Coolness Matters When It’s Hot Outside
Summers are hot and humid! The average daytime temperature in Missouri is around 90 degrees Fahrenheit. As we all know, hot weather can be extremely dangerous for dogs so it is important to keep dog kennels cool in summer. Not only can dogs be uncomfortable in excessively warm temperatures, but they can also suffer from heatstroke, which can be deadly. It’s very important to make sure that you’re taking the necessary steps to protect your dog in warm weather. When is Warm Weather Climate Control Most Important? All dogs need temperature control. Any dog can overheat in excessively hot weather. Most breeds are built to conserve rather than dissipate heat. They don’t have sweat glands, and most of their body is wrapped in fur with little or no exposed skin. As a result, they lose heat through the pads of their feet and through their mouths by panting. However, there are some cases in which it is even more important for you to be sure that kennels are sufficiently cool: Brachycephalic Dogs Brachycephalic dogs have short muzzles that can make it more difficult for them to pant and effectively cool themselves off. They have a narrower trachea, which could make it difficult for them to breathe, especially when they are trying to pant to cool off. Examples of brachycephalic breeds include
Nursing mothers are constantly losing hydration through milk, which can make it harder for them to make up for the water they lose while panting by drinking water. Very young puppies have difficulty managing their own temperature and may not know to get out of sunshine. Mothers and puppies should be protected from the heat and should probably not be kept in a kennel with an open run in hot weather. Older Dogs As dogs get older, they may not be able to regulate their body temperature as well. Dogs can suffer from a form of dementia that is not unlike human dementia. Older dogs that are suffering from this condition may stay in the sunshine even as they overheat. If you have older dogs kenneled, it’s important to observe their behavior and ensure that they are making good Most dogs can do a pretty good job of keeping themselves from overheating assuming the conditions aren’t too hot and they have plenty of water. However, a knocked-over water bowl can become a serious situation very quickly. An automatic water bowl can be a good way to make sure that there’s always a supply of fresh water. However, you’ll still need to regularly check to make sure nothing has gone wrong and to clean the basin. If you don’t have an automatic water bowl, a stainless- steel water bucket, secured to each dog’s kennel, is another option and also a way to monitor how much water each dog drinks to ensure they are well-hydrated. decisions about cooling themselves off. Warm Weather Tips for Your Kennel Always Make Sure There’s Plenty of Water!
Bulldogs, Boxers, Boston Terriers, and Shih Tzus. Mixed breed dogs can also inherit the shortened snout from one or both parents. If you have brachycephalic dogs, it is essential to be aware of the ease with which they can overheat and prevent them from having to struggle with very warm temperatures. Pregnant and Nursing Mothers and Puppies Dogs who are pregnant or nursing and young puppies can all be more susceptible to hot weather. Pregnant dogs may be less able to regulate their own body temperature and tend to feel hotter.
Lixits, when attached to water lines, are another good option for keeping fresh, cold water on tap for your dogs. Provide Shade While dogs likely enjoy a bit of sunshine in the cool winter months, in the summer they’ll want to get away from the heat of the sun. If the sun is shining directly into the outer part of
the kennel, dogs may feel torn between wanting to get away from the heat into the inner
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