Fruit salad
You can cut dog-friendly fruits like apples, bananas, zucchinis, cantaloupe, and watermelon, into thin slices for a desirable, healthy treat.
#6 Yoghurt and kibble mix
You can make your dog’s kibble more enticing by adding plain low-fat Greek or regular yogurt. It provides them with the right amount of protein and calcium to maintain good health.
#7 Sardines
When buying canned sardines, look for those packed in water without omega-6 rich oils or salt. They help boost the immune system and make a nutritious addition to meals.
#8 Low-fat ice-cream
Dogs love ice-cream as much as we do, but the fact that they are allergic to some milk-based products makes us skeptical about giving it to them. If you cannot find a place to buy one, you can make yours at home using dog-friendly ice-cream recipes online.
#9 Doggy breath mint
You can add peppermint or chopped parsley into mashed food and freeze them to make treats that freshen your dog’s breath and aid digestion. You can try other recipes that contain natural ingredients that are not harmful to dogs.
#10 Marrow Bones
Marrow bones are low-budget treats that dogs love. They are reusable and can be filled with cream cheese, peanut butter, or pumpkin puree and frozen to provide another round of enjoyment for your pup.
Conclusion
A researcher from Iowa State University found that obesity also increases the risk of heatstroke in dogs. While ensuring that they get their daily nutrient requirement, do not overfeed your pet. Pay attention to their body condition and reach out to your vet if you notice any sudden changes.
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