How heat impacts dogs and the 10 best products to help

The 10 best products to keep dogs cool in 2021

Best loft bed: K&H Pet Products

K&H Pet Products Original Loft Bed

As we reported in our guide to the best outdoor dog beds, some are raised to allow air to circulate underneath and keep dogs from lying on hot surfaces. This dog bed – with an average rating of 4.7 stars from 5,723 reviews on Amazon – is raised above the floor and has a cushion on the sides to support the head and neck. The bed is made of water-repellent fabric and has a mesh center for extra breathability. The removable cover and upholstery are machine washable and the bed is available in small, medium and large sizes. Kratt also said pets should always have access to shade when outside in the heat, and you can purchase a cot canopy separately for this dog bed.

Best water bowl: YETI

YETI Boomer 4 dog bowl

According to Kaplan, “pets should have free access to water at all times, whether it’s a hot day or not”. But especially when it’s warm, owners should make sure that dogs’ water bowls are checked and filled regularly – Kaplan said dogs could drink more when the temperature is higher. The YETI dog bowl holds up to 32 ounces of water and is made of stainless steel. The bowl also features a non-slip ring on the bottom to keep it from moving during use, and has an average rating of 4.9 stars from 2,684 reviews on Amazon. The bowl is available in black to ice pink and is dishwasher safe.

Best travel water bowl: Bonza

Bonza foldable dog bowl

If you take your dog for a walk or hike in the warmer months, Kaplan recommends bringing a portable collapsible water bowl with you. Bonza’s collapsible dog bowl has an average rating of 4.8 stars from 4,095 reviews on Amazon. It can hold 16 ounces of water when half expanded and 40 ounces of water when fully expanded. The bowl is dishwasher safe and comes with a water bottle holder and an aluminum carabiner clip to attach to a leash or backpack. The bowl is also available in an extra large 55 ounce size.

Best cooling mat: Arf Pets

Arf Pets cooling mat

“While cooling vests and mats work for a short time, they can warm up with the environment and trap heat,” said Satchu. This cooling mat can provide short-term relief for dogs indoors or outdoors and has an average rating of 4.4 stars from 1,329 reviews on Amazon. When dogs lie on the mat, the gel in it is activated and feels cool to the touch. The mat provides up to three hours of cooling and recharges after 15 minutes of inactivity. It supports dogs up to 80 pounds. The mat is made of non-toxic materials, can be wiped clean and is available in other sizes.

Best paw boots: QUMY

QUMY dog boots

Satchu said, “It is important to consider the temperature of the ground on your pet’s paws. Booties are great for protecting your paws from harsh temperatures. ”QUMY Dog Boots have an average 4-star rating of 11,640 reviews on Amazon, where they are the # 1 best-selling dog boots. They expand at the top with a wide gap-seam opening for putting dog paws on and taking off, and have reflective straps for a secure fit. Kratt said hot pavement can burn paw pads, which the thick, non-slip soles of these boots protect from while providing traction. The boots are made of water-repellent, breathable material and are available in several sizes.

Best paw balm: Musher’s

Musher’s Secret Dog Paw Wax

“If your pup refuses to wear ankle boots, you can opt for a protective paw balm to soothe his feet,” Satchu said. Musher’s Secret Dog Paw Wax has an average rating of 4.7 stars from 9,043 reviews on Amazon. It is made from natural waxes and oils such as vitamin E and beeswax and when applied acts as a barrier between the floor and the dog’s paws. The brand said the wax allows sweat to escape while protecting the paw pads from extreme temperatures and should be applied two to three times a week. The wax can also be used on a dog’s snout, ears, and elbows and soaks into paws after application.

Best dog pool: Jasonwell

Jasonwell foldable dog pool

Kaplan said pet owners can wet or soak their dog’s paws and body with cold water when it’s hot outside. This portable pool has an average rating of 4.5 stars from 24,740 reviews on Amazon and comes in five sizes from small to extra large. The pool can be folded up to make it compact and easy to stow away when not in use. The drain caps allow the pool to be filled and emptied quickly and have a non-slip material on the inner bottom surface.

Best fan: SkyGenis

SkyGenius clip-on mini fan

When your dog is indoors, Satchu said, he should “ideally be in an air-conditioned environment.” A mini fan can help relieve the heat in addition to or in addition to air conditioning, and Kratt also said that fanping an overheated dog promotes evaporation and thus aids the cooling process. This fan has an average rating of 4.5 stars from 19,350 reviews on Amazon. It comes with a clip on one end that you can attach to your dog’s crate. It is quiet and can be operated with a rechargeable battery or the supplied USB charger when connected.

Best dog hose and shower attachment: Aquapaw

Aquapaw pet sprayer

Instead of buying a pool for your dog, you can use a hose (as long as the water isn’t hot) or put it in the bathtub or shower, Kaplan said. This tool attaches to your hand and allows you to brush and water your pet at the same time. It is supplied with adapters for a shower nozzle and a garden hose. The on / off button for the tool is in the palm of your hand and allows you to control it quickly and easily. The sprayer has an average rating of 4.4 stars from 4,101 reviews on Amazon.

Best UPF dog shirt: PlayaPup

PlayaPup UPF dog shirt

Kratt said, “Sunburn is another summer pet safety hazard that many pet owners may not be aware of. While all dogs can be vulnerable, some dogs are at a higher risk of sunburn than others, such as hairless dog breeds, dogs with white or thin coats, and dogs with lightly pigmented noses and eyelids. Some brands sell sunscreens made specifically for dogs, or you can opt for UPF clothing and hats and dog goggles. This UPF dog shirt has an average rating of 4.6 stars from 267 reviews on Amazon. It is available in several sizes and designs. The shirt provides protection for your dog’s back and stomach and is designed with UPF 50+ fabric to block the sun’s rays.

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How heat affects dogs

According to Kratt, “there is no set temperature at which heat becomes dangerous to our dogs; This level can vary based on a dog’s physical characteristics, age, weight, underlying medical conditions, and level of activity. ”In general, he said, pets with longer or darker coats or pets that are brachycephalic (flat or indented faces), have additional heat treatment problems. Satchu said puppies and older dogs are more prone to heat than teenage and adult dogs. And Kaplan noted that “the size of the dog doesn’t matter – they can’t handle the heat regardless of their actual size.”

As a rule of thumb, Kratt noted, “It’s a good bet that it will be even hotter for your pet when it’s hot outside.”

Also, contrary to what many believe, breeds with long hair are no more prone to heat problems than breeds with short fur. “That’s because long hair can actually help keep a dog cool by acting as an insulator, much like the insulation in your house keeps the air conditioner inside,” Satchu said. Kratt does not recommend shaving dogs with long or double coats in the summer, as this could increase the risk of overheating and sunburn

Signs that dogs are overheating

Satchu said that heat begins to affect dog health when they reach critically high body temperatures, at which point they can “become dehydrated and their bodies can begin to fail in multiple organs. If not treated quickly, these pets can suffer permanent organ damage or potentially die from complications from organ damage. ”This is why it’s important to keep an eye on your dog when he’s outside in the heat – you need to look for signs of your overheating The dog.

Commenting on the tell-tale signs that a dog is overheating, Kratt said:

• Fearfulness or intransigence
• Excessive panting and drooling
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Abnormal color of the gums and tongue
• Uncertainty or collapse

If you are concerned that your dog is becoming severely overheated or experiencing heat stroke, you should take him indoors and see a veterinarian immediately.

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Zoe Malin is a digital editing intern at NBC News Shopping.