How To Keep Your Dachshund Cool This Summer
As the summer sets in, it's important to think about safety when it comes to the heat and making sure our dachshunds stay safe and avoid heat-related issues when the temperature increases. With all dogs (not just dachshunds) it's vitally important to be aware of the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, such as excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, and collapsing, so that you can seek veterinary attention should these issues occur. However, taking necessary steps to protect your dogs so that these issues don’t occur in the first place is the best prevention strategy.
Dachshunds are often known for their love of the sun and heat, and we have found on sunny days there is nothing our dachshund wants to do more than to lay in the sun. This is why it’s incredibly important to try to keep them cool on days when it is particularly hot. In this blog post, we'll explore essential tips to help you keep your dachshund cool and safe during the summer months.
Creating a Cool and Comfortable Environment
Keep your dachshund cool indoors
A good first step when looking to keep your dachshund cool indoors is to set up a designated cool area in the house with good ventilation. If possible, choose a room with tile or hardwood flooring, as they tend to stay cooler than carpeted areas. Ideally ensure it’s a space where you can block out direct sunlight in the hottest part of the day, for example with curtains or blinds, or create shaded spots near windows or use pet-safe sunshades to prevent excessive heat buildup.
Place a comfortable bed or mat in that space and ensure it is easily accessible to your dachshund. You can also buy cooling mats, which are another great option for keeping your dogs cool in the summer.
You can also use fans or air conditioning to regulate the temperature. Circulating air helps keep your dachshund cool. Position fans strategically to create a breeze, or consider using air conditioning to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Our dachshund boy for example loves to lay underneath our ceiling fan on very hot days, as this helps him to stay cool.
Outdoor precautions
When the weather is hot, it’s extremely important to limit outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day. Schedule walks and playtime in the early morning or evening when temperatures are lower. Avoid midday heat when the sun is at its peak and can cause discomfort or heat-related issues. Pavements can get exceptionally hot in direct sunlight, so during the midday heat a simple walk can cause injuries and burns to delicate paws. The "5-second rule" is a good test for pavement safety - if the pavement is too hot for you to keep your hand on for 5 seconds, it's too hot for your dachshund's paws.
Exercising in hot weather can also easily lead to issues with heat exhaustion and heatstroke. As a result, dachshunds may need shorter and less intense walks during the summer to prevent overheating, so you should listen to your dachshund's cues and adjust their exercise accordingly..
If you are spending time outside, for example in your garden, it’s ideal if possible to create a shaded area where your dachshund can take a break from the sun, such as using a parasol or umbrella to create shade. Make sure that you provide access to fresh, cool water in these outdoor areas too.
Ideally keep multiple water bowls filled with clean, cool water in easily accessible areas. Consider adding ice cubes to the water to keep it cooler for longer periods. Ice is perfectly safe for dogs provided that they don’t have heatstroke, so if you have taken proper precautions to avoid this, adding some ice to your dachshund’s water can help your dog stay cool.
Hydration and Water Safety
Importance of Hydration
Adequate hydration is vital to help your dachshund regulate body temperature and prevent dehydration. This is why it’s really important to ensure that fresh water is always available, both indoors and outdoors. Some dachshunds may need encouragement to drink water when it’s hot. As mentioned above, adding ice cubes to the water bowl can make it more appealing and refreshing
Water Safety Tips
During the summer, it can be more common to spend time around large bodies of water such as swimming pools, lakes or the sea, and we often like to take our dogs with us when out for a day of fun in the sun. Dachshunds are not natural swimmers, and their body shape makes them prone to accidents in water, so it's important to closely supervise them near water sources and consider using a doggie life jacket for added safety.
While dachshunds do tend to be known for disliking being in the water, some dachshunds however are inquisitive and do like to play or swim in the water. If you are going to introduce your dachshund to swimming, do so gradually and in a controlled environment. Start with shallow water and provide positive reinforcement to build their confidence.
Recognizing Signs of Overheating
As mentioned at the start of this blog post, it’s essential to be aware of the common symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke in dachshunds, such as excessive panting, drooling, weakness, vomiting, and collapse, as these can all indicate overheating. If you spot any of these signs in your dachshund in the summer, these should never be ignored.
If you do spot any of these signs in your dachshund, promptly take them to a cool, shaded area and offer them water. Immediate steps should be to try to cool your dachshund down gradually by applying cool (not cold) water to their body, especially their belly and paws. Use wet towels or a spray bottle to gently lower their body temperature.
While immediate first aid measures are crucial, it's essential to seek professional help if you suspect heatstroke, to ensure your dachshund's well-being. Contact your veterinarian for guidance and, if necessary, take your dachshund to the vet for professional care.
Additional Summer Safety Tips
Avoiding hot cars
As with any dogs, you should never leave your dachshund unattended in a hot car. The temperature inside a car can rapidly increase, even with the windows cracked, and can lead to heatstroke or even death. If you need to go into a shop or location where dogs are not permitted, it's always safer to leave your dachshund at home or have someone accompany them outside the car while they wait.
Regular grooming
Especially relevant if you have a long-haired dachshund, but helpful for all coats, regular grooming to keep your dachshund's coat in good condition can help improve air circulation, remove loose fur and prevents mats and tangles. This can all help to keep your dachshund cool in the summer.
As we have discussed in this post, keeping your dachshund cool and safe during the summer is of utmost importance. By implementing the summer safety tips discussed in this blog post, you can ensure that your dachshund enjoys the season while minimising the risks associated with heat and sun exposure.
Remember to create a cool and comfortable environment for your dachshund both indoors and outdoors. Provide shade, fresh water, and access to cool areas where they can rest. Be mindful of hot pavement and adjust walking times and intensity to prevent paw pad burns and overheating. Familiarise yourself with the signs of overheating and take immediate action if you notice any symptoms, following the provided first aid measures and seeking veterinary assistance.
Additionally, be cautious about leaving your dachshund in hot cars and prioritize their safety by avoiding such situations whenever possible. Regular grooming practices and proper coat care also contribute to their overall comfort and well-being during the summer months.
By being vigilant and proactive in implementing these summer safety tips, you can ensure that your dachshund stays cool, happy, and healthy throughout the season.
